Grant Application Guidelines For Organizations

Purpose

GRACE was established to help local cancer patients and local organizations that support cancer treatment, support, research, and education by providing funds to assist with unique financial obligations and unmet needs.   GRACE does not support organizations which do not serve Grand Island, Nebraska and the immediate surrounding area, laboratory or clinical research, organizations which are not tax-exempt, endowments, fund-raising events, or lobbying. Grants for direct debt reduction are not eligible for funding by GRACE.

Grant Program

Grants (ranging from $50.00 - $5,000.00) will be awarded to nonprofit organizations for cancer educational support, advocacy, supportive counseling, and community resources needed for the care of patients and their families.  Requests will be accepted only from those applicants who have not received an award in the past twelve months.

Grant Guiding Principles for Organizations

• GRACE supports innovation where there is demonstrated need and the likelihood of effectiveness and the organization demonstrates a commitment to the education and/or treatment of cancer patients through a contribution of human and/or financial support.
• Significant and appropriate support from other funding sources should be evident.
• Projects that will be ongoing after the grant’s end should provide realistic plans for long term funding.
• Organizations that have at least 50% of their funding in place when they apply will be given a higher score.
• The Foundation disperses its funding to many groups throughout Hall County, NE working in many fields of interest. It is therefore necessary to limit the frequency of grant awards for any one organization to ensure equitable access for all organizations.
• All grant recipients will be required to provide the Foundation with a summary report describing their project outcomes within one year of the grant.   

Application Information for Organizations

• Include Grand Island Community Foundation Grant Application Cover Sheet (available online at www.gicf.org)

A Program Narrative must be submitted addressing the following items in the order they are listed. Number each response and write the bolded portion of each question in your response. Be sure to answer with complete sentences.

• Brief DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION-when founded, type of clients served, and number served.
• PROJECT DESCRIPTION-how it will be implemented, number of people estimated to be served, program location and the value added to the community if funded. If you are requesting funds for an existing program, explain how you know the current program is effective and how requested funds will enhance the program.
• EXPECTED RESULTS-of this proposed program or project.
• Briefly explain how you will EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS of the program.
• ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY to implement proposed program. Additionally, explain what relationships, if any, the organization has with agencies or projects that address similar needs/problems.
• PROGRAM BUDGET-explain how funds will be used and if they will be leverages with other funds. Include a description of income and expenses related to this project, even if they exceed amount requested. List all sources of income and expenses for the entire program. This section should include your funding plan for continuation once grant funds have been expended. In order to answer this questions, feel free to include a brief (one or two page) budget narrative.

INELIGIBLE REQUESTS INCLUDE:

• 100% of a project’s cost
• an organization’s operational or core expenses
• retroactive funding
• generalized fund-raising campaigns
• publication of books or music
• activities of religious or ethno-cultural organizations that serve primarily their membership and/or their direct organizational purposes

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Grand Island Community Foundation to determine the extent to which they meet the funding criteria. Final recommendations are made by representatives of the GRACE Foundation.

Applications should be submitted to Grand Island Community Foundation at 410 West 2nd Street, Suite 2, Grand Island, NE  68801.