Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) and 509(a) status whose organization or project serves the residents of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. No grant awards are made to individuals.

What do you fund?
The Competitive Grant program funds a wide range of community projects and populations that meet needs in our region. In general, projects center on arts and culture, education, environment, health, housing, and human services.

What is the average grant amount?
Historically, 80 percent of our grant awards have been for $10,000 or less. The Community Foundation seldom considers funding the entire cost of a program.

What will strengthen an application?
Compliance with all requirements, collaboration, creativity, and significant community impact.

Can a draft be submitted?
No. Incomplete applications will be returned. We are always willing to answer questions as the proposal is being written.  A “grace period” is offered to those who wish to submit their application a week before the deadline. During this “grace period” grants staff members will advise applicants as to the completeness of application and give them an opportunity to complete it by the deadline.

Can organizations personally present proposals to the decision makers?
All organizations that submit eligible proposals have an opportunity to discuss the merits of their project at a meeting with a Distribution Committee member or a Project Reviewer. Final recommendations are made in a closed session of the full Distribution Committee.

What common problems have you noticed in grant applications submitted to the foundation?

• Incomplete applications, particularly budget and financial information.
• Unsigned applications.
• Failure to preserve exact form spacing of cover page.
• Failure to complete a Grant Report form within 60 days of project completion for a previously awarded grant.
• Requests that do not correspond with Community Foundation guidelines and restrictions.

May we request funding for a capital campaign or large construction project?
Yes. However, as these are more complex projects, you should contact the grants staff a couple of months prior to submission to review necessary documentation and appropriate timing of the request. Typically, these projects are asked to include timelines for construction and fundraising, and a fundraising plan.

What is a “Capital Campaign?”
A capital campaign is typically a major organizational endeavor to raise $1M or more, over several years, and involves individual donations, corporate gifts, and foundation grants.

What if a project is not a 501(c)(3) organization?
Those groups who are not 501(c)(3) organizations who wish to seek funding for a project should partner with a 501(c)(3) organization to serve as the fiscal sponsor to apply for Community Foundation funds. It will be necessary to complete a certification form and provide additional documentation. Contact the Grants staff to obtain specifics. If the grant award is made, the 501(c)(3) organization will receive the award.