Deadline: 04-Jun-21
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is seeking applications for its COVID-19 Recovery Nonprofit Capacity Grants Program.
The foundation is offering a round of capacity building grants to support the vitality of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations directly serving our southwest Minnesota people and communities. These capacity building activities are intended to support the nonprofit’s ability to carry out its work as it navigates beyond COVID-19.
Focus Areas
- Mission, Vision and Strategy – Activities to strengthen the core planning of an organization in line with its overall purpose. Examples include strategic planning and program evaluation
- Governance and Leadership – Activities geared toward strengthening equity, fostering leadership and governance. Examples include cultural competency development, succession planning or board training
- Resource Development – Activities designed to ensure financial stability. Examples include business or financial planning, marketing or fundraising strategy development
- Internal Operations and Management – Activities contributing to a strong and sound core infrastructure. Examples include staff development, analysis of racially equitable practices or infrastructure including technology. Major capital expenses are excluded
- Assistance with Core Operations – Filling revenue gaps created by COVID-19’s disruption. Sustainability must be identified
Funding Information
- Funding requests of up to $5,000 will be considered. The expectation is that the project will be completed within 12 months of the grant award date.
Eligibility Criteria
- All proposals must demonstrate a benefit within one or more of the following 18 counties in southwest Minnesota: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine; or the Upper Sioux Community or Lower Sioux Indian Community.
- Proposals must be submitted by an independent 501(c)(3) organization, a unit of government, religious institution, or educational entity. Entities must be in good community standing.
- Funding requests between $500 and $5,000 will be considered; matching funds are encouraged.
- Projects must be completed within 12 months of the grant award date.
- Only one grant application may be submitted per organization.
- A final report is due following the grant period.
Ineligible Organizations
Ineligible Organizations or activities include:
- Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations;
- Activities that support a specific religion or religious purpose;
- Capital funding, campaigns or endowments o Funds for re-granting.
For more information, visit https://swifoundation.org/how-to-apply/grants/