1. Common Good Funds Orientation Session Common Good Funds Program

2. Bullet information here Community foundations build and strengthen communities by making it possible for a wide range of donors to participate in creating permanent (and often named) funds to meet present and future needs. The four roles of community foundations are: Donor services provider Grantmaker Convener Caretaker of resources What is a community foundation?

3. Bullet information here Mission The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta strengthens our region by providing quality services to donors and innovative leadership on community issues.

4. Bullet information here Connecting passion with purpose In 2008, the Foundation made grants close to $90 million Types of funds at the Foundation: Donor Advised Designated Common Good Funds Community Initiatives Local Funds Scholarships Supporting Organizations

5. Bullet information here Accessing the Foundation’s donors Donors are requesting information on nonprofits from staff with greater frequency Foundation is providing more communications about issues and nonprofits Foundation staff does not recommend organizations to donors unless requested Foundation will be posting information on grantees on our website to encourage

6. Bullet information here Philanthropic Framework Our Philanthropic Framework explains how we intend to have a greater impact on communities in our region. By connecting donors, nonprofits, community leaders and others, we will continue to address community needs through philanthropy.

7. Bullet information here We are a regional institution; therefore we understand and actively support communities throughout the 23 counties. We value working with others; therefore we partner with people and institutions to strengthen our communities. We value learning; therefore we dedicate time to research, discuss, study and reflect upon the most proven and promising practices and reports in our field. We believe in the power of individuals to build community will; therefore we nurture and support effective leadership. Guiding Principles

8. Bullet information here Guiding Principles We value a strong nonprofit sector; therefore we support nonprofits to do innovative, impactful work. We value quality service; therefore we openly listen and respond to our constituents with a readiness to adjust our approach. We are an organization that values shared contributions; therefore we support an environment that encourages diversity of thought, teamwork, ethical conduct, transparency and trust.

9. Bullet information here Goals 1.Engage our Community 2.Strengthen the Region’s Nonprofits 3.Advance Public Will 4.Practice Organizational Excellence

10. Bullet information here How are the Common Good Funds changing? During the coming years the Foundation will place emphasis on: 1.General Operating Support for Organizations 2.Nonprofit Effectiveness 3.Advancing Public Will 4.Innovation

11. Bullet information here Why focus on operating support? Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF)

12. Bullet information here

13. What to expect from the Common Good Funds in 2009 Three grant cycles with Letter of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding deadlines on March 16, June 15 and October 2 An average of 12 grants per cycle Grants ranging $10,000 to $75,000 (no more than 10% of an organization’s annual operating budget) Grants spanning 12 or 24 months Changed eligibility criteria and activities not eligible for funding Shorter timeline and different review process

14. Eligibility Requirements 1.Be located and providing services within the Foundation’s 23-county service area; all funds from Common Good Funds grants must be spent within the 23-county service area; 2.Be classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S. code as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, donations to which are deductible as charitable contributions under Section 170 (c)(2) and the I.R.S. determination must be current; 3.Be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a nonprofit; To apply for a grant, you must …

15. Eligibility Requirements 4.Have a minimum two-year operating history after receiving its 501(c)(3) classification; 5.Have an annual operating budget more than $100,000 as reflected in the most recently filed I.R.S. Form 990; 6.Have at least one full-time paid employee (paid minimum wage or more, working 2,080 hours or more) for at least 12 months prior to submitting a Letter of Intent (please note that contractors or consultants do not count toward this requirement); To apply for a grant, you must …

16. Eligibility Requirements 7.Have a current written strategic or business plan for the whole organization that includes measureable goals and methods to assess effectiveness; 8.Have received funding from at least three different types of sources such as individuals, foundations, businesses, churches and government but excluding The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta; 9.Have audited financial statements for the past two completed fiscal years for organizations with annual budgets over $250,000; must have financial statements reviewed by an independent, certified public accountant for the past two completed fiscal years for organizations with annual budgets between $100,000 and $249,999; To apply for a grant, you must …

