Community Grant Guidelines

The Community Foundation seeks to invest in programs and projects that:

• Offer the greatest opportunity for positive and significant change in
  the community.

• Identify and enhance local strengths to address and provide creative solutions for important existing or emerging community issues.

• Develop organizational and/or individual self-sufficiency.

• Focus on identifiable outcomes that will make a difference.

• Leverage investment of other community resources.

• Improve the quality or scope of charitable works in the community.
  

The Foundation makes grants in the following program areas: Arts, Child Care, Education, Elderly, Environment, Health, Human Services/Youth and Public/Society Benefit. It is important to note that these guidelines only offer general guidance and are not a guarantee for approval of requests; therefore, it is recommended that potential applicants contact Community Foundation program officers. While the Foundation ordinarily does not make grants to religious organizations, we will consider proposals from faith-based institutions for programs or projects that address non-sectarian needs or issues that serve a diverse group of people not restricted due to religious affiliation.

The role of Foundation staff is to assist applicants in developing the strongest proposal for consideration by the Grants Committee. It is important for applicants to understand that decisions are made by the Grants Committee - not the Foundation staff.

Helpful Hints for Grantseekers

• Please contact the program officers at The Community Foundation before submitting your grant proposal. This conversation will enable Foundation staff to provide applicants with a quick assessment of potential Foundation interest and support.
  

• Include a detailed budget, which includes anticipated revenues and expenses for the project.
  
  

• The Community Foundation generally does not make grants for: religious purposes; financial assistance, scholarships or loans to individuals; non-emergency expenses that have already been incurred; ongoing operating support or requests that exceed $100,000.
  

• Basic questions the Foundation asks in reviewing requests: Is this project a top priority? Is there a need? Is the applicant capable of handling the project? What will be the potential impact of the project? Is The Community Foundation the appropriate funding source?
  

Proposal Guidelines