General Fund Community Grant Guidelines
COMMUNITY GRANT GUIDELINES
Timeline for 2011 has been updated
The Winona Community Foundation strengthens our community through philanthropy by making grants to projects and causes that address both the needs and the opportunities present in the community.
WCF accepts community grant inquiries for projects and programs that enhance life in the Winona region in the areas of civic or education issues, health or social services, environment, arts or culture. Technical assistance will be included in all of the above areas for the general improvement of community non-profit accountability and organizational effectiveness.
- In 2011 the maximum grant award will be $2400
- The Grant Committee will be meeting at least 3 times per year, permitting available funds, for review of applications received during that period
- Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis by Foundation staff throughout the year, until the allocated granting budget has been awarded
- There is a matching fund requirement of a $1 to $1 match with no in-kind valuation
- If after the 3rd round is completed and there are additional funds available, a 4th cycle will take place, with the ability to accept requests for capital development. The resultant purpose of the funded facility must be community-based. If fees are charged they must be nominal; scholarships must be available; and waived fees must be considered.
Grant proposals from nonprofit's that contain the following are sought for this competitive review process:
- Focus is open to the needs of the community.
- Result from clear assessment or identification of needs in our area.
- Engage sectors of the community in collaborative efforts to meet increased needs.
- Design a plan that has realistic sustainability options after WCF support has ended.
- Identify clear and attainable community outcomes that are measurable.
- Secure matching funds for the amount granted to the proposed project. This match will involve a $1 to $1 match of cash (no in-kind valuation allowed).
Eligibility
- Funding will be granted only to private and public nonprofit agencies that are under a 501(c)3 status, have an appropriate fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 status, or a government entity. Churches and religious organizations may apply for support for activities that benefit the larger community, but not for activities that have a specific religious purpose.
- Projects/agencies that have not yet received funding from the WCF Community Grants program in the past 12 months.
- Non-profits or projects within Winona, Houston, Fillmore & Wabasha Counties or within a 15 mile radius of Winona into Wisconsin.
- Projects that are consistent with Winona Community Foundations goals and priorities (food, shelter, health).
Not Eligible for WCF Community Grants
- Organization with past due or incomplete grant report forms
- Applications that have not been previously discussed with Foundation staff to verify eligibility – no cold proposals will be accepted
- Requests from individuals for support
- Loans, debt retirement or debt financing
- Political campaigns
- Fraternal organizations or orders
- Projects with a specific religious purpose
- On-going staff positions not specific to a particular grant project
- Capital development campaigns - a capital campaign which is organized to collect and accumulate substantial funds to finance major construction or renovation of buildings(* exceptions may be considered if eligible in the 4th cycle)
- Endowment campaigns
- Fund raising or event sponsorships
- Completed projects
The following criteria will be used in screening, review and evaluation of WCF applications:
Focus Area – Open to the needs of the community.
Need/Impact – Need of the community for the project/service, organizational need for assistance to be able to make the project a reality. How the funding directly and indirectly will impact the community.
Collaboration – An assessment of the overall collaborative effort of the project to pool resources with other area organizations/resources to make the program/service a reality.
Sustainability – The ability of the organization to maintain such a program after initial establishment if applicable, and/or the stability of organization, financially and organizationally, to manage and complete the project. Project budget will be used.
Matching Funds - A grant is made on the condition that monies must be secured from sources other than the operating budget within 30 days after grant acceptance notification is given.
Each criteria will be ranked from 1-5 for each project, with 5 being the highest. All rankings are averaged and these averages are used in the committee discussion as consideration is given for a project to be recommended for funding.
WCF staff encourages questions during any stage of application process.
For more information, or to set up an appointment, please contact Jeni Arnold, Grants Coordination at 507-454-6511, grantwcf@hbci.com or 51 East 4th Street, Winona, MN 55987
*NOTE: WCF Donor advised, agency, field of interest, designated and scholarship funds are exceptions to any these guidelines.