2018 Community Investment Grant Guidelines

Transcription

1 2018 Community Investment Grant Guidelines As a facilitator of philanthropy, the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) places a top priority on annual grant making. We seek to support local nonprofit organizations through investments that will have the greatest possible positive impact on the citizens of Charlotte County. These investments are designed to enhance nonprofit programs or services that will deliver measurable improvements in output and a demonstrable outcome for those served. We also encourage partnerships and collaborations between local organizations to maximize the collective impact of our grant making. Our goal is to make the biggest difference possible given the amount of funds invested. Our Mission: The mission of the Charlotte Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter. We are a local community foundation, focused on stimulating private and public philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Charlotte County, strengthening our community's nonprofit organizations and supporting projects, programs and services that address our community s most urgent needs. Grant Making Focus/Priorities: The Charlotte Community Foundation awards individual grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits for programs / services that address specific identified needs of the community and which will demonstrate a measurable and positive impact for Charlotte County residents. Information regarding grant focus areas and grant amounts available can be found on page 2 of this document. Consideration is given to the following in determining the merits and priority of an application for funding: Programs / services proposed are community priorities and factual and/or statistical information exists that supports the priority. Programs / services address emerging community needs, answer existing ones more effectively, or allow for a wider constituency. Programs /services does not duplicate and is distinctive from other existing efforts. The nonprofit possesses the capability to achieve the programs / services expected results. The expected outcomes are clearly defined, measurable and will be documented. The programs / services degree of potential impact to the community or specific constituents. Programs / services include a partnership or collaboration between organizations which results in innovative solutions and stronger results. Programs / services have secured or are likely to secure additional funding.

2 Programs / services can demonstrate evidence of strategic growth towards future program / service sustainability. Grant funding will be expended within one calendar year. Unspent funds will be returned to CCF. Focus Areas: CCF CI Grants are made to Nonprofit 501 (C)(3) charitable organizations or Governmental Organizations as described in 501(c)(1) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code that have been in existence for at least two years and whose focus is in one of the following: Grant Awards of $1,000 - $7,500: Animal Care and Welfare Arts and Culture Community Development Education / Training: o Early Childhood and School Readiness (1Month-6 Yrs.) o Economic and Workforce Development o K-12 th Grade o Teen Programs (13 19 years) Health and Wellness Human and Social Services specific to Senior Citizens and underprivileged Senior Citizens Grant Awards of $1,000 - $10,000: Veterans Programs Youth Programs (School Age) *Depending on number of Grant applications, not all focus areas will be funded. *Explanation of focus areas listed later in this document. Eligibility: In addition to the focus areas and priorities mentioned previously, the Foundation will evaluate each grant request based on evidence of the following: A current 501(C)(3) status. OR- Governmental Organization as described in 501(c)(1) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC. Location in and/or primary service to residents in Charlotte County. Governance by a volunteer board of directors of which the majority live or work in Charlotte County. Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Submission of all information requested on Grant application. Willingness to provide additional information as deemed necessary for grant decision CI Grant Guidelines Revised 5/18/2018 (2) Page 2

3 Applicant Requirements: Applicant must provide proof of commitment to Nonprofit Best Practices by submitting: Copy of prior years 990 and proof of Financial Statements as approved by the nonprofit board. Copy of current 501 (C) (3) status Determination Letter and Articles of Incorporation OR proof of Governmental Agency as described in sections 501(c)(1) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Copy of organization s prior year budget and end of year actual financial report. Copy of organization s current year budget. Financial Statements for the previous two years YTD (Year To Date) budget vs. current fiscal year budget Detailed program / service budget for requested funding. Proof of organization s property, liability and D&O Insurance. Current board member roster including officer designations and terms. Percentage of budgeted Total Expenses comprised of salary expenses Copy of nonprofit bylaws. Recipient Expectations: Participate in Annual Nonprofit Interactive Event for donors, community leaders. Attend CCF Community Investment Grant award breakfast. Place a "Proudly Supported by the Charlotte Community Foundation" logo on Website and any materials for grant supported program or equipment. Place a Proudly Supported by the Charlotte Community Foundation sign or plaque on equipment purchased through CCF Grant. Provide a final report within 3 months of the completion of the grant project, which would include the measurable outcomes and final budget. Return unused funds to the Charlotte Community Foundation. CCF Community Investment Grants WILL support: program/service delivery and equipment Program / service delivery and equipment expenses could include but are not limited to: Program supplies that are fundamental to the delivery of the program / service which directly impacts a community need. Part-Time, periodic wages that are fundamental to the delivery of a specific short-term program or service. Equipment required in order to provide a program / service that directly addresses a community need CI Grant Guidelines Revised 5/18/2018 (2) Page 3

