Eligibility criteria

Qualified applicants must be either a private, non-profit organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code or a public institution. The organization, or program to be funded, must be located in Vermont.  An organization may submit only one application in a 12 month period.

Funding Guidelines

Through its grant making, the Windham Foundation seeks to assist Vermont organizations concerned with the needs and quality of life in Vermont, its citizens and its communities. Those organizations include, but are not limited to, those dealing with:

1. Agriculture and the food systems
2. Disadvantaged youth
3. Environmental enhancement
4. Education in the broadest sense
5. Public policy issues
6. Promotion of the arts, crafts and Vermont traditions
7. Meeting basic human services
8. Historic preservation

In making decisions, the Foundation will look at an organization’s competence in the proposal area, track record, the stability of its financial base, the strength of its leadership and the long-term viability of the program in question.  Approximately $75,000 in grants will be awarded each quarter. There is no fixed limit on the amount of grant requests although most will be within the $5,000 - $10,000 range. Grants rarely exceed $25,000; although, on occasion, the Foundation will make an exceptional grant to a particularly worthwhile project.

The types of proposals the Foundation funds are wide ranging. It includes special initiatives, seed money for pilot projects or new organizations, capital funds, matching and challenge grants. Ongoing support for operations will be considered where it strengthens organizational capacity.

The Foundation will not provide support for the following:

• Endowment campaigns.
• Sporting activities, outings or events.
• Fraternal or religious organizations, including schools with religious affiliation.
• Individual fellowships or scholarships.
• Summer camps, playgrounds or day care facilities, and skate parks unless part of a comprehensive after school program.
• Specific cultural performances.
• Publications or surveys.
• Although we value the work, we are not able to provide grants to affiliates of national organizations focused on particular diseases or those that provide emergency relief efforts.                                                                                                                                               

How to Apply

The Foundation does not prescreen applications although it will respond to letters of inquiry or questions directed to the grants administrator, Becky Nystrom. Personal interviews or site visits are not required but on occasion, may be requested by the Foundation as part of the process.

Five (5) copies of the final application should arrive at the Windham Foundation office by 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Sorry, we do not accept faxed or e-mailed applications. Applicants will be notified by mail of the Foundation's decision approximately 10 - 12 weeks after the deadline.

Submission Requirements

Your application should include the following information in this order please.

Only ONE copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and audit is required, but please include five (5) copies of your P&L and most recent cash flow statements.

1.    A completed Grant Application Cover Sheet signed by both the Executive Director and President of the governing body.   

2.    One-page Executive Summary outlining the proposal including specific objectives of the project, the funds requested, their anticipated use and the project timeline.

3.    Proposal narrative (not to exceed 3 pages) including:

1. Brief description of the applying organization and its expertise in the project area.
2. The background to the project or the problem being addressed.
3. The project goals.
4. The population served, and the timeline.
5. Measures of project outcomes and impact.
6. Plan to sustain funding.

4.    Financial Information

a.    Organization budget for current year

b.    One copy of a Financial Statement, preferably audited, from last completed financial year

5.     Attachments

c.    Current board of directors with affiliations

d.    Institutional funding sources over $1,000.

e.    One copy of your IRS 501 (c) (3) Determination Letter

How We Evaluate Your Application

To assist you in understanding our decision-making, here are the considerations the committee typically takes into account:

MISSION FIT:

·How does the project advance the Windham Foundation mission and priorities?

Likelihood of Success:

·Are the project’s objectives clear and realistic?

·Is there a plan for future sustainability?

·Are the project objectives measurable and clearly understood?

·If successful is the project impact significant?

Fiscal Strength:

·Does the application explain how the requested funds are to be used?

·What is the financial status of the organization?

·Does the organization have a track record of effective fiscal management?

Evidence of COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

·Does the proposal show knowledge of related initiatives or programs and coordination with them?

·Is their evidence of strong community support for the project e.g. local fundraising, commitment of time, personnel, equipment, space?

CAPITAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECTS:

·Does the project, site or building have historic significance other than age?

·Have project viability thresholds been established and met and are there accurate cost estimates?  (In general, with limited grant resources, we are more likely to participate in such projects when they are underway, not at the exploration or planning stage).

LAND CONSERVATION AND FARM VIABILITY Projects: 

·Does the project enhance Vermont’s farm economy through value-added products, local food programs or alternative land use? 

·For a land preservation project, does the land have public recreational access and use?

SCHOOL PROJECTS

·Is there a charitable and community mission associated with the project?

·Is the request seeking to replace school budget cuts? 

·Is there support from the school/district for the project?

·If the project concerns curriculum, how is it integrated in the overall curriculum standards?