Community Fund Grants

New Program grants support the launch of new nonprofit programs or services that address unmet community needs.

INCLUDES:

• Launching a new program or service not currently offered by the organization.
• Hiring staff or purchasing equipment and resources directly needed to launch a new program.
• Piloting a new program to evaluate its effectiveness.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Maintaining, enhancing or continuing existing programs or services.
• Covering routine operating expenses unrelated to launching a new program.
• Replacing or upgrading equipment without introducing new services.
• Renaming or rebranding an existing program without substantially changing its services.

Please note: New Program grants support services your organization does not currently offer. Your request should demonstrate how the proposed program differs from your existing services and addresses an unmet community need.

Capacity Building grants strengthen a nonprofit’s infrastructure, operations or resources to improve its effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

INCLUDES:

• Developing or evaluating long-term sustainability plans or areas for improvement.
• Providing professional development or leadership training.
• Upgrading technology or systems to improve efficiency.
• Strengthening operations, financial management or volunteer programs.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Covering routine operating expenses, such as rent, utilities or existing staff salaries.
• Hiring additional staff solely to maintain existing operations.
• Covering the direct costs of delivering, launching or expanding programs.
• Replacing equipment or technology without improving organizational capabilities.
• Covering ongoing budget deficits or organizational debt.

Please note: Capacity Building grants invest in your organization’s long-term effectiveness, rather than its day-to-day operations. Your request should demonstrate how the investment will strengthen your organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Financial Challenge grants provide short-term financial support to help nonprofits navigate unexpected challenges and maintain essential operations or services.

INCLUDES:

• Responding to sudden funding losses or unanticipated expenses that jeopardize essential services.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Routine operating expenses without a demonstrated, unexpected financial hardship.
• Launching new programs or expanding existing services.
• Paying off long-term debt or addressing chronic financial instability.
• Funding anticipated expenses that could be addressed through regular budgeting.

Please note: Financial Challenge grants are intended for unexpected, short-term hardships, not ongoing financial needs. Applicants must demonstrate the cause of the hardship, its impact on essential operations and a plan for financial recovery. Additional financial documentation and review will be required.

Community Event grants support nonprofit-led events that bring people together, encourage community engagement and enrich the community.

INCLUDES:

• Hosting festivals, celebrations or other community gatherings.
• Offering educational, cultural or recreational experiences that bring people together.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Private events or gatherings not open to the public.
• Fundraising events, galas or donor appreciation activities.
• Internal staff, board or volunteer appreciation events.
• Ongoing programs or services unrelated to a specific community event.
• Events primarily intended to promote an individual organization.

Please note: Community Event grants support events designed to benefit and engage the community, rather than promote or raise funds for an organization. Events may serve a specific audience but should provide meaningful opportunities for community participation