GRASSROOTS CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE 2.0

The Porter County Community Foundation & GRANTS Inc. (Grant Research and Non- Profit Training Services Inc.)

Grassroots Capacity Building Initiative 2.0 funding opportunity is designed to assist small
nonprofit organizations build internal capacity and strengthen programs through an intensive year long commitment of board and staff. Both will participate in group workshops and individualized management consulting services provided by GRANTS Inc. consultants in the areas of: board development, strategic planning, financial management, technology and human resources.

This grant is a partnership between GRANTS Inc. and the Porter County Community Foundation, Inc.

Eligibility

Applicants for this grant must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes providing services in Lake, Porter or LaPorte County, Indiana. Preference will be granted to organizations that serve children, families, and persons with disabilities. Grassroots is defined as an organization with: total operating budget of less than $300,000; paid and/or non-paid staff; and currently administering an existing program.

Faith based organizations that provide community services on a non-sectarian basis may be eligible. Applicant organizations must commit to undergo up to 1 year of rigorous individual customized capacity building for executive leadership.

Award

It is anticipated that up to three (3) grants of up to $20,000 each may be awarded and provide operating support of up to $15,000 and up to $5,000 of consulting services. Grant funds will be disbursed as follows:

1. First Installment of Operating Support: Awarded once announcement has been made;
2. Second Installment of Operating Support - Upon successful completion of Capacity Building Series (anticipated date December 2010);
3. Third and final installment will be awarded upon successful completion of all grant requirements;
4. A portion of consulting costs awarded can be used to receive Quickbooks software and training if applicable.

In addition to the financial investment, the grantees will work with a consultant to develop mutually agreed upon benchmarks to achieve during the initiative.

Selection Process and Criteria

All applications must be received by NOON on Monday, June 7, 2010. Applications must be mailed to the Porter County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 302, Valparaiso, IN 46384 or delivered to the Porter County Community Foundation, 57 South Franklin Street, Suite 207, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Applications must be in the office by NOON on June 7, 2010.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of representatives from the collaborating organizations listed above and community stakeholders. It is anticipated that grant awards shall be announced no later than July 31, 2010.

Application

The application should include a cover letter signed by the organization's President/Executive Director and Board Chair, including address, phone and fax numbers and email address for the organization. Narrative should not exceed three pages.

I. Organizational Background
a. mission statement
b. population served and geographical area
c. why organization is unique and needed
d. Organization’s strengths/weaknesses
(internal) opportunities/threats (external) II. Current Programs (describe roles of current partnerships, how is program measured, non monetary challenges)
III. Areas of Focus for Capacity Building (should reflect Needs Assessment)
IV. What will the operating support be used for? Include Budget
V. Why is your organization ready to embark on this type of initiative?

Attachments

In addition to the grant narrative, the application should include the following: or an explanation as to why they aren't available:

• Tax exempt 501(c)(3) letter
• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaws
• Most current annual operating budget
• Needs Assessment (Document Provided)
• Current Board list including affiliations
• Most recent financial statements (audited if available)
• Strategic Planning Document ( if available)
• List of all staff positions including a summary of their job responsibilities
• President/Executive Director's resume