GRANTS PROGRAM: 2012 Guidelines and Procedures

2012 Types of Support

Capacity Grants
Capacity grants are intended to strengthen organizations so they can better meet strategic goals and long-term objectives. GLCF encourages applications for projects that improve organizational effectiveness through technology, staff training and development, technical assistance, improved financial systems, strategic partnership or collaboration with another organization, diversifying or developing new funding sources, and strategic planning.

Funding available for Capacity Grants: $70,000 total
    • Four (4) $10,000 grants
    • Six (6) $5,000 grants

Mini-Grants
This flexible small grant program provides funding for projects addressing a range of unique community needs. Mini-Grant applicants only need to complete step one (concept paper) of the application process.

Funding available for Mini-Grants: $6,000 total
    • Six (6) $1,000 mini-grants

Special Initiative Grants

Water Resources Initiative
GLCF welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations that include a broad range of water-related projects involving biological conservation, habitat restoration and community-based clean-ups.

Funding Available for Water Resources: $15,000 total
    • Three (3) $5,000 grants

Leclair Elder Services Grant
GLCF welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations that serve elderly people in our service area.

Funding Available for Elder Services: $8,500 total
    • Two (2) $4,250 grants

Field of Interest Funds
GLCF welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations for our Field of Interest funds.

Funding Available for Field of Interest funds. Grants will range from $400 - $3,000.

Current field of interest funds include:

Community Impact Fund - Social Services in Lowell
To support organizations doing good work in the general area of Social Services in Lowell.

Nancy L. Donahue Public Art Fund for Lowell Endowment Fund
To support artist fees, installation charges, production costs and other expenses to create temporary or permanent work of art & performances in Lowell.

Greater Merrimack Valley Arts Fund
To support nonprofit arts & cultural organizations, municipal arts councils and other eligible groups providing programs & services in the two valley regions.

United Lowell Development Fund
To provide funds to Organizations for economic and business enterprise development that improves the quality of life in Lowell.

Youth Development Fund
To assist Greater Lowell's next generation of responsible citizens with resources for their projects, especially those that promote civic leadership activities, and the organizations that serve teenagers and young adults.


The information above is subject to change.


2012 DEADLINES


Step one: concept paper - Wednesday July 11, 2012 by noon.
Step two, by invitation only: full proposal - Thursday, August 23, 2012 by noon. - Invitations sent the week of August 6, 2012.

Grant recipients will be announced at the 16th Annual Celebrate Giving! Event.
November 8th, 2012. Save the Date


HOW TO APPLY


Both steps use the Associated Grant Makers' (AGM) Common Proposal Forms (http://www.agmconnect.org/cpf/) in addition to GLCF's application checklist.


Step One - Concept Paper
Concept papers will be reviewed by the Distribution Committee and a limited number of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Submit your materials by email to fatima@glcfoundation.org and info@glcfoundation.org .

Include the following:

  • AGM coversheet and concept paper (AGM calls this the Proposal Summary) as a Word document. Both documents should follow the AGM guidelines outlined in the Common Proposal Instructions. For the third item on the concept paper/proposal summary, please identify the intended outcomes that will be produced as a result of the funding. The proposal summary should not exceed three pages.
  • IRS 501(c)(3) tax determination letter or public agency certificate as a PDF document. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) approval must provide a letter from a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status and is willing to serve as a fiscal agent. The letter must indicate that there is, or will be, a fiscal sponsorship agreement in place.
  • Completed GLCF application checklist (download Word document)
  • Applicants must be located in, or the proposed project must serve one of the following communities: Acton, Andover, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Methuen, Pepperell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Shirley, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Wakefield, Westford and Wilmington.
  • Organizations that received a Capacity Grant of $5,000 or more from Greater Lowell Community Foundation in 2011 are not eligible for a Capacity Grant in 2012.


Step Two - Full Proposal (by invitation only)
If invited, please submit your materials by email to fatima@glcfoundation.org and info@glcfoundation.org .

Full proposal to include:

  • AGM coversheet, full proposal and budget using AGM's forms as Word and/or Excel documents.
  • The organization's most recent fiscal year financial statements - audited or unaudited as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (PDF format).
  • The organization's most recent fiscal year IRS Form 990/990EZ (PDF format).
  • Certification that your organization endorses the GLCF policy of non-discrimination as a PDF document. (download non-discrimination document).
  • Completed GLCF application checklist (download Word document)



Interviews or site visits may be requested to supplement the full proposal.


SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR LOWELL AND LAWRENCE ORGANIZATIONS


If you are a Lowell or Lawrence nonprofit, please consider contacting the Jericho Road Project to determine whether Jericho Road can support your project with a pro bono consultant or other assistance. The Jericho Road Project bridges communities by matching the professional talents of volunteers with the needs of community based non-profit organizations and businesses to promote community development, strengthen social services, and enrich the lives of volunteers.

Website: www.jerichoroadproject.org
Telephone: (781) 775-3480

©2009 Greater Lowell Community Foundation - 100 Merrimack Street, Suite 202, Lowell, MA 01852          Phone: 978-970-1600        Fax: 978-970-2444          National Standards