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370 Main Street
Suite 650
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 755-0980

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Capital Grant Program
Guidelines

Application | Progress Report

 

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is pleased to announce that capital grants from discretionary funds are available to nonprofit organizations beginning in 2008.

 

ABOUT CAPITAL GRANTS

Capital grants are monies awarded for and restricted to the fixed or depreciable assets of nonprofit organizations, earmarked by the Foundation for:

• physical space improvements including construction or renovation of facilities;
• the purchase of buildings, land or other property; and
• significant technology upgrades

Capital grants will typically range from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the total campaign size. The Foundation seeks to be less than 20% of the total amount secured by private gifts.

Grants may be paid over a three-year pledge period. Recipients will not be eligible to request another capital grant until one year or more has elapsed since the final grant payment has been made.

 

AREAS OF INTEREST

Capital grants will be made to nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of making a positive and measurable impact on the quality of life in the communities we serve, in the following focus areas:

• Arts and Culture – especially efforts that enable the whole community to benefit from the arts
• Community Development – support for organizations that revitalize neighborhoods, engage citizens, or create affordable housing
• Environment – protecting open space, land and waterways, and reducing pollution in the communities of Central Massachusetts
• Human Services – improving opportunities for diverse communities and vulnerable people of all ages
• Health – ensuring access to health care and health promotion strategies by low-income people, those with disabilities, and new immigrants

The vitality of our community and the well-being of our citizens are best served if we invest in projects that do one or more of the following:

• Preserve and enhance the region's cultural jewels and environmental resources
• Provide access to fundamental opportunities for disadvantaged people
• Create a safe and healthy environment for residents of all ages
• Foster ways for people from diverse backgrounds to work together on shared goals
• Integrate efforts and strengthen partnerships among organizations
• Improve the ability of local organizations to accomplish their missions

ELIGIBILITY

Capital grants will be restricted to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in Worcester County, MA.

Preference will be given to previous grantees, i.e., community-based nonprofit organizations whose programs and missions we have supported in other ways through program or operating grants.

In general, a capital grant will not be the initial award from the Foundation.

Colleges and universities, religious organizations, governmental entities, and endowments are generally not eligible to receive a capital grant from discretionary funds.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Organizations that meet the above criteria must be prepared to supply us with the following:

1. Demonstration of significant fundraising progress. More than 50% of the private dollars required should be pledged, including 100% financial support from board members, before contacting the Foundation with a pre-application inquiry. We do not seek to be among the first donors to a capital investment.
2. Evidence of a strategic plan and strong operations. The plan should include a rationale for the capital campaign, fundraising objectives and strategy based on legitimate and attainable institutional goals. Solid operating results for the prior three years, as well as budget projections, will show how the organization will meet its annual operating expenses during the capital campaign and after.

Before you begin the application process, it is highly recommended that you call the Foundation to speak with a Program Officer to help us better understand your application and to assist you with the process.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Awarding of capital grants follow a 3-step process which includes a pre-application, site visit and full discretionary grant application as shown below:

 

CAPITAL GRANT APPLICATION TIMELINE

Step 1. Pre-application due	Step 2. Pre-application processing & site visit	Step 3. Complete application due	Decision
July 15	July 15 through August 15	September 15	December

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, proposals are due the following business day at 5:00 p.m.

 

WHERE TO SEND APPLICATION

Ann T. Lisi
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
370 Main Street, Suite 650
Worcester, MA 01608-1738

Telephone: (508) 755-0980

Contact: Lois A. Smith