Grant Guidelines

Grant-Making Policies

The Community Foundation serves a variety of charitable, cultural, educational, health, and welfare organizations. The types of grants we make from unrestricted funds vary depending upon community needs.

Grants from our unrestricted funds are considered for general operational or program support for qualified institutions or organizations. Typical grants range in size from $500 to $7,500. Emergency grants may be considered on a case by case basis.

Restrictions

• Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations serving residents in Thurston, Mason & Lewis Counties.
• Grants will not be made to religious organizations where the funds would be used in whole or in part to further the organization's religious purposes.
• Grants will not be made to individuals.
• Grants will not be made to annual campaigns of organizations, capital campaigns for bricks and mortar, endowment funds, direct mail, special events, or for multiple year commitments.
• Grants will not be made for political or lobbying activities.
• Grants will not be made to organizations which discriminate with regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation or presence of a disability.
• Grants may not be used for debt reduction or for costs already incurred.
• Preference may be given to organizations which have not been funded for two years.
• Projects where matching funds will be received are encouraged - in some cases the Grants Committee may require that matching funds be secured.

Application

To apply for a grant, it is essential to have a clear plan of action. We ask that you send (1)one complete copy and (4) copies of the information directly related to the proposal.

1. Complete the Philanthropy Northwest Common Grant Application Form, including the narrative section. Provide a concise statement of project and purpose.
2. Provide a cover letter.
3. Include all attachments.

Grant applications will be carefully considered by Grants Committee members, consisting of Board Members and community volunteers. A visit to your organization's site may be requested. After careful consideration, the Grants Committee submits their recommendations to the Board of Directors for final action. The recipient of a grant is expected to use the funds for the purpose intended and in the timeframe represented in the application. All recipients are required to report to The Foundation every six months until the full grant amount is spent and to provide a final narrative and fiscal report on all projects funded. Grant distributions from discretionary funds are made two (2) times per year.

Deadlines

Spring Cycle	Friday, April 25, 2008	Must be received by 5:00 p.m.
Fall Cycle	Friday, October 3, 2008	Must be received by 5:00 p.m.

Grant applications can be downloaded from our website, or you can request one from The Foundation by calling (360) 705-3340.