Allegany Community Out Reach (ACOR) Grant Application Kit
“Like Jesus we belong to the world living not for ourselves but for others. The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Mother Teresa
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Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. 2009 ACOR Grant Application Kit Table of Contents
I. II. III. About Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. Our mission, values, and objectives ACOR Grantmaking Focus ACOR Grant Guidelines & FAQs A. 2009 Funding Availability B. What do ACOR Grants Fund? C. Eligibility & Limitations D. Application and Award Process Timeline E. How Are Decisions Made? F. How to Contact Us 2009 ACOR Grant Application and Instructions page 3 page 4 pages 5-6
IV.
Pages 7-10
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I. About Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc.
Allegany Franciscan Ministries is a non-profit Catholic organization focused on improving the overall health status of individuals through increasing access to health services and information. Guided by the tradition and vision of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and a member of Catholic Health East, we strive to be a catalyst for systemic change, committing resources and working collaboratively to promote physical, mental, spiritual, environmental and cultural health and well-being. Our mission This Catholic organization, guided by the mission and rooted in the tradition and vision of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, is a catalyst for systemic change by committing resources and working collaboratively with others to promote physical, mental, spiritual, societal and cultural well-being in communities served. Our values We believe and commit ourselves to: Seeing issues and problems through a wide lens so that the marginalized do not escape our view Addressing the root cause of social problems by nurturing an environment of well-being and self-sufficiency Collaborating with others by drawing upon all of our strengths to secure what is best for the common good Being in relationship with our sisters and brothers who are experiencing life’s challenges Pursuing creative and innovative solutions which provide for an alternative future society Advocating on behalf of women, the economically poor and those oppressed by unjust structures Promoting a healthy environment, be it physical, social or spiritual Our objectives To promote health services that heal the whole person To provide service, education, and advocacy that build healthier communities, uniting the communities served and promoting non-violence and justice in these communities To maintain interconnectedness with the communities we serve by continuously evaluating the needs of the community To promote initiatives that affirm our mission and values and the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany’s Mission, Vision and Direction Statements To affirm the value of life in all of its forms and at all stages
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II.
ACOR Grantmaking Focus
Allegany Community Out Reach (ACOR) is a grant program of Allegany Franciscan Ministries. ACOR grants provide short-term support to nonprofit organizations for local community projects that are in keeping with the mission, vision, and direction of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. ACOR grants are unique among Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ grant programs in that they do not have a geographic restriction. Rather, they require a direct affiliation with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (i.e. where the FSA members are present as sponsor, trustee, staff or volunteer) or have an affiliation with Catholic Health East. ACOR grants are reviewed based upon the following priority criteria: Project strives to improve the health, wellness and quality of life through a holistic approach to education or direct service. Project seeks to promote self-sufficiency or bring about systemic change. Project benefits people who are part of a disenfranchised segment of society, whether it be on the basis of nationality, race, class, gender, or any other factor. Special consideration will be given to those programs focusing on the concerns of the poor and marginalized and the equality of women. Sponsoring organization strives to incorporate the viewpoint of individuals who are direct recipients of its services.
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III. 2009 ACOR Grants Criteria, Guidelines, and FAQs
A. 2009 ACOR Grant Funding Availability Allegany Franciscan Ministries anticipates making up to (40) ACOR grants in 2009, with grant amounts ranging from $1,000-$5,000. B. What do ACOR Grants Fund? ACOR grants are typically small in size and the application process is relatively simple. ACOR grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations to provide short-term support to local community projects. Examples of the types of programs that may be funded by ACOR grants include but are not limited to: Basic needs (food, clothing, etc.) Environmental awareness and outreach Health and wellness education Literacy Religious education Social justice advocacy Please note that ACOR grants generally may not be used to fund ongoing program costs or to simply fund a portion of an annual salary. It is appropriate to request support for personnel costs, however, please do not request the entire amount of an ACOR grant to be used for an individual salary. C. Eligibility and Limitations To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following basic requirements: Have received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service confirming its exemption from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have an organization with a current ruling serving as the fiscal agent for the grant. Project must be affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (i.e. where the FSA members are present as sponsor, trustee, staff or volunteer) or have an affiliation with Catholic Health East (CHE). The ACOR grant application contains an Affiliation Form which is required and must be completed by the Franciscan Sister of Allegany affiliated with the applicant organization. CHE affiliated organizations do not need to complete this form. Organization must be willing and able to comply with all requirements of the Allegany Franciscan Ministries Grant Agreement (see our Web site for sample agreement). Organizations must be current with progress reports to Allegany Franciscan Ministries for any previous ACOR grants.
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Project must comply with the ethical and moral teachings of the Catholic Church and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. (View Directives at: http://www.usccb.org/bishops/directives.shtml) Project must align with Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ mission and values.
