— Request for Proposals –

Overview

    The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) is offering an extra round of Youth and Education grants for programs that will begin in late 2020 or early 2021. These grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who are committed to Education and Youth Programs in the Eastern Panhandle. This additional round of grants is being offered because of the increased demands being placed on nonprofit organizations and schools during the coronavirus pandemic. Grant awards will be recommended by specific fund committees and approved by the Community Foundation Board of Directors.

    Founded in 1995 to benefit residents of Eastern West Virginia, EWVCF embraces the concept that people working together can make a difference. The Community Foundation seeks a common philosophy whereby people recognize, understand, and act upon the benefits philanthropy brings to our community.  We build permanent endowments, offer maximum flexibility to our donors, meet high professional standards, promote effective and efficient grantmaking, and strengthen charitable organizations in our community.

Youth & Education Grant Guidelines

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation will consider grants to charitable organizations providing youth-oriented programs in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties that:

• Provide educational, athletic, academic, social, civic, and community-based activities that involve or support children
• Assist sick, needy, dependent, neglected, and disadvantaged children
• Improve the quality of life for children and the Eastern Panhandle community

Grant Application Due Date

All grant applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] on or before 5 PM, Friday, October 30, 2020. During the grant review process, representatives may contact applicants for an interview. If you have questions call 304-264-0353.

Grant Size  

Although there is no set rule, Youth Grants will normally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Berkeley County Education Grants will normally range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Download the application, save it to your hard drive, then begin filling it out. Save it again when it is complete, then email it and the project narrative of no more than three pages, along with the other required attachments/documents.

Project Narrative

(1) Organizational Background

• Provide a brief history of your organization.
• Explain volunteer involvement and leadership in your program.

(2) The Need/Challenge

• Why is this program or project necessary?

(3) Proposed Solution/Program

• Explain the time frame for your program (weeks/months)
• When do you expect your program to be completed?
• How many individuals will be affected by this program/project?
• Is your program new or ongoing?
• If ongoing, how will you sustain the program in future years?
• Do you partner with other nonprofit organizations or civic groups for this program?
• How does your proposal meet our funding interests?
• How will grant monies received be spent on your program?

 (4) Expected Outcome

• What are the expected outcomes in your program? How will you define success? Please note that your final report when requesting reimbursement should be tied to these expected outcomes.

(5) Alternative and Future Funding

• Is this a one-time program/project or will it continue?
• If it will continue, what are your plans for future funding?
• If your program is not fully funded for the amount you have requested, how will you address a budget shortfall?

Payment and Final Reporting

Grants are awarded on a reimbursable basis.  (In some circumstances, this requirement may be waived.) Programs and projects must be completed by December 1, 2021. A summary of grant expenses as well as a final narrative report must be provided to the Community Foundation by December 1, 2021, in order to receive grant payments. Extensions may be allowed.

Organizations Eligible to Apply

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, government agencies, and religious groups with dedicated programs that benefit children in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties are eligible to apply for Youth Grants. Educational programs serving Berkeley County youth may apply for a Berkeley Education Grant.

Grantmaking Priorities

Priority is given to well-established groups or organizations with a history of success in youth welfare and/or education. No grants to individuals will be made. We encourage applying for funding for specific projects or programs, as opposed to general support funding.