4 CCF Community Investment Grants WILL NOT support Administrative Overhead: Administrative Overhead: An expense that nonprofits require in order to keep the business running to conduct day-to-day operations. These expenses are considered overhead and WILL NOT be funded. Examples of Administrative Overhead: Accounting fees, advertising, insurance, legal fees, strategic planning, general office supplies, rent, repairs, taxes, telephone bills, travel expenditures and utilities, etc. These are costs that support the nonprofit's daily functions and are NOT DIRECTLY RELATED to program delivery for the benefit of those in need in the community. Cost for Salaries/ Wages, which will exist regardless of the program's existence. Ex: Executive Director, Office Administrator, Marketing Director, Accountant. Additional Exclusions CCF CI Grants WILL NOT support: Annual Campaigns Fraternal organizations, societies or orders Grants to Individuals Advancement of a particular religion or faith Lobbying or similar activities Political organizations or campaigns Scholarly Research Event Sponsorships Additional Consideration will be awarded for the following: Current Agency Fund Partner with CCF. Collaboration with other Nonprofit(s) or Governmental Agency(s). Matching funds have been or will be secured. GRANT PROCESS: If you feel that your organization qualifies for this grant making process and you have a program / service that meets these criteria, please submit a Grant Application Proposal for your funding request using the online application procedure. A grant committee comprised of community volunteers will review and evaluate your grant proposal. Requests not accepted after the deadline. All decisions by the Community Investment Grants Committee are final and are not negotiable CI Grant Guidelines Revised 5/18/2018 (2) Page 4

5 2018 Community Investment Grant Focus Areas $1,000 - $7,500 Community Investment Grants: *Animal Care and Welfare: Focused on the well-being, proper care and safety of animals. *Arts and Culture: Focused on the utilization of the arts for positive expression of self, use as healing or self -improvement, or community beatification and enhancement. *Education/Training: *Early Childhood and School Readiness: Focused on providing children (1 mo-6 yrs.) with quality early childhood and preschool programs concentrating on school readiness, parent involvement and the importance of reading for literacy development. *Economic and Workforce Development: Focused on improving readiness and qualification for employment in the industries of Construction, Education, Health, Leisure and Hospitality and the trades. *K-12th Grade: Focused on providing the resources needed to assist students to achieve and exceed educational standards and measurements. *Teen Programs: Focused on providing at risk teen (Age 13-19) mentoring, employment readiness, drug and alcohol addiction prevention, development of positive self-esteem & mental health and social interaction. *Health and Wellness: Focused on assisting low-income / at-risk individuals to have access to adequate nutrition, medication and medical care, and independent living. *Community Development Focused on developing resources and services that are accessible and relevant to a wide range of residents. *Human and Social Services: Specific to Senior Citizens and underprivileged Senior Citizens. *Depending upon applications, all focus areas may not be funded in $1,000 - $10,000 Community Investment Grants: *The following grants have been made available by an anonymous donor through the establishment of two Field of Interest Funds. *Youth Programs: Programs focused on assisting school age children of low-income families to acquire educational opportunities, to have adequate food and to enable them to access after school and other enrichment programs that their families may otherwise be unable to afford. *Veterans Programs: Programs focused on assisting Veterans transition from military to civilian life, including helping them acquire jobs or job training and providing temporary assistance with food, shelter, clothing and other personal need expenses or supplies that they would otherwise be unable to afford. Nonprofits can apply for both $1,000 - $7,500 AND $1,000-$10,000 Grants for same or different programs CI Grant Guidelines Revised 5/18/2018 (2) Page 5