A mission statement and current goals for the organization or organizations, if this is a collaborative effort. A brief description of the organization or each collaborating organization including history, current services and how this project supports those missions. 

The Foundation Trustees are interested primarily in how the proposed project will help the organization achieve its established goals, solve a critical problem or prepare for the next steps in its development to meet the stated needs.  These issues should be addressed in a concise narrative of three (3) to five (5) pages covering the requirements listed  1 – 7 below. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to identify best practices, to explore solutions emerging from nonprofit and business management theory, and to collaborate with others in their field and community.

1. A DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEMS OR CONDITIONS THE PROJECT IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS:

• Need for the project; its uniqueness and non-duplication
• What outcome do you seek? (Outcomes are long-range and broad in scope)
• What methods will you use to achieve the end result or outcome(s)? (Methods are short-term, concrete and measurable)
• What activities will you carry out to achieve the project objectives?
• The people, who will be served by the project, including the number you estimate will benefit from it.
• The geographic area the project will directly affect.
• Methods for measuring your success. How will you know that you have met your objectives?  If the project is to serve as a model, how will information be disseminated?  (If you receive a multi-year grant, you will be asked to submit an evaluation report and pictures, if appropriate, on a semi-annual basis until the project is completed and then a final report.)
• Anything else that might help us to understand what you are trying to accomplish and why.

2. PERSONNEL:
List the personnel who will work on the project and their qualifications OR if not yet hired, please include a job description for each individual to be hired.

3. BOARD INVOLVEMENT:
Will any of the board members be involved and if so, how?
If this is a collaborative effort, please describe how each organization is integrated into the project; either a flowchart or a brief narrative is acceptable.

4. TIMETABLE:
Show the timetable you have set to achieve your objectives.

5. PROJECT FUNDING:
Give details of any funding you have already received or requested for your project (how much, from whom, and for what). Explain how the funds requested from The Chamber Foundation will be used. What are your continuing funding plans?

6. PROPOSAL (INCOME & EXPENSE) BUDGET:
Provide a full budget breakdown. Detail projected overall expenses for your project and itemize the portion requested from The Chamber Foundation. If a consultant is utilized, a specific and brief description of how that person will be used, the consultant’s special qualifications for the assignment and a resume. Please indicate consultant’s daily rate.

7. EVALUATION:
Include an evaluation plan that shows how the organization(s) will know to what extent the project has succeeded. The plan should state how the evaluation would be carried out, when the results will be known, and should include quantified measures wherever possible. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a final project report that includes results of the evaluation.

An audited financial statement for the most recent year from existing Organizations.  Where an audited Statement is unavailable, a Treasurer’s Report will be acceptable.  For an organization in the formative stage, a projected budget is required.

Attach a copy of your 501(c)(3) and each participating organization’s 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service (not a letter from the State). If you are a public agency, so signify.

NOTE:  A Federal Income Tax exemption letter dated after 1969.  Exemption letters dated prior to 1969 and State Exemption Certificates are not acceptable.  Only a municipality is exempt from this requirement.

A new or updated Federal Tax Exemption Letter may be obtained through:

Internal Revenue Service Customer Service Unit
P.O. Box 1680
Brooklyn, NY 11202-1680

You will also need to provide the most recent From 990 for each participating organization. If an agency is not required to file a 990 Form, please explain and document.

List each participating organization’s current Board of Directors with their names, addresses and affiliations.  A brief bio of each board member is very helpful.

If a collaborative effort, letters of commitment signed by the President or Chairman of the respective governing boards must be attached. The letters should indicate that the proposal has been reviewed and approved by the respective governing board and specify the agreed upon FISCAL AGENT for the project.

If your organization(s) has a different Fiscal Agent be prepared to include their information in the application.

Most recent Form 990 for each participating organization. If an agency is not required to file a Form 990, please explain and document.

• Full-time, part-time employee and volunteer information
• Population served (total number, geographic area served)