17. Eligibility Requirements 10.Have filed their final reports as specified in the grant contract if a former Common Good Funds grant recipient; 11.Have a Board of Directors where all members donate cash or financially measureable in-kind contributions each fiscal year; 12.Have a Board of Directors with representation from the community served and committee structure that ensures the necessary mix of skills to succeed To apply for a grant, you must …

18. Eligibility Requirements NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS with a local chapter or affiliates: Preference will be given to local chapters/affiliates or programs that can demonstrate control over their finances and operations, and those that have a local governing board. To apply for a grant, you must …

19. Not eligible for funding 1.Operating expenses for private and publicly funded schools (K-12) and institutions of higher learning. This does not include nonprofit start-upcharter schools. 2.Nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of less than $100,000 3.Grants to individuals 4.Organizations that have not filed end of grant reports for previous Common Good Funds grant

20. Not eligible for funding 5.Fundraising and marketing events 6.Religious services and education 7.Endowment funds 8.Capital Campaign contributions (for building construction or renovation) or use of funds to cover capital campaign feasibility studies or campaign implementation expenses. This does not include regular maintenance and capital improvements.

21. Bullet information here What is the new process? 1.Organizations submit Letters of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding using the form on our website 2.Foundation staff reviews all Letters of Intent and invites approximately 20-30 organizations to submit a Final Application 3.Invited organizations submit Final Applications 4.Foundation staff reviews all Final Applications and selects organizations to receive site visits 5.Foundation staff members conduct site visits 6.Funding recommendations are made to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and grants are awarded

22. Bullet information here Review Timeline – Summer Cycle Deadline for Letters of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding June 15 Foundation invites approximately 20-30 organizations to submit a Final Application Organizations notified by July 3 Invited organizations submit Final Applications July 17 Foundation selects organizations to receive site visits Organizations notified by July 31 Site visitsAugust 3 – August 14 Grants are awarded mid September

23. Bullet information here QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

24. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Organization Name: Mailing Address: Zip Code: City: County: Organization Leader: Title: Phone: Email: Board Chair:Phone:Email: Request Contact: Phone: Email: Website: Year incorporated: Drop-down menu

25. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Drop-down menus for the top three counties served Tax ID: Organization pays at least one full-time salaried employee? Organization is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a nonprofit? Does the organization have a current written strategic plan? What is the start and end date of your strategic plan? __/__/__ to __/__/__ Organization has two years of financial statements (audit/review) as appropriate to its budget level as required in the guidelines for submitting a Final Application: Counties served by the organization: Is the organization involved in advocacy activities?

26. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Total Revenue Total Expenses Surplus/ (Deficit) Net Assets/ Fund Balance Current Fiscal Year To Date $ $ provide if available Last Fiscal Year End $ Two Yrs Prior Fiscal Year End $ Three Yrs Prior Fiscal Year End $ Date on which applicant’s fiscal year ENDS: ___

27. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Is the organization carrying any debt excluding a mortgage? (loans, accounts payable, lines of credit, etc.): If yes, what is the total amount of debt carried? $

28. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Describe the mission & summarize the history of the organization (1,500 characters) Polite Society Association’s mission is to increase the level of cordiality among the members of our communities. Begun in 1991 by a group of local leaders in Somewherenice, GA the initial project was to decrease the level of impolite behavior among elderly members of local faith organizations. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1992, PSA has worked tirelessly to reduce the rash of senior cliques promoting rudeness, to decrease the number of violent verbal outbursts during on-site congregate meals and to introduce new noncompetitive activities during community functions such as fairs, festivals and regularly held programming.

29. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Total Amount Requested $50,000 Amount Requested Fiscal Year Budget (Expenses) Request is what % of Fiscal Year Budget? Year One$25,000 $250,000 10% Year Two (if requesting two yrs) $25,000 $300,000 8.3%

30. Letter Of Intent (LOI) How did you arrive at the total amount requested? (500 characters) PSA wants to expand its reach and in order to do so we need to increase our budget. To help us with fundraising, PSA will hire its first development director in 2009. The full cost of this position is $50,000 annually. We have raised $25,000 for two years and are requesting $25,000 per year for two years to help us establish this new position within our organization.

