The Foundation provides operating grants to assist nonprofits during these difficult economic times.  Operating grants will fund nonprofit core operations, rather than specific programs or services. They are designed to provide a “one-shot” boost of operating capital while building the core operation of organizations such as financial systems, database systems, diversified revenue streams, or office operations.

Beginning in August 2010, qualified nonprofits may apply for an operating grant of up to $30,000. Qualified nonprofits are classified as a 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service and in business since January 1, 2008. In rare cases, an applicant can be a government agency.  The Foundation will support organizations in the following areas: health and human services, education, arts and culture, civic affairs, and the environment.

Eligibility Criteria
Organizations with an “open” operating grant from the Foundation that has not been closed out are not eligible to apply.  Please refer to your grant award letter if you have a current operating grant from the Foundation.  If you have other open grants with the Foundation and intend to apply, please e-mail us a one-page update on the status of those grants before applying.

Organizations may receive only one operating grant between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, and no multi-year grants will be funded.  Operating grant funds may not be used toward capital campaigns for new buildings or property acquisition.

Operating grants are highly competitive, and will be directed toward organizations that best meet the following criteria:

Application Categories
There are two categories of operating grants, and organizations may apply under only one category.

Efficiencies: Organizations that want to reduce their operating costs through approaches such as consolidation of services with other nonprofits, implementation or enhancement of new or improved technologies, or the “greening” of buildings may apply for a grant to help support these efforts.  In order to make a compelling case for funding, an organization must provide a cost-benefit analysis showing how proposed funding approaches will produce cost savings.

Earned revenues: Organizations attempting to diversify income streams and generate new revenue for the organization may apply for a grant to support initial investments required to undertake such ventures.  Examples of earned revenue include: using existing facilities to generate new income, marketing and selling a packaged program/curriculum, or outsourcing staff/volunteer/client expertise to third-party buyers.  If successful, earned revenue will be evident by a new income line on an organization’s profit and loss statement.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us or call 941.486.4600.

Application Form and Deadlines