Accounting Back-Office Support Grant Program

Overview

_NOTE: There is no application deadline, but only a limited amount of these grants will be awarded during this first phase of the pilot. We will be selecting four organizations through a competitive grant application process for the first year. Based on the success of the first year of Phase 1, AFF envisions adding additional nonprofits in subsequent years to expand the capacity and service delivery of numerous nonprofit organizations throughout our community._

Accounting Back-Office Support Program

Designed to build the capacity of nonprofits by strengthening back-office functions, these grants will help nonprofits increase efficiencies, lower operating expenses, increase employee retention and ensure compliance while allowing more time to be dedicated to mission related activities. In this first phase, AFF will focus on bookkeeping including bill processing, bill paying, payroll processing, and general accounting supports. In future phases, additional solutions may be available.

What to Know Before Applying:

Accounting Back-Office Support Program and Timeline

* AFF has contracted with LSWG on their Book$mart Program.
* The grant is considered a phase-down program, meaning that in year one, all expenses for LSWG’s Book$mart program are funded at 100% by AFF. In year two, the program will be funded at 50% by AFF. Organizations may continue to participate in the Book$mart program, beyond the end of their second year, at full cost.
* There is no application deadline, but only a limited amount of these grants will be awarded during this first phase of the pilot. We will be selecting four organizations through a competitive grant application process for the first year. Based on the success of the first year of Phase 1, AFF envisions adding additional nonprofits in subsequent years to expand the capacity and service delivery of numerous nonprofit organizations throughout our community.

Areas of Interest

What We Fund:

* Children, Youth & Families:
* Organizations or programs that provide enrichment and increased opportunity to children and youth as well as organizations or programs that strengthen families.
* Programs and activities included are scouting, mentorships, youth leadership, youth community service clubs and job training, parent engagement, college access, academic enrichment, and arts activities.
* Health & Human Services:
* Human Services programs and services that provide basic welfare to help individuals, families, and communities to prevent, alleviate, or better cope with crisis, change, and stress.
* This includes the following sub-categories: crime and delinquency prevention, legal services, employment/jobs, food, housing/shelter, and women’s issues.
* Health services include treatment and rehabilitative programs relating to physical and mental health.
* Programs and services include but are not limited to the following sub-categories: mental health and crisis intervention, diseases, disorders and related medical disciplines, nutrition, and dental care.
* Arts & Culture:
* Organizations or activities that promote enjoyment or understanding of the visual, performing, folk, or media arts; communication organizations (film, video, publishing, journalism, radio, television); and organizations or activities that promote the appreciation or understanding of historical events.
* Included are organizations which support artists, performers, entertainers, or writers, art and performing art schools, centers, studios, and historical societies and museums.
* Public/Society Benefit:
* Organizations or programs that contribute to the public good and benefit society including, but not limited to, the following sub-categories: Beautifying public spaces, civic organizations and institutions, community/neighborhood development and improvement, and philanthropy, volunteerism, and grantmaking foundations.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Qualifying for a Back-Office Support Grant:
* Organizations must have an operating budget of $500,000 or less to be eligible for the first phase.
* Any organization needing accounting assistance including bill processing, bill paying, payroll processing, and general accounting.
* Requesting organization’s missions must fall into one of the Foundation’s areas of interest.
* The organization must provide services to Frederick County, MD, residents.

Ineligibility

* The Ausherman Family Foundation will not support the following:
* Animal Welfare Organizations
* Athletics, Leisure, Recreation
* Environment
* Areas considered government responsibility
* Schools, including private, charter, or Frederick County Public Schools
* Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and Relief
* Individuals, including Political Support
* Religious Missions
* International Projects
* Grant requests of less than $2,500