Foundations. What are they and how can I get a grant from one?

Transcription

1 Foundations What are they and how can I get a grant from one?

2 What I Will Cover: Basic Introduction to Foundations Tips for researching Foundation funding sources Community Foundations in WV General tips and advice when approaching foundations

3 Foundations 101 What is a Foundation? A nonprofit entity that exists to give money, in the form of grants, to other nonprofit organizations for charitable purposes.

4 Foundation Giving There are 80,000+ foundations in the U.S. Foundations awarded $54 billion in grants in That sounds like a lot of opportunity, right???

5 Yes... But... Not every foundation will be interested in or able to support the work that you are doing. Goal = matching the need or problem your organization is trying to address with the interests and needs of the grant making organization.

6 Types of Foundations Grantmaking Public Charity: Community Foundations Private Foundation: Family (e.g. Rockefeller Foundation) Corporate (e.g. Verizon Foundation)

7 Interests and Restrictions Geography Fields of Interest Types of Support Size of Grant Type of Grantee

8 Where Do I Start? Start with a well planned, well researched and well developed project. Funders may be looking projects with evidenced-based track records of success. Funders will look for collaboration.

9 Researching Funding Sources Past funders. Funders located in your area. Funders of similar organizations. Read trade magazines/newsletters. Keep your eyes open!

10 Researching Funding Sources Use reference resources at Foundation Center Funding Information Network Locations. In WV: Kanawha County Public Library Cabell County Public Library West Virginia University of Parkersburg Wheeling Jesuit University Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library Mary H. Weir Public Library, Weirton Go to: to find other locations.

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12 Gather More Information Visit funder s web site. Look at 990 tax return Contact funder and ask for grantmaking guidelines/annual report or to discuss project. Talk to others who have received funding.

13 Evaluate Funding Prospects Has the funder demonstrated a commitment to funding in your subject area? Is it likely the funder will make a grant in your geographic area? Does the amount of funding you are seeking fit within the funder s grant range? Does the funder prohibit grants for the type of support you are seeking?

14 What is a Community Foundation? Foundation created by the public through gifts from many different individuals, businesses or organizations. Focused on a specific geographic area may be one county, multiple counties, a region, a state, etc. Vehicle through which people can create permanent funds (called endowments ) which are used to perpetually support charitable causes. Most administer a variety of types of funds, only some of which can be used for discretionary grantmaking.

15 Community Foundations and Grantmaking Most community foundations have flexible funds that they can use to make grants. Most use a competitive grantmaking process you apply, along with many others, for consideration for grant support. All are geographically focused they make grants in specific geographic areas. Some may focus their grantmaking on certain fields of interest or to support certain types of projects.

16 Community Foundations in West Virginia Community foundations will have different deadlines and application processes. Grants from Community Foundations are typically modest in size. See list of community foundations in WV.

17 Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates Regional foundation serving ten counties in WV and Washington County, OH. WV Counties served: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wood, Wirt. Includes Regional Affiliates: Doddridge County Community Foundation Jackson County Community Foundation Little Kanawha Area Community Foundation Mason County Community Foundation Ritchie County Community Foundation

18 Grantmaking Program Award grants twice per year through Community Action Grant Program. Total funds awarded each year = $400,000. Grants typically range from $1,000 - $10,000. To be eligible, must be: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a public institution (grassroots organizations may need to consider using a fiscal agent). Organization must be located in or program must serve residents of our service area.

19 What We Fund Support projects in all areas of community life: arts and culture, education, health and human services, recreation, youth and family services, community and economic development. Focus support on: Capital and equipment New program development Capacity building Operating support (for established organizations)

20 How to Apply Application deadlines twice per year: February 15 and September 15. Application process is online: Go to Grants section to find guidelines and application form. Application for February 15 deadline will be available by mid-december.

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22 What Do Funders Look For? A fit between the issue the project is addressing and the funder s grantmaking priorities. A well planned project. Documentation of the need don t just say it, prove it! Evidence that your strategy to address the need can make a difference. Local community buy-in and collaboration. Organizational stability. Well written, easy to understand grant proposal. Well researched grant budget.

23 Tips: Do This... Review guidelines carefully. Have a well-developed project and wellresearched budget. Be clear about how much you are asking for and how the funds will be used. Have someone proofread your application. Have a realistic plan for securing all of the funds you need for your project.

24 Tips: Don t do this... Assume the reviewer will know what you are talking about. Use jargon, acronyms, etc. Wait until the last minute to prepare your application. Ask for more than you really need or more than the Foundation can typically provide.

25 Contact: Marian Clowes Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates P.O. Box 1762 Parkersburg, WV Toll-Free: