TUCSON, Ariz., (March 22, 2017) – Recognizing a need to support nonprofits with flexible funding, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) today announced the launch of a grantmaking strategy to confront 21st-century challenges and achieve greater community impact – CORE grants. The program will provide general operating support funds to high-impact nonprofits in Southern Arizona.
As the name suggests, CORE grants can support fundamental needs, including administrative costs, program expenses or salaries. Grant requests up to $30,000 will be accepted from qualified nonprofit organizations.
“Our research showed that providing high-impact organizations with flexible funding leverages their ability to make a difference,” said CFSA Vice President of Community Investment Sandra Nathan. “These funds will provide nonprofits with the flexibility they need to focus on their core mission and foster a deeper partnership with CFSA in improving the life of people and places in Southern Arizona.”
The name of the program is an acronym for the characteristics of the organizations the grants seek to fund:
Community − Are continually evolving and growing, meeting the needs of the communities they serve. They are well networked and utilize the strengths of relationships and collaboration.
Organizational Sustainability − Have a business model that provides on-going financial sustainability for their organization. A robust and balanced fundraising plan is in place and volunteers and staff are balanced in their roles. They have boards and staff that are skilled, diverse and knowledgeable, and have shown longevity and a desire to move the organization forward to achieve the best results.
Results − Demonstrate results and outcomes which help them improve over time as well as develop appropriate services to the community. High-impact nonprofits should be able to demonstrate methods for collecting and evaluating effectiveness.
Effective Programs − Clearly articulate why their programs and mission are important; high-impact nonprofits strategically align their programmatic work with the larger good of the communities that they serve.
“As part of CFSA’s strategic approach to grantmaking, CORE grants will also be presented to donors who may have an interest in supporting high-performing nonprofits,” said Nathan.
The application process is now open with a deadline of May 1, 2017. The review process will take place during the summer with award notifications at the end of August.
Basic eligibility requirements include the organization being a 501(c)3 in good standing. The organization must have local leadership in the form of a board of directors or advisory committee, local financial support, and local program management and accountability. Funds may not be used to support the organization’s national, regional or state office, if one exists.
Financial documentation such as balance sheets and three years of profit-and-loss statements will be required. The organization also must submit its diversity policy.
Full application requirements are available at www.cfsaz.org/coregrants/.
The CORE grants contact is Kelly Huber, Program Officer at CFSA.