What are the qualifications to apply?
Grants are made to tax-exempt private agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations, and to public charities as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Public schools, governmental entities and Knox County colleges and universities are also eligible to apply for Foundation grants. Prospective applicants are urged to contact the Foundation before preparing an application if there is a question concerning eligibility, as proof of eligibility must be provided to the Foundation before grants are considered.
What types of projects/programs does the Foundation fund?
The Foundation has a list of priority areas when determining funding for grant requests. These include:
• A pilot project which can serve as a model of excellence in the community
• A project which proposes a creative solution to an identified, but unmet need, in the community
• A project or program which encourages volunteer involvement
• A project that is a collaborative effort among nonprofit organizations in the community and will eliminate duplication of services
• A project which is likely to make a clear difference in the quality of life for a substantial number of people
• A project which promotes economic vitality in the community.
Are there projects the Foundation will not fund?
Certain projects and organizations are generally not eligible for funding, including but not limited to:
• Grants to individuals or projects where facilities or equipment of non-qualifying entities are improved or benefited
• Routine operating or payroll expenses
• Projects/Programs that are restricted to members of a particular faith community or promote a specific religious doctrine
• Purchase of computers, unless proven to be used solely for the project/program
• Paying off existing obligations, debts or liabilities
• Travel (when it is the proposal’s primary focus)
• Projects which have been completed prior to allocations decisions
• Organizations that do not operate programs in Knox County, or for the benefit of Knox County residents
• Political campaigns
• Capital improvements to privately held property, including property held by a religious organization
What are the deadlines to apply?
To expedite consideration of Small Grant requests, and to provide adequate time for the review of Major Grant requests, two distinct applications procedures have been established by the Foundation:
Small Grant applications (up to $10,000) are invited 4 times a year and must be received by January 15th, April 15th, July 15th, and October 15th for consideration at the end of each corresponding month. Applicants are encouraged to apply for funding earlier in the year as more of the funding pool will be available at that time.
Major Grant applications (more than $10,000) are invited twice each year, and must be received by January 15th for February consideration or July 15th for August consideration. The Foundation encourages organizations applying for funding of $50,000 or more to do so in the February round, as the majority of its large grant pool will be available for distribution at that time.
How do we apply?
Applicants will need to create an account on the Foundation’s Online Grant Portal. Once an account is created, applicants will have access to all grant applications available. Grant applications can be saved and returned to at a later date if needed, but must be submitted by the deadlines listed above.
For instructions and a variety of tutorials on using the Online Grant Portal, please click here.
How often can we apply?
There are no set parameters for the number of times an organization can apply, but we suggest organizations use discretion and only submit requests for highly prioritized projects. Funding is limited and the Foundation makes every attempt possible to fund a broad spectrum of needs throughout Knox County.
Can we meet before submitting an application?
Yes. Interested major grant applicants who intend to request a grant over $50,000 are encouraged to meet with the Program Director as soon as possible to provide applicants with an assessment of potential Foundation interest and support. As the Foundation runs a competitive grant program, large grant requests may need 3-5 years advance notice of intent to be eligible for funding over $50,000. Additionally, applicants not familiar with the grantmaking process or applicants with new projects/programs are welcome to schedule a meeting to answer any questions you might have.
How much money should we request?
For Small Grant applications, organizations should request the amount actually needed to successfully complete the proposed project. For Major Grant applications, the Foundation prefers to support projects in which it is a funding partner, rather than the sole funding source. Applicants are strongly urged to include some degree of match funding in their proposals, and Foundation grants should be the final dollars committed to a project. An additional factor in considering an award is an organization’s demonstrated ability to sustain the project, if applicable, when Foundation funding has ended.
When will we be notified about the grant application?
Small Grant applications are reviewed and applicants are notified within four (4) weeks of each quarterly deadline.
Major Grant applications take more time to review and often require an in-person presentation. Therefore, please allow up to six (6) weeks after the January 15th and July 15th deadlines for a determination to be made.
What do we do after being awarded a grant?
Grantees must submit the Grant Acceptance Statement within 30 days, located in the applicant’s dashboard in the Grant Portal, and request distribution of funds within 180 days of grant notification. Funds should be requested at the approximate time project expenses will first be incurred.
Grantees share are required to submit the Foundation’s Grant Follow-Up Report, also found in the applicant’s dashboard in the Grant Portal, at six-month intervals after funding is received or as soon as the funds are used, whichever is sooner. Failure to complete a Grant Follow-Up Report will result in ineligibility for future Foundation grants.
How can we get more information?
Before submitting a grant application, it is encouraged to read the Foundation’s Guidelines for Grantmaking. If you need more information or have specific questions as you complete the application, please contact Program Director, Lisa Lloyd, at [email protected] or 740-392-3270.