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 Grant workshop and 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 Impact 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 currently no specific area of focus for the foundation. However, evident community impact is required for grantees. 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.
- Grant funding must serve residents of South Lake County tax district; includes cities of Clermont, Montverde, Groveland, Mascotte, Ferndale, Minneola, and Stuckey.
- Awards up to $10,000
- Must be an active and in good-standing 501(c)3 organization.
- Must have been an active organization for at least 1 year (and provide 1 year of financial history).
- Must attend the mandatory Grant Application Workshop on January 9, 2018, 9:00am at the Community Foundation Office. -Workshop has taken place for the year, sorry you missed it.
- Must complete an application and include required attachments.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend the Foundation for Success workshops.
Community Impact Grant Cycle: January 19, 2018 thru February 28, 2018 due by 12:00pm; no exceptions!
All applications are submitted via DropBox.
- Download Grant Application-Updated as of 1.16.18
- CFSLC Program Budget Template
- CFSLC Organizational Budget Template
- DropBox Tips
Grant Cycle Timeline:
January 19th-February 28th: Application submissions
March 1st–March 30th: Review of applications
April : Grant Committee Evaluations and funding designations, Notifications to applicants
April/May: Grants awarded to applicants
The BIG Idea Grant
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).
- Next dates for The Big Idea are TBD.
- 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.
- Invitations for full applications are offered upon approval of the Letter of Intent.
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.