Lowcountry Ministries Fund

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)

Deadline: March 31, 2023 (postmarked)

Submission method: Email to LMFund@palmettoproject.org or mail to Chris Williams at the Charleston office address

Contact: Chris Williams, cwilliams@palmettoproject.org, 843-266-5690

Step 2: Staff Review

The Palmetto Project staff will review your LOI to ensure compliance with instructions, including financial health and track record of applicant organization

If everything is in order, no further action needed; LOI automatically becomes an application

If LOI does not adequately comply, it will not be forwarded to the task force

Step 3: Task Force Evaluation

Your application will be submitted to an independent task force of volunteer evaluators with ties to the six-county service area

Step 4: Notification and Additional Materials

If your LOI is accepted, you will be notified by Wednesday, April 10th to submit additional information and materials

Step 5: Award Decision

Funds will be allocated in the summer

Award Deadline: May 31, 2023

Expenditure Deadline: Funds must be expended within 12 months of award date (no later than June 30, 2024)

Letter of Intent (LOI) Requirements

Format:

Length: Up to 5 pages (excluding budget and financial statements)

Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

Margins: 1 inch

Line spacing: 1.15 or higher

Required Sections:

1. Opening Paragraph - Summary Statement (required)
- Provide a comprehensive overview of what your organization plans to do with the grant
- Explain the connection between the Fund's purposes and your project
- Identify other organizations involved and their roles (if collaborating with partners)
- State the total cost of the project
- State the amount requested from the Fund
- Request limit: $50,000 (requests exceeding this amount may be considered if you provide compelling justification in the LOI)

2. Statement of Need - The WHY
- Explain the local need(s) your project addresses
- Explain why it is important to your organization and community
- Identify who will benefit from the grant
- Provide data that defines the need and significance of the project to your community

3. Project Activity - The WHAT & HOW (bulk of LOI)
- Provide a description of activities to be underwritten with grant funds
- Highlight how these activities are or can be effective in addressing identified needs
- Identify partner organizations and explain their roles
- Explain how much of the grant will underwrite personnel
- Describe plan for sustaining personnel positions when grant funds run out

4. Outcomes (1-2 paragraphs)
- State specific outcome(s) you hope to achieve
- Describe how you plan to evaluate the project
- Explain how you will know the grant's objectives have been achieved

5. Credentials (1-2 paragraphs)
- Explain how your organization, its partners, volunteers, and staff are uniquely equipped to execute this project
- Include historical background about the organization
- Mention awards, rankings, or other tangible measures that set you apart

6. Budget (1-2 paragraphs, use charts or grids if necessary)
- Provide description of project's funding needs
- Include total budget and amount requested from the Fund
- Indicate any other financial commitments received
- Describe activities the grant would underwrite and time period it would cover

7. Closing (1 paragraph)
- Add any additional information or perspective to consider
- Do not repeat information already provided

8. Signature
- Include organization's contact information (name, phone number, mailing address, website)

Required Attachments

• Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) letter (if applicable)
• Financial reports/statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years (preliminary numbers acceptable if just completed)

Submission Deadline

• All Initial Applications: Must be received and/or postmarked on or before March 31, 2023
• Additional information/clarification may be requested; staff will contact you if needed
• Only qualified applicants with complete applications and all required materials will be submitted to the Advisory Committee for final evaluation and funding recommendations