Rapid Response Grants

Rapid Response Grants provide funds for new or unexpected needs that do not fit the timeline for Annual Grants. These grants are intended to address urgent community needs on Peaks Island.

Geographic Scope: Peaks Island, Maine

Funding Types:

• Software, equipment and/or fees needed for the organization to deliver services
• Special training and professional development (conferences, workshops)
• Programming
• Building repairs
• Community events

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Municipalities
• Public schools
• Public agencies working for the State of Maine
• Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior
• Groups without tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization

Required Criteria: To receive a grant, an organization or project must:

• Serve Peaks Island community members
• Have potential for continuing impact on the community
• Include clear financial documentation (purchases of equipment or services must include estimates from external contractors)

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to requests that:

• Have the greatest positive impact on Peaks Island
• Are one-time expenses
• Include clearly defined costs, services, and outcomes

What We Fund

Eligible Expenses:

• Software and equipment
• Fees needed for service delivery
• Special training and professional development
• Programming
• Building repairs
• Community events

Ineligible Expenses:

• Food
• Promotional materials
• Paper, ink, or telephone contracts
• Programs or activities that are continuing or have already occurred
• Fees related to receiving nonprofit 501(c)(3) status

What We Do NOT Fund

• Expenses already incurred
• Political campaigns
• Lobbying
• Religious activities, including religious services, promotion of religious beliefs, or activities restricted to church or religious group membership
• Endowments, capital campaigns, or annual appeals

Contact Information

Application Timeline:

• Opens: April 1st (ongoing through January 30th)
• Applications accepted: April 1st through January 30th
• Notification: Within four weeks of submission

How to Apply for Rapid Response Grants

Application Period:

Applications accepted between April 1st and January 30th

Rolling review process

Submission Process:
1. Complete the Rapid Response Grant Application form
2. Submit completed application via email to executivedirector@peaksislandfund.org
3. Confirmation of receipt will be provided
4. Application will be forwarded to Fund Trustees for review
5. Notification will be made within four weeks of submission

Required Documents:
1. Completed Rapid Response Grant Application
2. A list of all members of your organization's board or advisory committee, including their town/city of residence and occupation
3. For 501(c)(3) organizations: IRS certification letter and board confirmation that the organization remains in good standing with the IRS
4. For organizations using a Fiscal Sponsor: Copy of fiscal sponsor's IRS certification letter and completed Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement
5. Quotes for cost of items/services (if necessary)

Application Requirements:

Submit only one proposal per organization per year

Requests should be for future expenses only

Requests should not exceed the maximum award available ($1,000)

Only send information and materials specifically requested; additional materials will not be reviewed

Notification:

Award and decline notifications will use all available communication means (email, letter, phone, in-person) until status is communicated

Award letters and checks will be sent via regular mail

If using a fiscal sponsor, the check goes to the sponsor with a copy of the award letter to the applicant

Confidentiality:

Proposals may be shared with interested parties, including donors and other funders, for potential funding