Grant Deadline March 31
As part of the Community Foundation for Oceana County’s philanthropy leadership in Oceana, the Foundation recently conducted one of its periodic workshops for Oceana residents who work or volunteer at area nonprofits. The dozen attendees learned how to translate their program ideas into realistic grant request submissions that have measureable deliverables. Added Joan Lound, who led the workshop, “We remind the nonprofits to make sure that the proposals they bring to us are feasible, and that their staffing and resources enable them to complete the project. The Foundation’s staff and distribution committee carefully vets each submission and not all funding requests can be granted.” Grant applications for the next round are due by March 31, 2017.
Because of limited resources, the Foundation can generally make only one-year grant commitments up to $3,000. Longer term commitments may be considered for initiatives that show exceptional promise for community impact. “We know that good programs and projects sometimes take multiple funders to move them forward. We want to partner with other funders, including our own donor advisors, to help support the many needs & opportunities we have here. We encourage nonprofit staff or volunteers to give us a call to discuss your project and how we might help,” said Carey.
Applications are submitted online and include a multi-step process, including an application of intent. This step provides staff with an overview of the program to determine if the project fits the Foundation’s grant priorities, timeline and budget. This step must be completed prior to the release of the full application, so applicants should allow for enough time before the full application grant deadline of March 31. Priority areas of funding include: arts, education, health/human services, community development (especially projects in Golden Township & Hesperia area), environment and emerging community needs.
During 2016, the Foundation awarded $70,789 in competitive grants from either its Community Investment Fund, or one of several other funds established by donors who have empowered the Foundation’s board’s Distribution Committee to decide grant recipients. A full list of 2016 competitive awards can be reviewed here.
The Foundation envisions an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. It receives and manages contributions from citizens and organizations and has provided $4.4 million in grants and scholarships back to the community since 1989. More information can be obtained by calling Ms. Carey at 231-861-8335.