Guidelines
Rutland Corner Foundation 2008-2009 Funding Guidelines
HISTORY: In the past ten years, the Rutland Corner has given away over 100 grants totaling more than $1.25 million dollars to fifty local organizations that support girls ages 10 to 15. Annually, we fund programs that promote girls' self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and taking responsibility for their lives. Funded programs address these issues in a myriad of ways. As a volunteer board, we have a commitment to fund a diverse group of programs annually. Every year we provide special project and core program support to programs that are oriented to several areas, including: the arts, athletics, dance, science, writing, and health education. The Foundation also hosts a grantee luncheon every November, when representatives from each funded agency participate in an informal discussion of their successes and challenges. This tradition has provided a great opportunity for problem solving and networking, and feedback from our grantees has been enthusiastic.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Rutland Corner Foundation is committed to helping and sustaining programs serving girls aged 10-15 within Greater Boston. We believe that early adolescence is an important time in a young girl’s development, and recognize that there are different needs that girls have at this age. The emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, and academic support girls receive during this age positively influence developmental outcomes. We specialize in supporting programs that address those unique developmental challenges and needs.
ELIGIBILITY/GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS: Funding requests will be considered from Massachusetts-based non-profit organizations, as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Applicants must be located within the Route 128 beltway, and serve girls between the ages of 10-15 years.
TYPES OF SUPPORT: Rutland Corner is now offering two funding opportunities for potential grantees:
1. Special Projects Grant: This is a one-time grant up to $30,000 for a special project or capacity building. Some examples of the kinds of requests this category includes are:
- special programming equipment to increase the programs ability to deliver high quality activities like technology
- research
- innovative fundraising activities to increase financial sustainability and/or leverage funds
- strategic planning resources
- technical assistance support that helps small organizations increase their organizational and fundraising capacity.
Please note: If a program is awarded the one-time special projects grant, that program is eligible to apply for program support the next fiscal year.
2. Program Support Grants: This category of funding includes new initiatives and pilot projects, support for ongoing direct services, and general operating expenses related to serving girls. We support all types of activities: athletics, performing and creative arts, science education, life skills, health and wellness, domestic violence intervention, and other approaches designed to address girls' needs. These are one-year grants up to $25,000.
Some of the criteria we look for as we consider proposals are:
- Number of girls served in program
- Frequency of quality contact with girls during program cycle
- Programming that has measurable impact on the girls and evaluation processes to measure ongoing impact.
- Resources garnered from other funding sources
Refunding for consecutive years may be possible after successful completion
of year one of funding.
There is no automatic renewal of multi-year grants. Grantees seeking multi-year
funding must submit an interim grant report and a short letter detailing
upcoming plans when letters of intent are due to the Foundation in November. All
grantees must also submit a final grant report by May 31st.
All reports should follow the AGM report format, available at www.agmconnect.org.
We do not have a maximum number of years a program can receive funding from
us, nor do we have a wait period for programs to re-apply.
Please note that programs cannot apply for both the special projects grant
and the program support grant during the same fiscal year.
HOW TO APPLY:
Letters of intent should be a maximum of two pages (please use at least 10-point font and one-inch margins), and should be
emailed to Yasmin Shah at rcf @ grantsmanagement.com. Please do not mail
paper copies. Letters
of intent should include the following:
- organizational background, mission, and budget
- project summary and purpose, budget, target population, impact, outcomes, and request amount
- contact information, including name, title, address, phone, and email for applicant
- demonstration of how the organization and/or project will further the mission and goals of the Foundation
- designation of which funding opportunity the proposal will focus on (i.e., special projects grant or program support grant)
Letters of intent will be
reviewed by the Board, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full
proposal. Requirements for full proposals will be included with the letter of
invitation.
2008-2009 DEADLINES:
Friday, December 12, 2008:
Letters of Intent due by 5 PM via email to rcf
@ grantsmanagement.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2009:
Full proposals from invited applicants due. Proposals can be mailed, e-mailed or delivered in person, but must be received
(not postmarked) by February 20 at 5 PM.
February - March 2009:
Site visits and proposal reviews by trustees.
April 1, 2009:
Grant notifications mailed out.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Yasmin Shah
Foundation Assistant
Rutland Corner Foundation
77 Summer Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 426-7080, x317
Fax: (617) 426-7087
E-mail: rcf @ grantsmanagement.com
RUTLAND CORNER FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Saun Green, President
Madeline McNeely, Vice President
Cackie Scifres, Treasurer
Nancy Torti, Secretary
Celinda Miranda, Assistant Secretary
Jennifer Chin, Director
Sonia Alleyne-Matthews, Director
Last Updated 7/22/08
Grants Management Associates