Community Grants Program

Application Process

#### Application Timeline for 2027 (Based on 2026 Timeline):

January 5 - February 13, 2027 - Application Period

Grant Guidelines and Applications available online at spiritofconstruction.org

Application must be submitted electronically no later than February 13

Amanda Smith logs all applications including: organization name, contact name, telephone, email, amount requested

February 16 - March 2, 2027 - Initial Review

Grant Selection Committee members familiarize themselves with each applicant

March 2 - March 13, 2027 - Evaluation & Shortlisting

Committee meets as group to evaluate and rank candidates

Interviews scheduled as necessary

March 16 - March 30, 2027 - Interviews

Final recommendations submitted to Outreach Committee

April 6, 2027 - Approval

Outreach Committee approves recommendations

Submitted to Spirit Board for approval (electronically)

Recipients notified by April 13

May 12, 2027 - Grant Recipients Collaborative Meeting

Meeting to share knowledge, resources, identify synergies

Discuss measurement criteria and provide support

May 13, 2027 - Public Presentation

Presentation of checks at SOC Spring Fling event

June 1 - August 28, 2027 - Follow-up

Emerging Leaders Committee members follow up with recipients

Provide support and discuss final reporting

October 13-30, 2027 - Final Reporting

Final reports due from Grant Recipients

Final wrap-up meeting with all recipients

#### Required Application Materials:

Form Questions to Answer:

1. RATIONALE AND CONTEXT
- Describe what you hope to accomplish
- Explain expected return on investment to construction industry

2. DESIGN AND ACTIVITIES
- Describe proposed project activities in detail
- Include timetable for completion
- Describe organization's capacity to implement and administer
- Describe status of work and accomplishments to date (if applicable)

3. SUMMARY
- One paragraph explaining why organization deserves the grant
- Articulate passion for the organization

4. Additional Required Documents:
- Letters of Recommendation: 1-3 letters from construction industry professionals
- Annual Report: One copy of organization's most recent annual report
- Board Members List: Complete listing of board members
- Grant Proposal: Detailed proposal supporting the application

Grant Application Guidelines:

Applications should address the following metrics where appropriate:

Focused age group

Number of children and young adults served

Number of construction trades involved

Types of construction trades involved

Number of volunteers involved

Program duration

Brief program summary

Community engagement

Business partners involved

Other funding sources

Important Requirements:

Limit grant request to no more than 3 pages

Attach additional sheets detailing grant proposal as needed

Answer questions in order presented

Applicants MUST engage young people in hands-on activities

Engagement of middle school children encouraged

Submission Instructions:

• Complete form and upload all proper documents
• Preferred: Upload documents through application portal on website
• Alternative: Email supporting documentation to Amanda Smith
• Submit prior to deadline to ensure timely receipt
• Application filed electronically

Grant Reporting Requirements:

• Grant Recipients must meet with Spirit of Construction Outreach Committee (scheduled May 12)
• Required to report on project metrics in final report
• Final report due in October 2026 (or October 2027 for 2027 cycle)

Communication Channels:

Grant availability communicated through:

Spirit of Construction Board Member Communications

Website postings on construction affiliated organizations including:

- Allied Construction Industries
- American Society of Professional Estimators
- Associated Builders & Contractors
- C.O.A.T.S.
- CURT
- Construction Specifications Institute
- National Association of Women in Construction
- Society of Marketing Professionals
- Construction Financial Management Association
- C.R.E.W. (Commercial Real Estate Women)

Contact with previous grant recipients