Do I need to know someone to get a grant?
No. YVCF grant programs and processes are open and accessible to all eligible entities.
Should I use a Board contact or connection if I have one?
No. All proposals go through the same process. Board "lobbying” is discouraged, as YVCF board members adhere to a strict conflict of interest policy. The effect of lobbying may not lead to the goal you hoped to achieve.
Why don’t you provide operating support?
YVCF is aware of the importance of general support funds to nonprofit organizations. However, general support grants present a problem for community foundations. It is very difficult to establish criteria for general support grants that allow for objective, unbiased grant decisions.
YVCF does not provide ongoing annual support because donors to the Unrestricted and Field of Interest funds (from which the competitive grants are made) intended to fund a broad variety of purposes and organizations in the region. Donors who want to provide funding for a specific organization on an ongoing basis have the option of establishing a designated beneficiary fund.
Can I apply for money from your Donor-Advised funds?
No. YVCF does not make donors’ contact information available. YVCF staff will gladly share information about promising programs in the community with donor-advisors, through both formal and informal communications.
If we have been turned down, can we apply again?
Yes. Each proposal is considered on its own merits, but you have to wait until the next funding cycle.
What is the financial range of grants awarded through the Community Impact Grant Program?
The Foundation does not set a minimum or maximum grant amount. Grant size varies and is dependent on the needs of the organization and on the Foundation’s annual giving budget. YVCF encourages nonprofit organizations to ask for what they need with the knowledge that the Foundation has limited resources and that the Foundation Board is interesting in supporting a variety of nonprofits.
In 2005, YVCF awarded 9 grants totaling $200,000. The average award was $22,000 and ranged from $6,000 to $40,000. In 2006, $250,000 was awarded. In 2007, $325,000 will be awarded. For this grant cycle, no grant request should exceed $50,000.
Do I apply separately for equipment purchases or project/ program support?
Not necessarily. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for a combination of needs within these two categories or apply for a specific need within one category. The Foundation is interested in strengthening nonprofit organizations.
How should I submit, assemble and deliver my application?
All applications must be received at the Foundation by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Late applications will not be accepted. Please send 5 copies of the requested components of the application. Faxes or electronic mail will not be accepted. Please do not use folders or bindings to enhance presentation of your proposal. Please use standard paper.
Please mail or deliver applications to:
Emily Medeiros
Director of Program Services
Yakima Valley Community Foundation
111 South 33rd Street, Suite 103
Yakima, WA 98901
What is the application review process?
The Foundation staff logs in all proposals and eliminates any proposals that are late. Incomplete proposals may be considered or declined at the discretion of the staff. The staff/committee may conduct site visits or telephone interviews, when appropriate. The staff prepares a summary of proposals for review by the Grants Committee. Following its review, the Committee makes funding recommendations to the full Board of Directors for final approval.
What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients must submit a full report of how funds were used within 12 months of receipt of the funds.
What criteria should applicants emphasize?
Applicants should emphasize:
- The problem in the community that it is trying to solve.
- A significant need affecting a broad segment of Yakima County residents or special populations considered at risk.
- The capacity of your organization to provide or gather the resources needed to provide quality services and sustain them.
- The strategic approach to address community needs, including innovative strategies that offer better solutions to problems without duplicating other efforts.