Apply for Operating Support

Before Getting Started
Due to the challenges faced by nonprofits as a result of the recent economic turbulence, the Foundation has temporarily expanded the focus of its Discretionary Grants Program to include operating support.  During the 2010-2011 grant cycle, funding requests from nonprofit, charitable organizations serving Perry County will be considered for support of operating costs in relation to sustainable programs deemed vitally important to the community.  Please read all of the information on our Discretionary Grants Program page before beginning the process of applying for an Operating Support Grant.

Eligibility
The Foundation welcomes proposals for operating support from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and that serve Perry County.  Organizations without this specific tax-exempt designation are not eligible to apply for an Operating Support Grant.

Funding Consideration
Organizations whose missions are consistent with at least one of the Program Areas supported by the Community Foundation may apply for an Operating Support Grant.  

The Foundation will consider requests from nonprofits that demonstrate the following: 

• Programs and activities that positively impact the community
• Effective and experienced board leadership with respect to strategic planning, fund raising, and financial oversight
• Responsible and involved management and staff
• Solid financial systems to track income and expenses as well as results and outcomes of its work

The Foundation will also give favorable consideration to organizations with a strong history of fulfilling grant requirements and timely reports for grants received in previous years.   

Areas NOT Considered for Funding

• Operating expenses of churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. or other religious organizations whose sole purpose is religious education and/or worship
• Political parties or campaigns
• Capital campaigns or endowment creation
• Development or implementation of a new program
• Expansion of an existing program
• Re-granting

Required Documents for Submitting a Proposal for Operating Support

Cover Sheet (see "Online Forms" below)

Narrative Addressing the Following (two to four pages):

Mission and Strategy

When was your organization formed?

What is your organization's mission?

Does your organization have a strategic plan?  If yes, please state the date of implementation and the timeframe for completing the plan.  If no, why not?

Program Delivery and Impact 

Describe your organization's core programs and services and the needs they address.  Include a description of your organization's target population, geographic service area, the approximate number of people your organization serves annually, and key partnerships with individuals and/or organizations essential to your programs' success.

Describe the overall goal and expected impact of your programs and services.

What have been the tangible results of your organization's work to date and how does your organization measure its progress and impact?

Management and Leadership

List key staff and volunteers and describe the relevant skills and expertise each brings to the organization.

How does your organization typically raise funds?

List your organization's major sources of financial support and the percentage they represent in your organization's annual budget (do not identify specific individual, foundation, or corporate donors by name).

How many individuals serve on your organization's board?

What percentage of your organization's board of directors has made contributions to the organization in each of its last three fiscal years?

Funding Request 

Describe how the economic downturn has affected your organization.  Include in your description your organization's current financial situation and why you are requesting operating support.

What amount is requested from the Foundation?

How will requested funds impact your organizational and programmatic capacity?

If awarded, how will you assess the effectiveness of the grant?

Supporting Documents
The following documents are to be attached to the Cover Sheet and Narrative described above. It is important to provide ALL requested attachments and that they be labeled in the following manner:

Attachment 1: Copy of IRS determination letter establishing 501(c)(3) and 509(a) status 

Attachment 2: Current board roster with professional affiliations 

Attachment 3: Non-discrimination policy 

Attachment 4: Strategic plan executive summary (if available)

Attachment 5: Current annual operating budget

Attachment 6: Most recent monthly or quarterly financial statements (e.g. Statement of Financial Position/Balance Sheet and Statement of Activities/Profit & Loss Statement)

Attachment 7: Most recent audited financial statement or completed IRS Form 990

Online Forms
The Cover Sheet Form is provided below. This form is designed to be completed on-screen and then printed (it cannot be submitted on-line and it cannot be saved for retrieval at a later time). You must have Adobe Reader to access this file (Adobe Reader is free and can be downloaded at www.adobe.com/downloads).

Cover Sheet Form

Deadline and Submission Instructions
The original and six copies of the proposal must be postmarked or delivered to the Foundation office no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2010. Use 8½ by 11 inch paper. Attach all required documents using paperclips or binderclips only (no binders or folders).