2010 Challenge Grant Program
Application Instructions
The Health Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of our area. If you are a non-profit or governmental health or human service agency serving people in Wilkes County, North Carolina you are encouraged to apply for a 2010 Health Foundation Challenge Grant.
According to a recent national survey, 52% of respondents expect the current recession to have a long-term (2 or more years) or permanent negative financial effect on their organizations. At the same time, 93% of organizations providing essential services anticipate an increase in demand for services.
United Way of Wilkes County has notified local agencies to expect cuts of 35% or more in funding levels from prior years. Some state and local grantors have also cut their support.
In response to this, the 2010 Health Foundation Challenge Grant program is designed to help local non-profits encourage support from individuals in order to help build a sustainable comprehensive fundraising or development program. Applications will be accepted through the close of business on March 31, 2010.
Who is eligible
Competitive awards will be made to organizations whose programs and services meet an identified health care need in our community and who have a fundraising event or plan designed to secure unrestricted operational support for their organization.
About the awards
Each award will consist of two components: sponsorship and matching.
- Sponsorship Initial awards of up to $2,500 will be made to sponsor events or programs that directly ask individuals to support the organization.
- Matching At the time of the award, organizations will also be given the opportunity to win additional matching money based on the success of their event. Award winners shall recognize The Health Foundation as a sponsor of the event, and use the matching grant as an incentive to ask individual donors to join their cause or increase their support. The definition of “individual donor” is left entirely to the discretion of The Health Foundation. United Way allocations, governmental grants, and pre-existing promises or pledges to give do not qualify for matching grants.
For Example: ABC Health Charity provides treatment and support for children with mental health issues. The organization’s leaders are planning to invite potential supporters to an evening of music and magic at a local church. Light refreshments will be served. At the event, supporters will learn about the mission and programs of ABC Health Charity and will be given an opportunity to make a charitable contribution. The Health Foundation is sponsoring the event by providing $1,000 to help defray the cost of the event. The Foundation has further agreed to match contributions raised at the event $1 for $1, up to a maximum set by The Foundation.
Selection Criteria
Awards will be based on the following criteria:
- Agency serves the health and wellness needs of people residing in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
- Agency has a demonstrated financial need and can articulate how funding increases or decreases will impact their ability to meet the needs of their constituents.
- Agency has a well designed fundraising plan capable of attracting support from individuals in the community.
- Board of Directors of the Agency recognizes its responsibility to provide adequate resources for the organization and is devoting its own time and resources to the project.
- Agency agrees to recognize The Health Foundation, Inc. as a sponsor of the event.
Non-Eligible Programs:
- Religious organizations, churches, synagogues or other organizations that provide a service which is primarily religious in nature.
- School districts, individual primary or secondary schools (public or private).
- Organizations and activities associated with elementary and secondary schools (either public or private) such as PTA’s, PTO’s, booster clubs, carnivals, etc.
- Civic clubs, social or fraternal organizations.
- Fundraisers for individuals.
- Athletic programs, events, facilities and organizing committees.
- Political organizations and activities.
- Fundraising programs or events sponsored by or benefiting an organization whose primary focus is national or international (Relay for Life, March of Dimes, Haitian Relief efforts, etc).
Deadline is 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2010
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