Grant Criteria
In order to make the best use of available funds, programs that are innovative, address needs of underserved populations, are collaborative, and/or are strongly community-oriented will receive the highest priority. Foundation grants are made for new or expanding programs, exceptional existing programs and pilot projects.
A high priority is placed on programmatic projects that are responsive to changing and emerging community needs.
Evidence of the following will be used to assess the merit of proposals:
- Impact: Projects that serve a wide segment of the community and assist people not being adequately served by existing resources
- Leverage: Projects that leverage or generate other funding and resources
- Results: Projects that realize a significant and sustainable result with a moderate amount of funding
- Solutions: Projects that address root causes and long-term solutions
- Participation: Organizations that encourage the participation of diverse groups and individuals
- Community: Projects that build effective partnerships or promote networking and sharing
- Management: Applications are evaluated for management capacity, taking into consideration staff qualification, composition of the governing board and capability for service or program delivery
Grant Proposal Guidelines
There is no application 'form'. Grant Proposals are to be developed and written in accordance with these guidelines and MUST contain the following:
ONE-PAGE COVER LETTER on the organization's letterhead requesting funding and including:
- the organization's mission statement
- the name, phone number and e-mail address of the contact
- the organization’s web site address and general email address
- signature of the executive director and/or an authorized officer of the board of directors
- educational institutions should have the signature of the principal or college/university departmenthead
- government agencies should contact the Foundation for direction
A NARRATIVE of no more than three typed pages (no smaller than 12-point type), including the information requested in #1 - #6 below:
1. Project summary:
- goals, objectives, and scope
- need for the project in the community
- start and end dates of the project (grants are awarded in the fall of each year)
- who will benefit from this project
- expected results
2. Specific amount requested ($10,000 maximum request) from Albuquerque Community Foundation and the specific use of Foundation funds.
3. List of key staff and brief statement of the capability of personnel responsible for project implementation.
4. Information on recent grants received by the organization, pending proposals for other funds, and plans for additional funding for this project.
5. Plans for evaluating the success of the grant, including financial accountability.
6. Plans for continuation of the project following the grant period.
Attachments
The following attachments must be provided:
Financial Information: [See Notes*]
1. Detailed project budget relating to this grant proposal - line item estimate of income and expenses.
2. Detailed copy of the organization's current fiscal year operating budget including year-to-date information. Public educational institutions should use the operating budget for the individual school or university department.
3. Financial statement for the most recent completedfiscal year including balance sheet (audited if available).
Organizational Information:
4. 501(c)(3) organizations must submit a listing of current members of the board of directors indicating officers and including professional, business, or community affiliations.
5. Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) or educational institution status.
6. 501(c)(3) organizations must submit a copy of the organization’s confirmation letter from the Attorney General’s office stating that the organization is current with the NM Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act or AG's letter of exemption.
Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Please do not use binders of any kind and do not send facsimile copies or any supporting documentation unless requested.
Deadlines, Copies & Submissions
Grant proposals are accepted during the month preceding each deadline. Applicants will be notified within four months of deadline.
Please submit the one (1) full proposal with all attachments and seven (7) collated copies of the cover letter, the three-page narrative, and the detailed project budget.
Proposals must be postmarked on or before the appropriate deadline, or may be delivered to the Foundation office Monday through Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. For the sake of fairness no exceptions can be made for late proposals.
FIRST CYCLE DEADLINE: April 16, 2008
SECOND CYCLE DEADLINE: August 13, 2008
The office is located at:
3301 Menaul NE, Suite 2 [Map]
(505) 883-6240.
Mail proposal and all required attachments to:
Grant Review Committee
Albuquerque Community Foundation
P.O. Box 36960
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87176-6960
First time applicants are strongly encouraged to fill out the
