2018 Granting Information

Transcription

1 2018 Granting Information TABLE OF CONTENTS 1) Background Information 2) Grants Overall 3) Grantmaking Priorities 4) Apply for a 2018 Grant

2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Eden Prairie Community Foundation supports programs that align with its mission: Enriching our community through philanthropy, collaboration & leadership. Since its beginning in 1981, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to 84 different non-profit organizations for the purpose of enriching the lives of the citizens of Eden Prairie and its surrounding area. These funds have gone to organizations whose programs address the cultural, educational, environmental, recreational, and social service needs of the greater Eden Prairie community. EPCF Priority Areas The following are the Eden Prairie Community Foundation s priority areas for granting: Arts & Culture Supports programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, visual and performing arts, and museums. Education Supports programs that provide instruction for children and adults and that are offered by established institutions or non-profit organizations, as well as programs that offer learning or community development opportunities. Recreation & Environment Supports programs that engage children and adults in activities that improve or sustain the quality of our natural resources. Also supports programs that provide opportunities for children and adults to engage in sports, fitness, and health and recreational activities. Social Services Supports programs that provide for important needs for children and adults, families, or community needs such as food, shelter, safety, clothing, and assistance for people with disabilities.

3 GRANTS / OVERALL GRANTING BY THE FOUNDATION The Eden Prairie Community Foundation grant programs reflect our desire to be inventive, inclusive, and reactive to the needs of the community. Some grants are awarded through a competitive open grant application process and some are not, instead originating at a donor s request or in response to a special opportunity available to our Board. Discretionary Grants These programs are established by EPCF's Board and reflect some of the foundation's highest goals and priorities. Discretionary Grants - Priority Areas (2018) Arts & Culture Supports programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, visual and performing arts, and museums. Education Supports programs that provide instruction for children and adults and that are offered by established institutions or non-profit organizations, as well as programs that offer learning or community development opportunities. Recreation & Environment Supports programs that engage children and adults in activities that improve or sustain the quality of our natural resources. Also supports programs that provide opportunities for children and adults to engage in sports, fitness, and health and recreational activities. Social Services Supports programs that provide for important needs for children and adults, families, or community needs such as food, shelter, safety, clothing, and assistance for people with disabilities. Donor Advised Funds Donor advised grants are awarded at the recommendation of advised fund donors. Most awards support nonprofits' general operations or core programs. These grants rarely involve a competitive process. It is more likely that a donor is aware of the good work of a nonprofit and recommends support for it. Community Field-of-Interest Fund Grants These grants are awarded through funds created with a particular field of interest (e.g.; early education literacy programs). Volunteer advisory committees, knowledgeable about a particular region or field, generally recommend grant awards through a competitive application process.

4 GRANTMAKING PRIORITIES Areas of Focus Arts & Culture Education Environment & Recreation Social Services Arts & Culture Supports programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, visual and performing arts, and museums. Education Supports programs that provide instruction for children and adults and that are offered by established institutions or non-profit organizations, as well as programs that offer learning or community development opportunities. Recreation & Environment Supports programs that engage children and adults in activities that improve or sustain the quality of our natural resources. Also supports programs that provide opportunities for children and adults to engage in sports, fitness, and health and recreational activities. Social Services Supports programs that provide for important needs for children and adults, families, or community needs such as food, shelter, safety, clothing, and assistance for people with disabilities. Eligibility The Foundation welcomes requests from eligible organizations that meet the following: Classified as charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or classified as an organization under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Provide service to residents within the City of Eden Prairie. Some funds have a specific geographic focus area. Be part of a governmental body (e.g.; schools and parks that serve the people of Eden Prairie). Who We Fund In determining what to fund, consideration is given to the availability of other funding sources and level of Community Foundation resources. The Foundation concentrates its funding support toward proposals that demonstrate significant community impact, including number of Eden Prairie residents touched; however, some field-of-interest and donor advised funds consider requests for ongoing projects or organizational support. Please consult with staff for specific fund guidelines.

5 What We Do Not Fund The Foundation does not make grants to/for: Debt retirement Endowments Fundraising activities General /Administrative expenses of an organization Individuals (aside from scholarships initiated or managed by the Community Foundation) Medical research Organizations with significant activity considered to be influencing of legislation Political organizations or campaigns Religious organizations for religious activities Requests from re-granting organizations for its own grant making activities Tickets for benefits Telephone solicitations

6 APPLY FOR A 2018 GRANT We are determined to work with you to ensure that your grant application process is as simple and effective as possible. From inspiration to execution, allow us to partner with you on your proposed project. Follow these six simple steps and contact us with any questions you have. Step 1 Take the Eligibility Quiz We have developed an online quiz to help you determine whether you qualify for a grant from the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. We advise that you take the Eligibility Quiz as a first step. You can find it at Step 2 Submit Inquiry If our Eligibility Quiz has indicated that you qualify for a Foundation grant, the next step in the grant application process is submitting an inquiry. In the inquiry, we request to know some basic information and a description of your project, along with what the selection of funds that you're applying. An inquiry is strongly encouraged prior to submitting an application, and can be submitted to Executive Director Mark Weber by at mweber@epcommunityfoundation.org. Step 3 Submit Application If an inquiry aligns with the Foundation areas of focus, an organization will be encouraged to submit a full proposal. The Foundation will begin accepting applications Nov. 1, 2017, with the deadline for submission being Dec. 22, Applications and materials must be submitted electronically to Mark Weber by at weber@epcommunityfoundation.org. The Foundation accepts the Minnesota Common Grant Application found here: Organizations that wish to submit the Minnesota Common Grant Application are also required to submit the Self-Certifications Checklist found on the Foundation website at along with other application information. Step 4 Application Review Applications are acknowledged shortly after the application deadline. Program staff will contact you with follow-up questions or for additional information once the review begins. Proposals will be reviewed for the strength of the match with funding priorities and Foundation policies, the potential benefit to the community, the number of residents impacted, and the capability of the organization to achieve the proposed results.

7 Step 5 Grant Awarded or Declined Staff, committees and donor advisors review the proposals with the Executive Director. The EPCF Board of Directors makes the final grant determination, and will present grant checks at the Foundation s EP Gives event on April 28, 2018 at Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska. Organizations will be notified of the outcome of their proposal once the Board makes the final grantmaking decision. If a proposal is declined, we encourage the applicant to contact staff to engage in further discussion regarding the outcome. Step 6 Funds Disbursed When a grant is approved, a grant agreement will be sent to the intended organization for review and completion. Upon the return of the signed agreement, a check will be processed and awarded. Grant periods are typically one year, unless otherwise noted. A final project report is due two months prior to the end of the grant period. Please contact us with questions. Executive Director Mark Weber at mweber@epcommunityfoundation.org or call the Foundation office at (952)