Submit a Letter of Inquiry

As a means to help nonprofits affected by the downturn in the economy, the Foundation has temporarily expanded its funding guidelines to include support for operating costs for sustainable programs that are deemed vitally important to our community.   Whether applying for program or operating support, a Letter of Inquiry is the required first step in submitting funding requests to be considered by the Community Foundation. The Letter of Inquiry helps in determining whether a funding request qualifies for consideration before the applicant invests time and effort in completing a full grant proposal.

FUNDING GUIDELINES FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT GRANTS
(please see next section for operating support requests)

Purpose
Program Support Grants are intended to provide funds for innovative, new or ongoing projects of charitable, nonprofit agencies or public charitable activities that fall within the Foundation's identified grantmaking priorities and that meet local needs. 

Eligibility
The Foundation welcomes Letters of Inquiry from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Letters of Inquiry from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need.

Fiscal Sponsors
Letters of Inquiry submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency's board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity's fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project.

Funding Minimum/Maximum Range
The Foundation will consider funding requests of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Funding requests that do not fall within these limitations will not be considered. 

Program Areas Considered for Funding
Please visit our Program Areas page for details about the kinds of projects and programs supported through our Community Impact Grants Program.

Arts and Culture
Community Development
Education
Health
Human Services
Other Civic Endeavors, such as the Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development

Project Areas NOT Considered for Funding
Religious organizations for religious purposes
Political parties or campaigns
Endowment creation or debt reduction
Capital campaigns
Annual appeals or membership contributions
Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes
Scholarships 

Instructions for Preparing a Letter of Inquiry (for program support)
Letters of Inquiry should be no more than two single-spaced 8.5x11-inch pages, margins of no less than one inch, and type size of no less than 10 points. Include contact information (name, telephone number, email address) and attach a copy of your organization's IRS determination letter. Submit a Letter of Inquiry that addresses the following:

• State the type of funding that you are seeking (i.e. program or operating) and the amount being requested.
• Describe the project and the target population to be served.
• What need does the project address and why is your organization well-suited to address the need?
• What is the expected impact to your organization and to the community/target population?
• Is this a new program or a continuation of an existing program?
• Is there other funding currently in place for the project? If so, what is the amount and source of that funding?
• Is collaboration with other agencies anticipated? If so, name the agencies and a brief summary of the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
• What is the total cost of the project? Of the total cost, what amount is being requested from the Community Foundation?
• What is the anticipated timetable for project implementation and completion?
• What is the desired outcome or results to be achieved? 

FUNDING GUIDELINES FOR OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTS

Purpose
Organizations may apply for funding in support of operating expenses related to sustainable programs that are vitally important to our community, including administration and overhead that are necessary for continuation of the program.

Eligibility
The Foundation welcomes Letters of Inquiry from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Funding Minimum/Maximum Range
The Foundation will consider funding requests of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Funding requests that do not fall within these limitations will not be considered.

Funding Consideration
Organizations whose missions are consistent with at least one of the Program Areas supported by the Community Foundation may apply for an Operating Support Grant.  

The Foundation will consider requests from nonprofits that demonstrate the following: 

• Programs and activities that positively impact the community
• Effective and experienced board leadership with respect to strategic planning, fund raising, and financial oversight
• Responsible and involved management and staff
• Solid financial systems to track income and expenses as well as results and outcomes of its work

The Foundation will also give favorable consideration to organizations with a strong history of fulfilling grant requirements and timely reports for grants received in previous years.   

Areas NOT Considered for Funding

• Operating expenses of churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. or other religious organizations whose sole purpose is religious education and/or worship
• Political parties or campaigns
• Capital campaigns or endowment creation
• Development or implementation of a new program
• Expansion of an existing program
• Re-granting

Instructions for Preparing a Letter of Inquiry (for operating support)
Letters of Inquiry should be no more than two single-spaced 8.5x11-inch pages, margins of no less than one inch, and type size of no less than 10 points. Include contact information (name, telephone number, email address) and attach a copy of your organization's IRS determination letter and organizational chart that includes board, staff, and volunteer involvement.  Submit a Letter of Inquiry that addresses the following:

• State the type of funding that you are seeking (i.e. program or operating) and the amount being requested.
• When was your organization formed?
• Briefly describe your organization's primary programs and services.
• How has your organization been affected by the economic crisis and how do you plan to address your current financial challenges?
• What is your board's commitment to increasing support during these times? What percentage of your board has contributed in the past year? Has overall board giving increased? What steps has your board taken to raise additional support during the economic downturn?
• If awarded, how will the requested funds help your organization address its current financial challenges?

LETTER OF INQUIRY SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Deadline to Submit a Letter of Inquiry
The original and fifteen copies of the Letter of Inquiry must be received by the Foundation no later than noon on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Deliberation
Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed by the Foundation's grants committee. Subsequently, selected Letter of Inquiry applicants will receive a formal invitation to submit a full grant proposal. All applicants will receive formal notification of the outcome of the Letter of Inquiry deliberation process no later than September 7. No lobbying or solicitation of Foundation representatives will be permitted.

VCF Office Location
The Vanderburgh Community Foundation is located at 123 NW 4th Street, Suite 220, in downtown Evansville. The VCF office is on the 2nd floor of the Court Building, across the street from the old courthouse, with the entrance on 4th Street (click here for a map).