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2021 Basic Human Needs Grant Cycle – United States

Deadline: 29-Jan-21

The Lake County Community Foundation is seeking letters of inquiry (LOI) for its 2021 Competitive Basic Human Needs Grant that will provide flexible, general operating grants for its Basic Human Needs priority area.

LCCF board and staff recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial effect on our county’s nonprofit sector as our health and human service partners have faced increased demand for services and setbacks to their budgets with canceled fundraisers, donor fatigue and more.

The Foundation’s goal is to invest in work that allows people who are disproportionately affected by lack of access to obtain support in several areas of extreme need through wrap-around services, a continuum of care, or close collaborations with other providers.

Priority Areas

  • Addressing Basic Human Needs (BHN) –The Foundation continues to support organizations that work collaboratively to address the most basic needs of residents. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant rise in need across the county, the Foundation will provide flexible general operating grants for the 2021 Basic Human Needs Competitive Grant Cycle. The Foundation will prioritize organizations meeting the most basic needs of neighbors during this challenging time for so many in the county.
  • The program believes Lake County’s basic human needs can be met when everyone has equitable access to:
    • Affordable, nutritious food;
    • Affordable, comprehensive health care;
    • Safe and affordable housing;
    • Transportation;
    • Education and workforce opportunities;
    • Immigration and legal support services.

Funding Information

  • Grant requests a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 will be considered.
  • Up to 10 grants.

Funding Limitations

Grants will not be made for the following:

  • Scholarships;
  • Individuals;
  • Sectarian purposes (programs that promote or require a religious doctrine);
  • Support of single-disease oriented research, treatment or care;
  • The sole purpose of writing, publishing, producing or distributing audio, visual or printed material;
  • The sole purpose of conducting conferences, festivals, exhibitions or meetings;
  • Reducing operating deficits or liquidating existing debt;
  • Capital improvements/campaigns;
  • Endowment campaigns;
  • Political campaigns;
  • Sponsorship of events/fundraisers;
  • Memberships/dues;
  • Organizations that have an active grant for the same project with The Chicago Community Trust.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The Foundation considers applications from organizations that demonstrate success and sustainability with program goals and outcomes.
  • Eligible organizations are:
    • Nonprofit agencies with evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or those using a 501 (c)(3) fiscal agent.
    • Eligible applicants must be in good standing with the IRS.
    • Located within and/or primarily serving residents of Lake County, except for regional, statewide or national projects or research that may benefit a substantial portion of Lake County residents.
    • Non-discriminatory in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ability.

Application Process 

  • Step 1: Submission of letter of inquiry (LOI) – New this year, the Foundation will require applicants to complete a brief LOI. The LOI is now available will be due via email by Jan. 29, 2021. Foundation staff and Grants and Community Outreach Committee will review LOIs for alignment with the Foundation’s goals and priorities and will select 10-15 organizations to move forward in the due diligence process.
  • Step 2: Notification – Foundation staff will notify organizations selected to complete full proposals by Feb. 12, 2021. Full proposals will be emailed to selected organizations at that time and will be due via email by March 5, 2021.
  • Step 3: Due Diligence – Organizations invited to move forward in the due diligence process will participate in a virtual site visit during the months of March-May 2021.
  • Step 4: Grant Decision – The Foundation’s board of directors determines the final grant awards. Applicants will receive email notification of award/decline by May 20, 2021.
  • Step 5: Online Reporting of Outcomes – Grant recipients are required to report on outcomes at the mid-term and end of the grant cycle.

For more information, visit https://www.lakecountycf.org/how-to-apply/