Unrestricted Community Grants Cycle

Unrestricted Community Grants Cycle

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Gaston Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $300,000
Last Updated: June 13, 2024

Summary

The Gaston Community Foundation's Unrestricted Competitive Grant Cycle invites nonprofit organizations to submit innovative proposals aimed at improving the quality of life in Gaston County. Grants are awarded based on demonstrated community support, potential for measurable positive outcomes, and sustainability plans. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt public agencies and 501(c)(3) charities. The Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community collaboration and avoid duplication of services, ensuring that funds effectively address the needs of local citizens.

Overview

Unrestricted Competitive Grant Cycle A key role of The Community Foundation is to match donor funds with promising projects across Gaston County. To help accomplish this, we invite nonprofit organizations to bring us their best ideas on how they can improve the quality of life for our region's citizens. Through a careful review process, the Foundation's staff and board work together to award grants that strengthen the nonprofit sector with program and organizational support. In simplest terms, GCF grants are an investment in the future of our County. Community Grant Guidelines Our primary area of service is Gaston County and grants are made only to organizations and programs operating in Gaston County or primarily for the benefit of Gaston County citizens. We attempt to concentrate on projects or programs with potential positive results for citizens of the county, or a community within the county -- not just the sponsoring organization. Organizations attempting to duplicate services of other organizations, rather than partnering with existing organization programs will be subject to further review by the Grants Committee. Our Grants Committee and Board give strongest positive consideration to requests that demonstrate “grass roots” community support with a plan for utilizing resources and talents of both the sponsoring organization’s members, and the population, which would be helped by the requested grant. In other words, we believe Community Foundation grants will have more impact where they are used to supplement and support full use of the human assets and other resources already available. A key consideration is the applicant’s track record of success and realistic potential for measurable positive results from the requested grant. For new organizations, demonstrated quality leadership and careful planning / budgeting will be essential. The Foundation does not operate charitable programs, but makes every effort to support other organizations with the leadership commitment and realistic preparation to reach their goals. The Foundation looks for a plan of sustainability in the organization and does not typically fund grants solely requesting operational expenses.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Our grants go only to tax-exempt public agencies or charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status. We require verification of a potential grantee’s tax-exempt status and the organization’s policy of non-discrimination.Grant requests made by the Gaston County School System for programs delivered in the public schools are best presented for consideration as collaboration among more than one school which benefits multiple schools.Grants to 501(c)3 organizations for programs which are delivered broadly to local schools are evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to their merits and community impact.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not consider grants to private schools, churches or other religious organizations unless the Foundation Board feels the applicant can demonstrate a clear and substantial benefit to the community as a whole as opposed to the applying organization.The Foundation has historically declined grants for capital projects for the benefit of individual public schools.The Foundation does not generally consider multi-year grants.Our Grants Committee and Board of Directors do not generally provide funding for:Annual fund campaignsGrants solely requesting operating fundsMulti-year grantsRecurring requests for the same purpose for which the Foundation previously awarded grantsFundraising events, celebrations, sponsorships, or dinnersIndividual schools unless the proposed project is also being conducted district or county wideIndividual schools, churches or other religious organizations unless the Foundations feels the applicant can demonstrate a clear and substantial benefit to the community as a whole as opposed to the applying organizationOur Grants Committee and Board of Directors does not provide funding for:Lobbying activities, political organizations or candidates for public officesReligious organizations for sectarian purposesResearch that does not have promise of near-term benefits to the residents of Gaston CountyDebt reductions, deficits, or previous obligationsRetroactive expenses/activities