Applying for a Grant
Getting Started
The mission of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is to improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. One way we accomplish our mission is by investing in organizations and programs that achieve clear human gains for those in our region. (To download a complete copy of our Community Investment Guidelines, click here.) We view ourselves as investors focused on ensuring the greatest possible improvement in quality of life with the money we have available.
All grant applications must begin with a one- or two-page Letter of Intent summarizing the program or project for which funding is being sought. Interested applicants may discuss their proposals before submitting this Letter of Intent by calling or e-mailing Joeline Wruck at 860.229.6018, x307.
Each proposal we receive is evaluated with respect to available dollars and alignment with three questions:
• What will be the result from this proposed grant and how will you know it has been achieved?
• What are the chances that the results will happen?
• Is this the best possible use of Foundation funds given other opportunities before us?
Types of Investments
The Community Foundation makes two types of investments from discretionary funds, those that improve lives and conditions (see areas of interest and priority below), and those that help organizations that deliver valuable services to the community achieve their missions. All proposals must clearly state the expected measurable results and include evaluation strategies. The Foundation considers applications for three types of grants: grants for specific programs or projects; capacity-building grants that allow organizations to build sustainability and further promote clear human gain; and capital grants for facility renovations or improvements that enhance an organization's ability to achieve stronger results for those it serves.
Areas of Interest and Priority
The Foundation makes grants across a broad range of fields including arts, culture and heritage; community and economic development; early childhood development; education; and health and human services. For detailed descriptions of the Foundation’s investment philosophy and priorities in each of these areas, please download our Community Investment Guidelines by clicking here.
Eligibility
We make grants to non-profit organizations that have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or that are a qualified entity eligible to receive grants from community foundations under the IRS Code. We will consider funding a grassroots group if it consists of at least five people, has a governing body and a fiscal agent with the appropriate tax status.
Grant Size
Typically, grants range between $5,000 and $25,000 per year. However, grant awards vary widely depending on the scope and type of project. The Community Foundation will rarely be the sole supporter of a project; therefore, assembling a project plan that includes other funders is strongly encouraged.
Duration of Grants
In general, Foundation grants are one year in duration. Multi-year grants may be considered under certain, very select circumstances. For a complete listing of grant limitations and restrictions, please download our Community Investment Guidelines by clicking here.
What We Do Not Fund
The Foundation does not make grants for:
• Sectarian or religious activities
• Previously incurred expenses
• Annual or endowment campaigns
• Sponsorships or fundraisers
• Political activities
• Direct support of individuals
• Camperships or scholarships for academic and/or enrichment programs
In addition, the Foundation generally does not make grants for performances or one-time events, conferences or advertising.
Certificate of Nondiscrimination
The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain will not knowingly support organizations, projects and programs that discriminate in their employment practices or delivery of programs or services on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We therefore require that all grant applicants submit a signed Certificate of Nondiscrimination confirming compliance with all applicable local, state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Grant Deadlines
For 2008, the Foundation will continue to make grants four times a year with grant deadlines of January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Beginning in 2009, grants will be made three times per year, in spring, fall and winter. Grant deadlines beginning in 2009 for these cycles will be February 15, June 15 and October 15.
How Grant Decisions Are Made
All grant applications must begin with a one-or two-page Letter of Intent summarizing the program or project for which funding is being sought. Submitted Letters of Intent will be reviewed by staff. Applicants selected by staff to for submission of complete, formal applications will be contacted directly. Each final proposal received is evaluated with respect to available dollars and alignment with the three investor questions cited previously; applicants will be contacted if additional information is necessary. Final grant decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Funding Considerations
• Leveraging Foundation support to bring grants and support from other funders is encouraged.
• Grant proposals that exhibit diversification of funding sources are more likely to receive funding.
• Financial plans that are detailed and comprehensive are vital to any program planning and should underlie any request.
• Projects with a realistic sustainability plan for continuation beyond the grant period are more likely to receive funding.
More Information
For more detailed grant application guidance and information, please click on the following links or call or e-mail Joeline Wruck at 860.229.6018, x307. Only applicants who have submitted a Letter of Intent, and have been invited to do so by the Foundation, should submit a formal grant application:
• Community Foundation Community Investment Guidelines
• Community Foundation Letter of Intent Instructions
• Community Foundation Grant Application Guidelines
• Resources for Grantseekers from the Rensselaerville Institute