Limitations - ACOR does not fund the following: Individuals, public agencies, fundraising events, or endowments More than one grant per year per organization D. Application and Award Process Timeline ACOR application deadlines are March 2nd and September 1st. We will confirm receipt by e-mail. Applications may be submitted by email, mail or through our online application (preferred). We anticipate announcing our funding decisions in April and October. Once a grant agreement has been signed by the grantee and Allegany Franciscan Ministries, the grant check will be released in the full amount awarded. The grant period will be one year in length. This timeline may be modified by joint agreement of the grantee and Allegany Franciscan Ministries. A report will be required one month following the completion of the grant. (See our Web site for a sample report form).
E. How are Decisions Made? ACOR grants are reviewed through a competitive grant application process. We receive more applications than we have funding available. A Grant Committee, composed of dedicated and experienced community volunteers, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and staff members review grant applications and make funding recommendations. Final funding decisions are made by Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Board of Trustees. F. How to Contact Us Allegany Franciscan Ministries is committed to an open and straightforward application and funding process. Our Director of Grant Programs is available to answer any questions about the ACOR grant program. Contact: Erin Baird Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. 33920 U.S. Highway 19 N., Suite 269 Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 e-mail: ebaird@afmfl.org, Web site: www.afmfl.org phone: (727) 507-9668, fax: (727) 507-8557 6
IV. 2009 ACOR Grant Application and Instructions The 2009 ACOR Grant Application includes: the cover page, affiliation form, and ACOR grant application questions (pages 8-10 of this application kit and in MS Word documents on our Web site). The complete application including the cover page, affiliation form, and responses to the questions may be no more than five (5) pages, with a minimum of 1” margins. It is not necessary to include a cover letter. If a cover letter is included, it will count toward the five-page limit. In addition, a copy of your organization’s IRS 501 (c)(3) determination letter must be provided unless you have received a grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries since January 2007, and your status is unchanged. In this case, we will have a copy of your determination letter already on file. There are several options for submitting your application: Email – Submit application to grants@afmfl.org. Make sure to include the Cover Page form. You will need to scan or fax the Affiliation Form and IRS 501 (c)(3) determination letter. Apply online – The online ACOR application is available at http://www.afmfl.org/ACOR/eligibility_how_to_apply.asp . The Cover Page is included in the online application. You do not need to submit a separate form. The Affiliation Form and your IRS 501 (c)(3) determination letter need to be submitted separately. You can scan or fax these documents to us. Mail/Fax – We prefer you use one of the first two methods. If you are unable to do so, you may mail or fax your completed application. Erin Baird, Director of Grant Programs Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. 33920 US Highway 19 N, Suite 269 Palm Harbor, FL 34684 Fax (727) 507-8557 ACOR ___ ___ ___ ___ Application Checklist: Cover Page Form Affiliation Form Responses to Questions 1-7 IRS 501 (c)(3) determination letter
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Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. ACOR Grant Application
Federal Tax ID Number: Organization Name: Program Title: Mailing Address: Telephone & Fax Numbers: Contact Person: Title: E-Mail Address: Web Site: Fiscal Agent Name & Address: (if applicable) Fiscal Agent Contact Person name and title: (if applicable) - keep to one page –
COVER PAGE
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Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. Allegany Community Outreach (ACOR) Grant Application AFFILIATION FORM -to be completed by a Franciscan Sister of AlleganyYou have been identified as a Franciscan Sister of Allegany affiliated with a nonprofit organization applying for an ACOR grant. In order for us to better understand your relationship with this organization, we ask that you complete this form. This information will be used in our grant review process. Your name: ACOR applicant name: Program name: How long have you been affiliated with the applicant organization?
Describe your level of affiliation (e.g. sponsor, trustee, staff, volunteer, etc.) and history with the ACOR applicant organization.
Signature: Date: Please submit this completed form to: Erin Baird, Director of Grant Programs Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Inc. Fax: (727) 507-8557 Email: grants@afmfl.org 9
2009 ACOR Grant Application Questions 1. Provide a brief history and purpose of the organization. (If your organization is affiliated with Catholic Health East, describe your affiliation here). 2. Geographic area served (i.e. county, city, neighborhood) 3. Population served (i.e. children, elderly, homeless) 4. Describe the need for your program. How did you determine this need? 5. Describe the program for which you are seeking funds. Please include information such as what you will do, who you will serve, what you hope to accomplish, and your organization’s experience working with the target population. 6. Identify how your program meets the ACOR Priority Criteria listed on page four. 7. Budget Information Total Organization Budget: $ Total Program Budget: $ Total requested from Allegany Franciscan Ministries: $ Funding sources obtained for this project: Funding sources requested for project: status pending or denied Have you applied to St. Elizabeth Mission Society for funding this program? (CHE-affiliated applicants excluded) Complete the table below estimating the general line items in the budget. Briefly describe the specific expenses within each line item. Budget Category/Line Item Personnel (salaries, training,
insurance, purchased services) Supplies (books, software, printing, etc.) Equipment (computers, furniture, etc) Food (meals, soup kitchens, etc.) Travel (mileage, driver’s license fees, etc.)
Program Budget
AFM Funding Requested & Description
Construction/repairs Scholarships Other Total
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