Direct service nonprofits thinking about their own organizational needs are invited to apply for Capacity Building Grants in a competitive grant round offered through Southwest Initiative Foundation.
“We see this as a way to reconnect with nonprofit organizations,” said SWIF Community Impact Director Nancy Fasching. “This grant opportunity will help us learn more about the needs and capacities of regional organizations.”
Applications for the competitive Capacity Building Grants are due from 501(c)3 nonprofits by Jan. 4, 2016, for up to $5,000 in organizational support, awarded in February 2016. Altogether, regional nonprofits could benefit from $50,000 in total grant awards, Fasching said. Applicants must directly serve the SWIF 18-county area, provide a match toward funded projects, and complete funded projects within 12 months of grant award dates.
Our goal is to build the strength and sustainability of direct service organizations in southwest Minnesota, Fasching said.
“As we look forward, we see these organizations connected directly to our communities,” she explained. “We must make sure they’re poised for success and able to meet the region’s needs.”
The grants have four areas of focus: mission, vision and strategy; governance and leadership; resource development; and internal operations and management. Examples of potentially supported projects include technology improvements that provide organizational improvement, professional development for nonprofit leaders to strengthen the core of a group, or formulating a strategic or succession plan when a long-term leader departs a nonprofit, Fasching said.
Each applicant must complete a pre-application questionnaire, ideally before Dec. 1, 2015, with “Nonprofit Capacity Building” in the project title field. Applicants meeting program criteria will receive a full application packet to complete and return by Jan. 4, 2016.
During the review process, we will be in contact with applicants and may schedule site visits if necessary. Our final grant decisions will be made by Feb. 29, 2016. Download our fact sheet for more information about this new opportunity.
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