How do I know if the project has “high impact”?

Impact projects that influence our community can be achieved in a variety of ways:

  • Expansion of services delivered in a new way.
  • More services of the same provided more often to the current population.
  • Expanding the services to a new population.
  • Creating new collaborations with other organizations to address a broader spectrum of the community.
Will startup or small organizations be considered?

Startup and small organizations will be considered if they meet all the criteria. They may want to consider collaborating with another nonprofit to have greater impact.

Will applications from unincorporated groups be considered?

No, unincorporated groups are not eligible to apply. Applicant must be incorporated and approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3).

If an organization receives the $100,000 grant, when can the organization reapply?

Previous recipients must wait for three years before applying for a new grant, but they may partner with another organization that submits a grant.

Are grant finalists prohibited from reapplying for 3 years?

No, only the recipients of the $100,000 Impact Grant are prohibited from applying for 3 years.

Can an organization submit a program/project that was submitted in a previous year which did not receive the $100,000 Impact Grant?

Yes, a previously submitted program/project by an organization may be submitted again as long as it did not receive the Impact Grant. However, the organization should review the proposal to see if it can be improved upon.

May applicants submit multiple letters of intent? Specifically, may an organization apply as part of a collaboration and separately apply as an individual organization?

Each applicant organization may only submit one letter of intent (LOI), either as part of a collaborative effort or as an individual organization.

Will multi-year funding requests be considered?

A program/project that utilizes the $100,000 grant over two or three years will be considered.

May funds be used for equipment?

Yes, as long as the equipment is directly connected to the proposed program/project.

May funds be used for capital expenditures/improvements?

Yes, but the applicant must own the property or have a lease with a minimum of 5 years remaining as of July 1 of the grant award year.

May funds be used for CURRENT operating expenses?

No, each nonprofit must already have sufficient funds to sustain their ongoing operations. Impact Grants are intended to enable a nonprofit to pursue a program/project that might otherwise not be implemented. Operating funds must be directly related to the proposed program/project and a sustainability plan must be included in the proposal.

May funds be used for salaries?

Yes, as long as the salary is directly connected to the proposed program/project.

May funds be used to offset administrative costs? If yes, what is the acceptable percentage of the grant that may be used?

It is permissible to use up to 12% of the funds requested for costs related to administrative expenses (not salaries) directly connected to the proposed program/project.

What is collaboration?

Collaboration exists when two or more qualifying nonprofit organizations have the responsibility of managing and contributing to the proposed program/project in a significant manner and the Impact Grant funds will be shared between them. For a collaboration, one organization will need to be identified as the lead organization, responsible for completing the LOI and grant application, financially managing the grant funds, and providing all reports.  The non-lead organization(s) may be asked to provide organizational and financial information.

Note that a nonprofit can only apply for one grant each year, either as an individual organization or as part of a collaborative effort.  If funding is not being shared, this would be considered a partnership and not a collaboration.  It would be a regular, single applicant submission.  Being a partner does not exclude the partnering nonprofit from submitting its own application.

Are nonprofits eligible to submit more than one LOI if they are collaborating, but are not the lead organization?

No, they can only participate in or be a part of one submission even if they are not the lead organization.

Should collaborative organizations outside of the proposed program/project be listed on the LOI application?

No, the collaboration section of the LOI should only include those who are working directly on the specific program/project.

Do we need to show we have matching funds for a new program/project?

Matching funds will be viewed favorably but are not necessary.

Do the Impact Grant recipients receive the $100,000 award upfront? 

No, the recipients do not receive all of the money upfront. A contract is drafted and signed by all parties involved: the grantee (the nonprofit organization), the grantors (the grant committee chairs), and the witnesses to the signing (The Community Foundation). It is important to note that each contract is specifically tailored to the project awarded.

How is the Impact Grant award money distributed?

Within the grant applications, the organizations must lay out a timeline of how the monies will be spent at certain times within the two year (or three year) period. A payment schedule is drafted containing certain benchmarks that must be met before further funds are distributed. Each contract is designed to ensure the award recipient achieves these milestones.

Who should I call with questions about the LOI or the grant application?

All questions and concerns regarding the LOI, grant application, or Foundant should be directed to Ellie Gundrania at The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie at ellie@tcfmsl.org or 772-288-3795.