Grant and Eligibility Guidelines
Our 2024-2025 Grant Cycle will open on September 5th and closed on September 30th. No Incomplete submissions, or any grant proposals received after 11:45pm on September 30, 2024 will be considered.
An organization may submit proposals in more than one initiative. However, only one (1) grant per organization will be awarded.
An organization may submit proposals in more than one initiative. However, only one (1) grant per organization will be awarded.
The Grants Process
The Community Foundation (TCF) sends notices of the availability of grants to hundreds of nonprofit agencies and invites them to submit an online grant proposal. TCF Grants Committee extensively reviews all grant proposals. Beginning October 1st, all completed proposals will be reviewed and rated by each Grant Committee member. Based upon final recommendations from the Grants Committee and approval by The Community Foundation Board of Directors, The Foundation staff will notify grant recipients of decisions at the end of November.
2024-2025 Grant Initiatives
The Community Foundation Sponsorship Grant Program
The Community Foundation is excited to announce a new initiative focused on providing sponsorship grants for events hosted by 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and government entities in Southwest Florida.
- With $300,000 available in event sponsorship grants, we aim to become the “go-to” foundation for supporting community events that benefit local charities and enhance the visibility and impact of The Community Foundation.
- Our goal is to partner with organizations planning impactful events, offering financial support while gaining exposure and creating a symbiotic relationship that amplifies our mutual goals.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be considered for the Sponsorship Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nonprofit Status: Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization, school, church, or a city/county government group.
- Geographical Focus: The event must take place within the Southwest Florida region.
- Event Focus: Events that directly benefit the local community, align with The Community Foundation’s mission, and provide visibility and branding opportunities for the Foundation.
- Event Timing: Events must be scheduled to take place within 12 months of the grant application submission.
- Funding Use: Grant funds must be used solely for event-related expenses, including venue costs, marketing, event materials, speaker/performer fees, and catering.
Application Criteria
Applicants should carefully consider the following criteria when applying:
- Event Impact: Describe how the event will positively impact the community and how success will be measured.
- Audience and Reach: Provide details on the expected number of attendees, demographics, and outreach strategies.
- Budget: Submit a detailed budget outlining all event costs, the amount requested, and allocation of sponsorship funds.
- Visibility for The Community Foundation: Include a plan for recognizing the Foundation before, during, and after the event.
- Partnership Opportunities: Discuss additional opportunities for engagement with The Community Foundation.
Sample Grant Application
Below is a sample of the information required when applying through our online platform, Foundant:
- Organization Information: Legal Name, EIN, Address, Website, Primary Contact Name, Email, Phone Number.
- Event Information: Event Name, Date, Location, Estimated Number of Attendees, Event Description.
- Community Benefit: How the event will benefit the community and align with The Community Foundation’s mission.
- Visibility Plan: How the Foundation will be recognized during the event.
- Sponsorship Amount Requested and Total Event Budget.
- Funding Use: Detailed explanation of how grant funds will be used.
Grant Reporting Requirements
Grantees must submit the following reports within 60 days after the event:
- Financial Report: Detailed account of how sponsorship funds were used, including receipts.
- Event Impact Report: Summary of event success, including attendance, community impact, and media coverage.
- Recognition Report: Documentation of how The Community Foundation was recognized during the event.
Suggested Event Sponsorship Benefits
To maximize the partnership, we recommend the following benefits as part of your sponsorship package:
- Prominent Logo Placement on all event materials.
- Verbal Acknowledgment during speeches or presentations.
- VIP Access or special access to Foundation representatives.
- Social Media Exposure: Tag The Community Foundation in posts and use dedicated hashtags.
- Speaking Opportunity for a representative from The Community Foundation.
- Post-Event Recognition in follow-up communications or publications.
The Community Foundation is committed to fostering strong partnerships with local charities through our sponsorship grant program.
- We believe this initiative will create a significant impact in the community while enhancing our visibility and reputation as a leading supporter of local initiatives.
- To apply for a sponsorship grant, please visit our website at www.capecoralcf.org. Grant applications will open on September 5th and close on September 30th.