31. Letter Of Intent (LOI) How will this funding strengthen the organization as a whole and its ability to address external community concerns? (1,500 characters) Currently, our funding sources are not as diversified as we would like them to be. Given the state of the economy, we know it is in our best interest to connect with more individual donors. Your funding will help us increase the diversity of our sources of revenue and raise more dollars, which will in turn allow us to offer more programs to the community. Hiring a development director will also give our executive director more time to focus on the strategic direction of our organization.

32. Letter Of Intent (LOI) Specify how the organization knows it is effective and why the Foundation should invest in it. (1,500 characters) Follow up with congregations shows a 50% reduction in insulting language and impatient behaviors among congregants ages 70-80 after participating in PSA’s workshops. This last year alone, five new congregations have requested our workshops for their senior groups and several youth development organizations have asked to partner with us to develop a program aimed at youth groups. The Foundation should support us because we are the only organization in the metro area doing this kind of work. We enrich the lives of those we serve and build vibrant communities within and among congregations.

33. Bullet information here Terms & Conditions for Submitting a Letter of Intent The organization and the request meet eligibility guidelines. The applicant has reviewed the Common Good Funds Guidelines and both the organization and the request meet all of the eligibility guidelines. Download the Guidelines at www.cfgreateratlanta.org for more details;www.cfgreateratlanta.org The organization has filed all End of Grant Reports with the Foundation’s Grants Administrator that are due on past grants. Contact Natasha Battle-Edwards, Grants Administrator, at 404-688-5525 with any questions about reports; The amount of grant funds requested in this proposal is between $10,000 and $75,000, the range of grant awards available from the Common Good Funds;

34. Bullet information here Terms & Conditions for Submitting a Letter of Intent To be considered, applicants must email the Letter of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding to CommonGood@cfgreateratlanta.org before 5:00 p.m. on the deadline day as published in the Common Good Funds Guidelines and elsewhere on the Foundation’s website. Letters of Intent that are received after that time will be declined as late; CommonGood@cfgreateratlanta.org This Letter of Intent is part of an open competition. The Community Foundation anticipates receiving up to 200 Letters of Intent based on past experience. After reviewing all Letters of Intent, the Foundation will select up to 30 applicants for more in-depth review and will invite them to submit Final Applications. The Foundation makes its decision to select a proposal for more in-depth review based on the content of the LOI alone. Do not include any attachments;

35. Bullet information here Terms & Conditions for Submitting a Letter of Intent Organizations that are funded by the Common Good Funds cannot apply for additional funds from the Common Good Funds until they file an End of Grant Report. This rule applies to all of the organizations funded under the same 501(c)(3) number; Organizations that are declined may apply again by the next deadline, if they wish. Because of the high number of requests made at each deadline, the Foundation does not view applicants that have been declined in any adverse way. If an applicant is declined several times, that organization might contact the Foundation for more detailed feedback.

36. Bullet information here How will Letters of Intent be evaluated? Foundation staff will look for organizations that: Meet all eligibility criteria including having a current written strategic plan Have a clear vision of the organization’s role in making a difference in the community Demonstrate effectiveness through the investment of time and personnel in measuring and planning for success Demonstrate an ability to communicate concepts in an clear and efficient manner All fields must contain a response; n/a is not acceptable Foundation staff will also seek to request Final Applications from organizations situated throughout our 23-county region

37. Bullet information here QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

38. Bullet information here Final Application Previous Applications Geared mostly toward programmatic funding Asked for attachments only of organizations getting site visits No written questions on organizational finances or governance New Final Application General operating support Asks for attachments of all organizations completing the Final Application Covers all aspects of an organization/whole enterprise

39. Bullet information here Final Application Section 1: Organizational Overview Provides general information about the organization through questions about strategic planning, management consulting, technology, marketing and partnerships Sample question: How does the organization evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency? How is this information used for planning?

