Apply for Grants from Changing Needs Fund

Returning Applicants  Finish Existing Grant Applications  

Introduction

2018 GRANT PROGRAM

The Community Foundation of Collier County’s strategic plan ties its grantmaking to relevant community information on needs or VITAL SIGNS and OUTCOMES that impact the greatest needs.

To reach our goals, the Foundation provides funding through a competitive grant process for organizations  to improve the capacity of nonprofit organizations, and to support innovative, new or existing programs and services that address a documented community need.

Our Strategic Grant Goals:

• INFORM the philanthropic community about the needs and the nonprofits meeting those needs
• RESPOND through grantmaking to support and partner with nonprofits providing critical programs
• COLLABORATE with donors and other fundholders to significantly impact highest priority needs.

In order to reach our goals, the Foundation has identified key guiding principles when making grants:

• Credible community data
• Organizational capacity
• Ability to measure outcomes

What We Fund

The Community Foundation provides grant dollars to nonprofits for programs that have measurable results in addressing changing community needs and grants dollars to support nonprofit capacity building to ensure that nonprofits have the tools needed to operate under best practices.

Vital Signs

An important part of our grantmaking process includes the ability to make informed decisions on community needs.  In order to do this, each year, we gather and publish current knowledge about Collier County’s community needs through our Vital Signs Full Presentation. Vital Signs are indicators of community needs.  Each year, we work with Hodges University to update the Vital Signs. This year’s report will be available in October.

Before you Apply – COMPLETE A PROFILE IN THE NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

All applicants must complete a Profile in the NONPROFIT DIRECTORY, a key resource for donors and committee members when reviewing your organization’s application.  Please contact Mary George at mgeorge@cfcollier.org if you need log-in credentials or click on “forgot password” if you can’t remember your password.

Your Profile is used as the cover page for your application.  The information gives grant committee members a better understanding of the scope of your organization, it’s mission, programs, and long-term goals. Tip – use brief statements or bullet points to describe your programs and long-term goals whenever possible.

Is my nonprofit agency eligible to apply for a grant?

• Applicant must be a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization
• Applicant organization must be at least two years old from Effective Date of Exemption listed on the IRS letter of determination
• Applicant must have matching funds of 25% cash or other as specified
• Applicant must meet the grant guideline criteria
• Applications must be relevant to Collier County
• Applicants must meet submission deadlines
• Applicants must agree to the Community Foundation’s Statement of Diversity.
• Applicants must agree to report back to the Community Foundation on relevant outcomes of funding

We do NOT fund the following:

• Grants to individuals
• Political campaigns
• Lobbying
• Scholarly research
• Annual campaigns
• Event Sponsorships

My organization is eligible. When can I apply?

2018 GRANT CALENDAR

This year we are focusing our grant dollars on C3 grants only and will not be accepting applications for Small Technology Grants or Capital Projects Grants. After careful evaluation of our grants and limited budget, the Foundation believes that C3 or Creating Capacity thru Consulting Grants are a most effective way to support nonprofit capacity building.

How do I apply?

• Read the introduction to our Program and C3 Grants below. If you are eligible, click on the link to each of the applications to apply.
• The links take you to the application page and require a log-in and password.
• Log-in or click on “New Applicant” if your log-in credentials do not work.
• If your login doesn’t work, click on “Forgot Password” to receive a new password by email. If the system did not recognize your password, try  or try “New Applicant” on the log-in page. (If you have not applied within the last fiscal year or  you are probably not recognized in the system.
• You must have your organization’s EIN# to start an application.
• You can return to your application by clicking on RETURNING APPLICANT button at the top of the page

Nonprofit Program Grants

Program Grants are available to help nonprofits provide needed programs and services that address changing community needs.  Strong applications are specific and measurable. The applicant should identify need(s), specific activities, numbers served, expected outcomes and metrics used to measure impact.

To apply for a Nonprofit Program Grant, download the Expected Outcomes Form 2017 – (This is a word doc).   Suggestion – Use the Form first to design your program request and then complete your application. Save the Form and upload it when prompted.  The Form is required with your application.

ARTS or ENVIRONMENT GRANTS – Applications due October 2, 2017

Community Foundation’s desired outcome under this grant program is that citizens are engaged in community life, the arts and environment.  Programs that increase appreciation for the arts, provide education about the environment, and engage community volunteers to reach Collier County’s diverse population . Grants range from $7,000 – $20,000 depending on the size and scope of the program. Start dates should be December 1, 2017 or later. Grants are funded for one year as of start date.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS – Applications due November 1, 2017

Community Foundation’s desired outcome under this grant program is that citizens succeed in programs providing education and workforce training. Grants will be made to organizations that offer programs for populations that do not have access to educational opportunities to improve school readiness, enhance formal education, and increase the chances for successful outcomes in school and life. Grants range from $7,000 – $20,000 depending on the size and scope of the program. Start dates should be January 1, 2018 or later. Grants are funded for one year as of start date.

HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS – Applications are due December 1, 2017

Community Foundation’s desired outcome under this grant program is that citizens have access to a continuum of services that provide basic needs. Special attention should be given to programs that are collaborative projects that improve service delivery. Grants range from $7,000 – $20,000 depending on the size and scope of the program. Start dates should be February 1, 2018 or later. Grants are funded for one year as of start date.

HEALTHCARE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES GRANTS – Applications are due January 12, 2018

Community Foundation’s desired outcome under this grant program is that citizens have access to a continuum of services that provide health and/or and mental health services. Grants will be made to organizations that offer programs for populations that have limited access to services. Special attention should be given to programs that improve service delivery. Grants range from $7,000 – $20,000 depending on the size and scope of the program. Applicants should allow 60 days before notification. Start dates should be March 15, 2018 or later. Grants are funded for one year as of start date.

C3 – Creating Capacity thru Consulting Grants

While often overlooked, capacity building is the all-important “infrastructure” that supports and shapes charitable nonprofits into forces for good.  Nonprofits serving Collier County have doubled since 1999. Many organizations are small or all-volunteer driven and need consultation in order to move their organization to the next level. Other, more established organizations, need board and staff development, tools and consultation.

This year we are focusing our grant dollars on C3 grants only and will not be accepting applications for Small Technology Grants or Capital Projects Grants. After careful evaluation of our previous capacity grants, the Foundation’s feels that C3 or Creating Capacity thru Consulting Grants are most effective way to support nonprofit capacity building.

C3 CONSULTANT GRANTS – Deadline for Requests are August 30, 2017 or January 5, 2018.

The nonprofit must contact the C3 Consultant before they apply. A list of C3 Consultants is available at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) at Hodges University.  A tool for nonprofits that may be helpful in determining which area you need help with is an Organizational Survey.

Nonprofits are also encouraged to attend seminars at CNE at Hodges that lead to certification. A grant of $2,000 – $2,500  from the Community Foundation will help support a short-term consultation from a C3 Consultant and requires a minimum of a $1,000.00 match from the organization. Once the nonprofit determines the consultant that best fits their needs.

NETWORK FOR GOOD is a NEW C3 pilot project for small nonprofits.

Please contact Rachel.Ramjattan@networkforgood.com for more information about their fundraising software and coaching programs.

Field-of-Interest Funds 

The Community Foundation hosts and manages a number of grant programs for local donors who have established funds at the Foundation. The grant programs will be announced as they are determined.