Funders around the world see collective impact as a new and more effective process for social change. Research has been proven that using a focused, strategic approach in the granting produces a more measurable impact when that strategy employs efforts in collaboration, data driven performance, focused target areas, and additional funding sources.
The Community Foundation of South Lake is a catalyst for change in our community. Each year, competitive grants are awarded to local non-profit organizations from the income and interest accumulated from our unrestricted funds. In order to be eligible to apply for funding, your non-profit must meet our grant requirements (listed below) and a representative must attend our award presentation. We support a variety of programs in the areas of: Education, Health and Wellness, and Community Development. If you have any questions regarding grants, email Brittany@cfslc.org.
Community Grants
The Community Foundation of South Lake knows that there are many independent sector organizations doing great work in the South Lake County community and encourage and support those works by providing the opportunity for funding. There is no specific area of focus for the foundation. Evident community impact is required for grant requested. Our Grant Committee thoroughly reviews every proposal. The Committee is comprised of members of our Board of Directors and community leaders with a passion for philanthropy and a dedication to social change and measurable impact.
- Awards up to $10,000
- Must be an active and in good-standing 501(c)3 organization.
- Must attend the mandatory Grant Application Workshop on June 23, 2017 at the Community Foundation Office.
- Must complete an application and include required attachments.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend the Foundation for Success workshops.
Upcoming Grant Cycle: July 3, 2017 thru August 8, 2017 due by 12:00pm; no exceptions!
- All applications are submitted via DropBox. SUBMIT your full grant application here!
- 2016_2017 Program Budget Template (mandatory)
- 2016-2017 Organizational Budget Template (mandatory)
- DropBox Tips
The BIG Idea!
The Community Foundation of South Lake is calling non-profit organizations to think big to make a lasting impact to our community, to collaborate with other non-profits and entities to make a real difference. The needs of our neighbors are many times much greater than what the eye can see or even what they may voice. It is often times a combination of adverse situations that cause a drastic situation.
We would like to see our non-profits come together to combat areas of need, in a collective impact way, creating streamlines of services or support.
The Big Idea must serve South Lake County and prove evidenced needs in the community. Collaborations need to be well thought out, planned, and have intentional impact goals that can be measured.
Collaborative Examples include:
Sample A Feeding organization, partners with Goodwill and a food truck association to establish a mobile grocery to bring fresh produce and low-cost stables to low-income neighborhoods.
Sample B Health organization, partners with Boys and Girls Club, a church, and a farmer to build community gardens and a sustainable food infrastructure (including a tilapia farm).
- Award range of $25,000 to $50,000
- Requires a letter of intent (2 page max) outlining the program, as well as, partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Collaboration is required.
- Big Idea Letters of Intent are accepted November 1, 2017- November 30, 2017 at 12:00pm; no exceptions!
- Invitations for full applications will be collected January 8, 2018 thru February 8, 2018 at 12:00pm; no exceptions!
Grant Requirements
Grants made competitively through our Grant cycle are limited to:
- Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations certified by the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code
- Grant must be for the direct benefit of the South Lake County Community which includes communities within the Hospital Tax District and encompasses: Clermont (south to 4-corners included), Ferndale, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, Stuckey, and Montverde; please note, this does not mean your organization cannot be from an area outside the tax district, just the grant must directly benefit the South Lake community. Grants from our Family of Funds are not subject to this limitation.
- Minimum of one year of financial data must be provided, and IRS 501(c)(3) tax return for a 12-month period prior to application.
- Public schools are eligible to apply; funds must be granted to the school, which can then be distributed accordingly.
- Public libraries are eligible to apply.
Ineligible Grant Requests
The following requests are not eligible for funding from the Community Foundation of South Lake unrestricted pool of assets:
- Endowments
- Capital Campaigns
- Fundraising expenses, sponsorship, or thrift stores
- Infrastructure improvements when the land/building is not owned by the organization
- No support for religious organizations for religious purposes
- Indirect costs or overhead expenses
- Lobbying, activism, or litigation
If you have any questions pertaining to Grants, please contact Brittany, by calling 352-394-3818 or emailing Brittany@cfslc.org.