Grant application process

grant guidelines 2008

Windham Foundation is an exempt foundation whose general purpose is to undertake and support historic restoration and preservation, primarily focusing its activities in Grafton, Vermont. The Foundation is deeply committed to preserving the unique nature and vitality of all of Vermont's rural communities. One significant way to support this commitment is through the Foundation's grant program which will concentrate all future funding activities on programs with significant value to the social, economic, and cultural quality of Vermont life.

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. Grants decisions are made quarterly. However, an organization may submit only one application per year.

funding priorities

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
2. disadvantaged youth
3. ecology and the natural world
4. education in the broadest sense
5. public policy issues
6. promotion of the arts

The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative ideas that can be sustained over time or that can be replicated in other parts of the state. Collaborative efforts, demonstrating broad community support and the ability to positively impact the quality of life within a community are highly encouraged.

In making decisions, the Foundation will look to the accomplishments of the applicant organization, 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 (75%) 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 support the Foundation will fund are wide ranging and include special initiatives, seed money for pilot projects or new organizations, capital funds, matching and challenge grants. Ongoing support for operations is not normally funded.

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 or day care facilities, unless part of a comprehensive after care program
• Specific cultural performances
• Publications or surveys

application process

Applications are reviewed quarterly, but may be received at any time of the year. Prior to submitting a formal application, organizations are encouraged to write a brief (one page) letter of inquiry regarding the project. Phone calls are also accepted. Personal interviews are not required but may, on occasion, be requested by the Foundation.

Deadlines for the year 2008 are:

• November 9, 2007
• February 29, 2008
• May 2, 2008
• August 8, 2008

(Please note that grant deadlines change annually)

Five (5) copies of the final application must be received at the Windham Foundation by 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date. We cannot accept faxed or e-mailed applications. Grants will be reviewed by a joint committee of the Windham Foundation and its sister foundation, the Bunbury Company, Inc. All applicants will be notified by mail of the Foundation's decision approximately 10 - 12 weeks after the deadline.

submission requirement

Your application (five copies) must include the following information in this order please, except only ONE copy of your 501(c)(3)is needed and to be included in the first application:

1. A completed Grant Application Cover Sheet signed by both the Executive Director and President of the governing body.
2. One-page Executive Summary.
3. Proposal narrative (no longer than 3 pages) including:
   • History and current position of organization
   • Requested project goals, population served, and projected timeline
   • How project outcomes will be measured
   • Plan to complete/or sustain project funding
4. Project Budget
5. Attachments:
   1. List of key project staff.
   2. Current Board of Directors.
   3. Institutional funding sources over $1,000.
   4. IRS 501 (c)(3) Determination Letter.
   5. Financial information including:
      • Organization budget for current year.
      • Audit from the last fiscal year (audits older than 18 months will not be accepted).
      • Last year's actual figures, if not covered by audit.

Please note: Your application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed if any of the above information is not included.

A copy of the grant application cover sheet is included in these guidelines. Additional copies may be obtained by calling the Windham Foundation at (802) 843-2211.

review process

Proposals are reviewed by a joint committee of the Windham Foundation and its sister foundation, The Bunbury Company. All applicants will be notified by mail of the Foundation's decision within 10 - 12 weeks of the deadline.

In making decisions, the Foundation will look to the applicant's accomplishments, financial stability, leadership, and long-term planning - as well as to the merits of the proposed funding project. Although there is no ceiling on a grant request, the average awards are between $5,000 - $10,000. Grants rarely exceed $25,000 although, on occasion, the Foundation will make an exceptional grant to a particularly worthwhile project.

Download the "Grant Application Cover Sheet" in printable Portable Document Format