Deadline: 15-Nov-20
The Central Carolina Community Foundation is inviting eligible applicants for its Connected Communities Grants which is a challenge grant for interesting and engaging ideas to improve the community’s quality of life and livability and increase residents’ satisfaction and community attachment.
More specifically, Connected Communities grants will fund the most important elements of an attractive community as identified by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Gallup, and On the Table community surveys.
What the Foundation Funds
- Connected Communities projects should increase the quality of life, community attachment and satisfaction by increasing Midlands residents’ easy access to:
- Safe places to live and work;
- Healthcare facilities and services;
- Quality job opportunities;
- Affordable housing;
- Safe, proximal, high-quality recreational areas;
- Quality arts and cultural events.
- Priority will be given to projects that promote equity, and incorporate policy, advocacy, institutional/systems change and/or social justice (equal rights, opportunity, and treatment for all).
- Central Carolina Community Foundation will continue to prioritize organizations outside Richland County and/or led by Black, Indigenous and people of colour.
The Foundation is Looking For Ideas That
- Enhance community connections in the Midlands.
- Incorporate novel approaches to creating a vibrant, connected community.
- Raise public awareness of the area/region.
- Provide a measurable level of community involvement (volunteers or participants).
- Are for new or expansion projects. Current programs from organizations will not be considered.
- Promote philanthropy across region.
Funding Information
- Applicants may request up to $50,000.
- Programs should begin by June 1 and be complete by the following May 31
- What will not fund:
- Routine operating expenses of the organization;
- Programs that are routinely implemented at an organization;
- Fundraising projects—including events;
- Debt reduction;
- Endowment or capital campaigns;
- Medical research;
- Conference travel, underwriting or sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations must be determined as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entities or other charitable, educational or faith-based organizations.
- Organizations must be physically located in one of the following 11 counties in the Midlands: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter
- Organizations must register for and participate in Midlands Gives
- Current Connected Communities grantees can apply; the same project can only be funded a maximum of three times. If a program/project is funded more than once, the grantee matching requirement will increase: 1st – 30%, 2nd – 40% and 3rd – 50%
- To ensure the health and safety of Midlands residents as well as the timely completion of this project, organizations must be able to complete their proposed project either virtually or with social distance measures in place.
Grant Process Timeline
- October 15-November 15 — Letters of Intent accepted;
- December 16 — Organizations invited to submit a full application;
- January 31— Invited full applications due;
- March 3 — Organizations notified of application status;
- March 23 & 24 — Finalist Presentations;
- April 30 – Grantees notified;
- Project Timeline June 1 – May 31.
For more information, visit https://yourfoundation.org/connected-communities-grant/