GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

This document and our grant process has been updated as a result of the Covid19 pandemic and as a result there are important changes please reread if you have read this before.

Project Eligibility

A project will be eligible for consideration if the application explains how…

• The project is compatible with the UCP Mission
• The group or organization proposing the project is able to demonstrate the ongoing commitment and involvement of the team needed to complete the project.
• The project would benefit a significant part of the community population.
• The project makes use of local businesses and resources where possible.
• The project is allowed within the scope of UCP’s non-profit status (ex: no political activities).
• If the project is associated with another organization that participating organization has a budget of under $50,000.00 per year.

Past Grants:

Generally our grants range in the $250.00  – $500.00 dollar range. There have been larger grants awarded. All community members are welcome to apply.

Grants 2013 – 2022

Applying for a Grant

If you think your project is a good match, complete and submit 8 copies of the following:

1. Grant Application Cover Page (attached)
2. Grant Narrative. A few paragraphs describing your proposal. This should (briefly) include:
   • Names and contact info for the “Project Champions” as they will be the contacts for the project for UCP. (More below)
   • Who are the contacts at any affiliated organization or group responsible for the project – the “Project Owner.” This only applies if your project is owned by an existing entity such as Pine Valley Charter School, The Cornucopia Arts Council, a faith organization or another organization with decision making powers. (more below)
   • Major project activity or activities, your timeline and where the project will occur.
   • Who will benefit, directly and indirectly, from the project. Include the total estimated number of community members served.  How will they benefit? Please be detailed here.
   • How the project is a good fit for the mission of United Community Partners?
   • How you will evaluate whether your project is a success?
3. A completed project budget (attached in PDF packet). Include all funding sources, including in-kind donations of time or materials from other organizations or individuals. Please be specific about your sources for quotes, bids or estimates for purchases or services included in your budget. Printed prices from website resources are helpful. Please attach a copy or print out of any estimates you have for supplies, equipment or bids. Requests without this documentation are unlikely to get awarded.

A Complete Application will include THREE sections:
1. Cover Page
2. Grant Narrative
3. Project Budget

Please give your COMPLETE GRANT PACKETS to Pam Conley or another UCP board member.

Key Project Terms:

Project Owner: If there is an umbrella or “parent” organization that will be responsible for accounting and reporting on the grant funds, this is the “project owner”.  This entity is required to oversee and sign off on project completion. Please include a name and contact information. Not all community projects have “a project owner” but, if your project is dependent on decision makers in an organization (i.e. Pine Eagle Charter School, a faith organization, the Fair Board, a business or The Chamber for example) then we need to know how to contact those decision makers for any required documents, signatures or reports required.

Project Champion: This is the person or persons who would be responsible for the day to day running of the project or effort. Please include name(s) and contact information.  

Grant Timelines and Deadlines

COVID19 UPDATE (AUGUST 6th 2020)

Due to Covid19, the board has agreed that we will be accepting grant requests on an ongoing basis until the crisis is over. Please ignore any deadlines in forms through 2022. This means that you can submit a grant application at any time,  and our board will take it up at our next scheduled meeting. If you wish to submit a grant application and would like to discuss it, please contact
Pam Conley, UCP President, at:
president@unitedcommunitypartners.org or 541-742-4065.

A board member may contact you during this period to suggest revisions or ask clarifying questions. If you are asked to re-submit your grant, please do it as soon as possible. Applications will not be reviewed by the full board until the packet and any suggested revisions are complete.  We want your grant to be successful. 

IMPORTANT: Previous to COVID19, a representative of the project has been required to attend the UCP meeting at which the relevant application is reviewed. Because of Covid19, this may be set aside, but it would be wise to get yourself or your representative to attend a UCP meeting online using Zoom. You can download the app and get technical support at Zoom.us.

This representative should be able to answer any of the board’s questions about the application, the project and any other concerns the UCP board has. If this is not possible, be aware that your application may be substantially delayed as board members may need to contact you by phone to answer outstanding questions. If that is the case, the vote on the grant application will happen at the next scheduled full meeting of the UCP board.

Successful applicants will be notified within 15 days of the application final review. Checks for successful applicants will be released as soon as UCP is able but, please be aware that everything is slowed down a bit due to Covid19. Plan accordingly.

Unsuccessful applicants may receive feedback from board members about their grant project in order to make success more likely in the future. Please feel free to resubmit the grant request after considering Board feedback.

Rules:

• Funds received from the UCP must be expended as proposed within 12 months of the date of the award check.
• The group or organization receiving funds must agree to use those monies only for the purpose for which they were intended. If the funds are not used for their intended purpose within the 12 month grant period, they are to be immediately returned to the Treasurer of UCP.
• In no event are the funds to be used for a purpose other than as expressly identified in the grant proposal and approved by the UCP Board of Directors.
• No funds are allowed to be used on project expenses which have already occurred.

UCP GRANT APPLICATION AND BUDGET FORMS-201 (PDF)

Resources

TIPS FOR GRANT SUCCESS

GrantSpace: Creating a Budget

Quickbooks for Nonprofits Resources

Udemy Courses – Online Grant Writing Training – Note these classes are often offered at deep discounts – $10.00 per course so sign up to get notified about sales.

Crowdfunding Tips