DISNEY GRANTS: Investing in Children for a Stronger Community General Information and Guidelines 2014 Highlights: The application period begins October 1, 2013 and ends at 11:59 p.m., November 6, 2013. Disbursement of grants will occur in March 2014. New this year Eligibility Determination, a series of questions to determine an organization s eligibility to apply for a grant. Application appears, once eligibility is established. History Walt Disney began the tradition of Community Service Awards at Disneyland in 1957. He believed in the value of people dedicated to making a difference in their community s quality of life and the importance of acknowledging these individuals. In the first year, 112 organizations participated and $9,000 was awarded. This year marks the 42nd year that the Walt Disney World Resort will honor service organizations with DISNEY GRANTS. On an annual basis, Walt Disney World Resort contributes more than $30 million in cash and in-kind support to Central Florida nonprofits. Grant Purpose Walt Disney World Community Relations is proud to invest in community efforts that focus on children and the caring adults in their lives. Disney Grants supports organizations that build a strong foundation so that children can thrive as healthy, productive, compassionate, and capable citizens with the confidence to reach their highest potential. Priority is given to nonprofits whose mission and programs focus on one of the following: Promote positive youth development Inspire, motivate, and lead children on a path to creative discovery, new experiences, and exciting possibilities Positively affect the futures of our youngest citizens through involvement in programs that strengthen a child s character Strengthen families Promote self-sufficiency by responding to critical social needs that impact children and the caring adults in their lives Engage parents, caregivers, and/or adult role models in learning and exploring together
Promote Positive Youth Development As a creative company, Disney promotes learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math, understanding that exposure to and mastering these 21st century skills builds a child s self-esteem and character. This allows children to thrive, become leaders in their communities, and prepare to reach their highest potential. Examples: Programs where children develop an appreciation for nature or science, or where they experience the natural world around them Learning opportunities that incorporate hands-on, high tech platforms to enhance knowledge Programs that develop and engage critical thinking skills Museum or theatre programs where children participate both onstage and backstage Multigenerational or cultural programs that introduce participants to diverse art forms Service-learning programs that encourage children and families/caregivers to help others in need, and to understand the importance of giving back Programs that educate and engage children and families/caregivers in developing healthy habits Strengthen families As a caring neighbor, Disney remains active in addressing local, social issues. Disney will support efforts that enable children to strengthen bonds with their families/caregivers. We will be responsive when children and families are lacking basic needs to ensure that children are always on a level playing field with their peers and within their communities. Examples: Programs that foster positive relationships with caring adults Programs targeting immediate needs that are unmet through other community resources (i.e. food, shelter) Programs that eliminate barriers so that residents can access basic services, and achieve self-sufficiency Programs that expose children to stimulating learning opportunities Organization eligibility requirements Be verifiable as a federally registered non profit, tax exempt charitable organization, and have maintained such status for at least 12 months prior to October 1, 2013 Be in good standing with the IRS (verified electronically through IRS website) Be U.S. Patriot Act compliant Grant used by the recipient organization in the direct furtherance of the tax-exempt purpose of the organization (and the specific purpose set forth in the application) Have at least a two year operating history
Organizations that applied in 2013 must have completed their portrait in the Community Foundation s Knowledge Base* (www.mycfcf.org). If organization is a new applicant, a portrait must be initiated by December 3, 2013*. * To establish a portrait (listing), contact Rachel Calderon at the Community Foundation by email at rcalderon@cfcflorida.org. Provide your organization s Federal Tax ID number or IRS Determination Letter and mention that you are applying for a Disney Grant which requires the start of a portrait by December 3, 2013. Organizations not eligible for funding Those that discriminate or exclude participants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or mental or physical disability Third party, other pass through organizations, or fiscal agents Government agencies (but may associate with a government agency) Service clubs, fraternal, political, veterans, labor unions, trade associations, business or advocacy organizations Athletic funds, or sports teams Schools, school districts, school foundations, student clubs, home school or home school support organizations Foundations whose sole purpose is fundraising, unless they deliver an eligible program to children directly Faith-based organizations/programs, unless there is a non-faith-based service that is available to any segment of population National organizations, unless dollars requested will remain in the defined five-county area, impact children who reside within these areas, and meet grant guidelines Organizations that are actively engaged in highly controversial issues or use controversial tactics to advocate their beliefs
Grant Guidelines DISNEY GRANTS will accept one application annually per eligible organization (each 501(c)(3) number will define an organization) during the open grant period. Organizations must adhere to the following guidelines: Have a general membership or constituency that is open to all segments of the community Be a service provider that works directly with children (and families if applicable); children defined as ages 0-18 Must primarily serve clients who reside in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, or Seminole counties. Organization must also maintain a physical presence (i.e. building site that includes operational support) in at least one of the five counties listed. Application must be completed in its entirety per directions provided. In order to be fair to all applicants, incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Grant dollars awarded must be fully spent within 13 months of receipt (by April 15, 2015) in order to remain eligible for future funding Grant request may range between $10,000 - $75,000. Requested amount, however, cannot exceed 50% of total organizational budget Proposals funded in any one year are not automatically assured of receiving future funding. If dollars will be allocated for a purpose other than what was approved, or there are challenges or delays in using grant dollars, a request must be submitted in writing for approval by Walt Disney World Community Relations. Send request to angie.sola@disney.com with cc: to cindy.barron@disney.com indicating reason for change, delay, or cancellation. Expectations Organizations applying for a grant through this program are expected to: Maintain an updated profile on the Community Foundation s Knowledge Base, where organizational mission & goals, board membership and budget information is up-to-date. www.mycfcf.org If profile is in process of being created, please follow instructions on each hyperlink to determine info needed Submit a review of expenses at the end of the grant period by deadline defined if grant is $20,000 or above. Submit budgets that contain line items directly related to the grant proposal s goals and objectives. Acknowledge that following documentation is in place or in process (copies not required): ~ Current and governing by-laws used by an active board ~ Current audit and independent auditor s report ~ Board-approved annual budget and budget history ~ Annual business plan, with short term and long term goals identified ~ Ethics policy, with signed compliance from each staff and board member
General information Be sure to read through eligibility requirements, expectations, and exclusions before beginning application to determine if your organization s needs are a match with our areas of focus. While we are committed to supporting organizations in our five-county Central Florida community (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, or Seminole counties), we are unable to fund every request. The application has limited space by design only the most essential information is requested. In order to be fair to all applicants, we will not review additional attachments, page additions, photos or graphics, or consider additional lines of information beyond defined limits. Consider the following when filling out the application: From time to time, Walt Disney World Resort may consider and recommend grants not in the priority interests of the program guidelines. ~ Be concise when describing program ~ Because grants are highly competitive, use compelling language that makes the application stand out and influences the judging panel to care about your program s mission and impact ~ The selection panels are more favorable to programs that demonstrate diversified funding streams, and/or who fundraise at any level ~ Use simple language that can be understood by others the selection panel may not recognize abbreviations used internally ~ Limit anecdotal information or general research findings strong metrics are more important in defining success of program ~ When describing impact on children, use metrics that demonstrate the impact of the program over a defined period of time All decisions relating to the awarding of any grant funding are at the sole and absolute discretion of Walt Disney World Co. Any grant funding awarded may be subject to additional conditions not already stated in the above criteria and eligibility standards.