[To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click here.]

Grant Proposals are Evaluated on:

• Its potential value to the Southwest Florida community (Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry counties)
• The amount of available funds
• The quality of planning, leadership, support and vision expressed in the application
• The planned measurement of outcomes

Successful Applications Address Opportunities to Improve the Quality of Life inSouthwest Florida and:

• Have measurable outcomes
• Significantly strengthen the ability of existing institutions to reach a broad segment of the community
• Provide innovative responses to community needs which do not unnecessarily duplicate other efforts
• Create a sense of community through neighborhood involvement and outreach

The Merits and Priority of an Application Are Determined By:

• The degree of potential benefit to the community
• The capacity of the organization to achieve the project’s expected results
• Programs that are likely to attract additional funds, resources and community support (Because the foundation grants are only for one year, plans outlining future funding of the project from other sources are critical. Sound and realistic financial planning must be part of each request.)
• Programs for new ventures, one-time projects, and projects of special benefit to the community that do not duplicate other efforts.

The Foundation, as a Rule, Does Not Make Grants For:

• Annual funds
• Debt retirement
• Fraternal organizations, societies or orders
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes, except where designated by a fund donor
• Professional conferences, sports team travel, class trips and similar expenses
• Individuals, except for selected scholarships
• Normal operating expenses or existing obligations
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Fundraising events or feasibility studies
• Research

Many challenges face our community. As a result, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation has seen an increase in the volume of grant applications it receives. We want to enhance your organization’s chances of submitting a successful grant application. Therefore, in addition to the above guidelines, we are including some suggestions to help you with your application:

• Develop an evaluation process that defines criteria, explains evaluation tools and how they will be used, and describes how evaluation will be used for program improvements.
• Focus on the potential benefit to the community to be derived from this project.
• Describe how your proposed project relates to the purposes of your organization.
• When appropriate, consider collaborations or a coordinated effort that will benefit more than one agency.
• Include the most up-to-date financial information available. A project budget must be included as well as a budget for the entire organization. Demonstrate your organization’s ability to obtain continued funding.
• Make sure the application is well conceived and organized.
• Be as concise, brief and specific as possible to clearly communicate your message.
• Make sure that all copies are clearly legible and use standard size type.
  

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the appropriateness of their grant request with Community Foundation staff before beginning the application process. Please call the Foundation office (239-274-5900) for assistance or to arrange for an appointment.

During the review process, applications are screened by Foundation staff to ensure completeness. Staff may contact you for additional information.

The Grants Advisory Committee will conduct on-site reviews to ensure administrative, fiscal, and program accountability.

Organizations applying for funding must use the Foundation’s proposal form. The Foundation does not accept faxed or email applications. Please do not enclose the proposal in any sort of cover or binder. Do not include any materials other than those specifically requested.

Please submit three (3) copies of the application and two (2) copies of required supporting documentation.

The review and approval process can take up to 3 months.

Applicants will be notified of grant award or denial by letter after the Community Foundation’s Board meeting. Inquiries regarding status of an application may be made after that date.

An unsuccessful grant application does not reflect the worthiness of a particular project. The Community Foundation receives more requests than it can fund. Any agency whose request has been denied may call the Foundation office to discuss specific reasons for the rejection.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation is interested in the impact of its grants on area non-profit organizations and the community. All grant recipients are required to provide the Community Foundation with a progress report after 12 months. A report form will be sent to all grant recipients. Subsequent grant proposals from grantees receiving funds from the Community Foundation or one of its affiliates will only be considered following receipt of the report.

The Community Foundation generally issues a press release about grants immediately after the awards are announced. Agencies are also asked to provide their own publicity after receiving a grant. The Foundation requires mention of any grant award in the organization’s publicity efforts. Upon request, Foundation staff can offer assistance in this area. The Community Foundation appreciates photographs of funded projects to use in its publications. 

Grants Advisory Committee

Scholarship Advisory Committee

Carol McLaughlin, Chief Program Officer

Southwest Florida Community Foundation

8260 College Parkway, Suite 101

Fort Myers, FL 33919

239-274-5900