Grant application Guidelines

Mission

To help the Greater Greensboro community enhance and improve the quality of life and the economic environment for its citizens while developing a sense of philanthropy, civic education, and commitment in current and future generations of the founders' families.

In regard to our grantmaking interests:

Our grantmaking programs seek to further the Foundation’s mission. In doing so, we expect our staff to take roles of leadership in the community and to seek and identify opportunities where our support will make a difference. The Foundation does not maintain an application cycle and we do not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Our interests are broad and grants are generally based on the priorities and needs of those organizations we choose to support. We have a particular interest in community development and its quality of life, including these focus areas:

support for education
programs for children and youth
protection of the environment
efforts to reduce poverty and improve the lives of the disadvantaged and the needy
advancement of human and civil rights, racial tolerance, and diversity
enhancement of parks, recreation, and the quality of life
economic development

From time-to-time, the Board determines specific focus areas for attention. Currently the following areas are of interest:

the success of children and youth;
the acceptance, support, and inclusion of new citizens such as immigrants and refugees into our community;
increasing the capacity and assuring the strength of the nonprofit community; and,
developing an environment conducive to community and economic development that will overcome the significant loss of employment in the manufacturing sector.

In regard to our grantmaking program:

Grants are limited to agencies and organizations located in and serving the greater Greensboro area.

We have no bias for or against any particular grant type or area and we will support endowment, capital campaigns, facilities and construction, new initiatives and special projects, and general operating expense.

General operating support comprises a small portion of our grantmaking interest and organizations considered for such support will be judged by the Board’s perception of their merit and effectiveness. We will avoid creating any expectation of long-term support however this will not preclude multiyear commitments when appropriate. When awarding a general support grant we may also place a moratorium for an appropriate period for further support. Such a moratorium would not apply to grants in other categories when appropriate.

We do not make grants to/for the following:

individuals
partisan political programs or voter registration efforts
conferences
travel or group trips
video productions
fraternal organizations
churches and other organizations for religious purposes

Discussing a possible grant with the Foundation:

While we do not accept uninvited applications, inquiries are welcomed via letter, telephone, or e-mail. Grants are generally made quarterly, however, we may respond to needs and opportunities at any time.

Special Note: We make an annual grant to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro to help meet needs of the broader nonprofit community. The Community Foundation administers these funds as part of their unrestricted grant program. Organizations and agencies are invited to submit applications to the Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation. Awards made through this program tend to be smaller and focused on special operating needs and projects. We do not review applications to the Community Foundation nor do we advise them on recipients.

Applications and further information may be secured from Ms. Tara Sandercock, Vice President for Programs, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. (336) 379-9100

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