Deadline: 9-Oct-20
The New Canaan Community Foundation is accepting applications for both the annual grant cycle and the COVID-19 Response Fund. Organizations have the option of applying for one or both of these funding opportunities.
The New Canaan Community Foundation’s mission is to serve as New Canaan’s local partner for advice, leadership, and facilitation of charitable giving. Their vision is a New Canaan that comes together to address both individual and local challenges, enriching the lives of all community members.
Their grant investments support programs, operating, partnerships, and the capacity of individual nonprofits as well as the local nonprofit sector. Grantmaking is one way that we deploy resources in the community for impact, but not in isolation – financial resources are just one way they hope to support the health of their community. From their grantmaking and the expertise of their partner nonprofits, the Foundation strives to provide community leadership on key local issues and act as a convener and advocate.
Goals
Their funding supports several broad areas, with the following goals:
- Arts, Culture & Community Resources – Community members benefit from New Canaan’s cultural, recreational, and other community resources.
- Health – Community members have the information and access to services they need to stay healthy.
- Human Services – Community members are able to meet their basic needs.
- Seniors & Special Needs – Older adults & persons with special needs achieve and maintain a high quality of life.
- Youth & Education – Youth have the academic, social, and financial support they need to succeed.
Funding Information
- Grants that are generally in the range of $5,000 – $20,000
Capacity-building Grants
At the Letter of Inquiry stage, applicants also have the opportunity to identify whether they have a capacity-building need. Capacity building requests will only be considered from organizations based in New Canaan or substantively serving New Canaan. Capacity-building grants seek to help nonprofit organizations increase their reach, impact, or capacity as an effective organization.
Following an initial review, applicants may either be:
- Invited to submit a full proposal for grants that are generally in the range of $5,000 – $20,000. Guidance and feedback will also be provided if there are concerns or questions about the initial request that need to be addressed in the proposal. Organizations receiving larger dollars grants in this area will be expected to report on the impact achieved during their grant period.
- Moved to the next round** of review but will not need to submit additional information if it’s determined they will be considered for smaller dollar grants, generally $5,000 and under. Organizations receiving smaller dollar grants are vetted for inclusion on their grant list, as it is our hope that smaller dollar grants can help leverage additional visibility or support from a wider range of donors.
- Considered for any issue-specific initiatives identified as priorities by the Foundation.
- Declined, if there is not a fit with Foundation priorities.
Eligibility Criteria
- The New Canaan Community Foundation funds nonprofit organizations in Lower Fairfield County.
- Their emphasis is on organizations based in New Canaan, and those serving significant numbers of people in the New Canaan community.
- Additionally, they support organizations providing critical services in lower Fairfield County, with an emphasis on towns closest to New Canaan.
- The Foundation does not support expenses already incurred or make grants to build endowments.
Submission Requirements
The Letter of Inquiry is due on Friday, October 9, 2020. The online application consists of 3 sections: Cover Sheet, Narrative, and Financial Information. This year’s grant cycle timeline is as follows:
- September 17: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) application opens;
- October 9: LOIs are due’
- Mid-December: Full proposals will be invited, if necessary. Some smaller dollar grant requests will not need to provide additional information, beyond what was provided in the LOI. Some requests may be declined, based on fit. All applicants will receive an email update on their application status;
- Mid-January: Proposals due, if applicable;
- February – March: Site.
For more information, visit http://www.newcanaancf.org/Home.aspx