Derby Community Foundation Community Enrichment Grant Application

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About This Grant

Foundation: Derby Community Foundation

Brief Description

Community Enrichment Grants are competitive grants made to any tax-exempt, non-profit organization or government entity that is doing innovative and meaningful work that fits within the Derby Community Foundation’s mission. The Foundation will award up to $10,000 annually in one grant cycle using a competitive application process.  Applications open July 1 and the application deadline is September 30 each year. 

What We Fund

  • Projects that meet the mission of the Derby Community Foundation
  • Projects must serve residents of the Derby community (USD 260 boundaries)
  • Organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal
    Revenue Service Code or a governmental entity:
    • 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations

    Guidelines

    • The non-profit status of your organization will be verified. The organization name listed on your application and the name listed on the Tax ID must match.
    • Grant funding range from $500 to $2,500.
    • All applications must be submitted online, and all sections of the application must be typed.
    • Grant recipients are selected by a panel of reviewers including Derby Community Foundation board members and community representatives.
    • The Foundation will not provide an oral or written explanation for denied applications.
    • Grant recipients are notified by email approximately 60-90 days after the application deadline.  A six-month status report of the project is required of all grant recipients.
    • Organizations are eligible to apply each year. 
    • Projects that received a community enrichment grant in the last grant cycle are not eligible and must sit out for one year. 
    • To apply, complete the application form and attach the required documents.

    If you have questions, please call DCF at (316) 788-9815 or email [email protected].

    Typically, we do not fund:

    • Individuals

    • Religious organizations for religious purposes 

      Please see our Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy

    • Political organizations or political campaigns

      This generally includes organizations with a 501 (c)(4) status that can advocate for causes and propositions and endorse specific candidates.

    • Event sponsorship or annual fundraising drives

    • Multi-year requests

      Organizations seeking continued support beyond the initial grant year are welcome to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.

    • Endowments

    • Debt retirement

      For example, grant funds should not be used to: pay off an organization’s loans, lines of credit, unpaid bills, or deficits, cover past due obligations, such as back taxes or unpaid rent, refinance existing liabilities, even if related to previously funded projects

    • Projects that have already been completed

      Applications seeking reimbursement for past work, retroactive funding, or previously concluded programs and completed capital projects are typically ineligible.

    • Individual academic scholarships for post-secondary education

    • Grants solely for the purpose of travel or conferences

      Specifically, we do not fund travel for staff of agencies or organizations

    • Government funding that has been reduced or eliminated

      Our resources are primarily intended to catalyze innovation, support sustainable solutions, and build long-term capacity, rather than substituting for public sector obligations.

    Applicants who are unsure of their project or program’s eligibility are advised to reach out to our local staff prior to applying. This helps maintain an efficient review process for all.

    Application Process

    1)

    Submit application online using the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

    2)

    The Grant Advisory Committee will recommend applications for funding to the Board of Directors.

    3)

    The Board of Directors will make final funding decisions.

    All notification about this grant will be through emails.

    Payout of Grants: upon recipient of electronically signed Grant Agreement.

    Grantee Required Documents: Grant Agreement and Final Report. Progress Report may be required if requested. Required follow up documents will be submitted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

    For questions about this grant or the online Grant Management System please call (320) 257-9715.

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