Funding - Grant Opportunities Rochester Small Grants Program

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2008 ROCHESTER SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM

 ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Mission Statement

The change in the nature, role and strength of the family and the community has alienated individuals and citizens from each other and their institutions resulting in a significant decline in the quality of life for all of us.

The vision of the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation is to act as a catalyst for change.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life through initiating and supporting projects that measurably demonstrate a means of creating a sense of belonging within the family and the community.

Eligibility and Grant Limitations

Organizations that are tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) may apply to the Small Grants Program.  The Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation will NOT consider funding for the following:

• Grants to individuals
• Grants to partisan political organizations
• Support for lobbying efforts
• Capital projects

Grant Awards

The Foundation will consider grant requests ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.  In order to best meet the needs of the many organizations that apply, please limit your request to the exact amount needed for your program. 

Timeline

Grant applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout 2008.  A review committee, composed of Foundation board members, will review applications as they are received.  The review committee meets once a month except for July and August.  Because the Foundation receives a large number of applications, it can take up to four months to get a response to your request.

Application Procedure

While it is the Foundation’s preference that proposals be submitted using the on-line application form proposals may also be submitted by email using the Foundation’s format below or the Rochester Grantmakers Forum Common Application form. Requests must be e-mailed to mcjcwilsonfdn@frontiernet.net as a word document. 

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.           

The Review Committee may conduct both scheduled and unscheduled site visits and looks for one or more of the following conditions in a proposal:

·         The proposal is a well-planned approach to delivering services.

·         Foundation support would be catalytic to the project’s success.

·         The proposal is efficient in its use of funds and expenses are reduced by sharing resources with other agencies or groups.

·         A collaborative network exists that multiplies the impact of the grant.

Application Format

A.  Executive Summary

Submit a succinct, one-page overview of:

i. the organization

ii. the program for which funds are being requested, and

iii. the amount requested.

B.  Application Organization

1.   Name of the applicant organization; the name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of the person to be in charge of the project.

2.   Enclose a copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter of 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

3.   Description of the applicant organization. This should include a summary of its background, purpose and experience in the area for which funds are sought, as well as a list of names and phone numbers and affiliations of those who comprise the applicant’s board of directors.

C.  The Project

4.   Description of the problem or need to which the project is directed. Include any data or documentation to substantiate the nature of the problem. Comment on past or present attempts by the applicant and others to solve the basic problem.

5.   Specific objectives to be attained by the proposed project. Include both long and short range objectives.

 6.  Work plans for achieving the stated objectives.

 7.  Qualifications, experience and affiliations of people who will be involved in implementing the project.

 8.  Timetable for implementation of this project.

 9.   How do you plan to evaluate the project?

10.  If the project has been previously evaluated, please provide a short paragraph on the outcomes.

11.  Do you know of any similar projects in your community or another community? Have you contacted any     of them?

12.  If this project is to continue after the grant period, please give plans to seek permanent or continued funding, as well as efforts at making the agency or program self-supporting.

13.  Amount requested.

14.  A detailed revenue and expense budget for the agency and the project (see enclosed samples), as well as a copy of your most recent audited financial statement. If other than Wilson Foundation funds will be involved, show their sources, amounts and areas for expenditures.

15.  List other sources contacted for support including amounts. Put an * by those committed, noting any matching fund requirements.

Grant Conditions

   Prior to the receiving funding, grant recipients are required to sign a grant agreement contract. Each applicant must keep accurate records. Written progress reports are required at six (6) months and one (1) year following the date of the grant.