40. Bullet information here Final Application Section 2: Human Resources Provides basic information on the organization’s staff Sample question: 2.4 Answer these questions for the organization relative to each characteristic. Organizational practice? Staff orientation and training is provided for every new hire. Yes No Organization has written personnel policies that are distributed to all staff. Yes No

41. Bullet information here Final Application Section 3: Mission-Related Activities Gives applicants the opportunity to discuss mission-related activities such as programs and services and includes questions on population served Sample question: In what ways do the organization’s mission-related activities have impact on its constituents and community?

42. Bullet information here Final Application Section 4: Governance Provides a snapshot of the organization’s board of directors’ role Sample question: How do individual board members fulfill their strategic role regarding leadership, finances, etc.? Include the number and percentage of board members who contributed financially from their own funds or made financially measurable in-kind contributions in the last completed fiscal year.

43. Bullet information here Final Application Section 5: Public Will & Policy Asks basic questions regarding the organization’s involvement in public policy activities Question: How does the organization partner with stakeholders and/or organizations to promote mission-related activities that address civic issues and public policies? Does the organization have one or more persons who have responsibility for government relations or public policy? If yes, identify them and describe their role(s).

44. Bullet information here Final Application Section 6: Financial Information Asks a variety of questions related to the organization’s financial state and infrastructure Sample question: How is the organization adapting to the current economic climate?

45. Bullet information here Final Application Section 7: What Else? Limited space for applicants to clarify any information regarding a prior answer or attachment.

46. Bullet information here Final Application: Attachments 1.Organizational chart showing titles and personnel 2.Brief biographies of senior management staff 3.Board Information Form (document you download from our website) 4.Current strategic or business plan 5.Summary of current resource development plan 6.Annual report (1 copy if available) 7.Current FY operating budget 8.Most current YTD Profit & Loss statement 9.Most current Balance Sheet 10.Most recent financial report as presented to the board 11.Two (three preferred) most recent audited or reviewed financial statements as dictated by budget size 12.List of nongovernmental sources of revenue of $25,000 or more for the organization’s current FY

47. Bullet information here How will Final Applications be evaluated? Foundation staff will look for organizations that: Dedicate time to evaluate, plan and assess Offer programs and services that align with their missions Have written strategic plans that cover three or more years, include goals and methods to measure effectiveness, and is used to form an annual work plan Demonstrate financial stability and the potential for sustainability All fields must be complete; n/a is not acceptable Have an engaged and accountable Board Employ staff in leadership positions who have the necessary education, experience and certifications needed to perform their duties well Engagement in public will and policy a plus

48. Bullet information here Nonprofit Effectiveness Four primary focus areas: 1.Strategic Planning & Business Analysis 2.Board Development 3.Fund Development Planning 4.Advocacy How do nonprofits access these resources? Nonprofit Scholarships – current and past grantees (last five years) can apply for scholarships for professional development and participate in classes and other learning opportunities Grants Plus – open only to 2009 grantees and NOT something you can apply for; this will be discussed at site visits Please check the website (www.cfgreateratlanta.org) for more information.www.cfgreateratlanta.org

49. Bullet information here Managing for Excellence In 1984, The Community Foundation launched its annual Managing for Excellence Award. This award is presented to an organization that exhibits outstanding nonprofit management. Awards: Winner: $25,000 general operating support grant and a video and photography highlighting the organization’s excellence; Finalist(s): $5,000 general operating support grant Process Qualifying Application groups characteristics and promising practices of well-managed nonprofit organizations into ten categories such as governance, planning, financial management and collaboration. A volunteer Selection Committee reviews the Qualifying Applications, invites applicants to prepare Round Two application, selects organizations for site visits and picks a Winner and up to two Finalists. For more information about this program, please contact Kristina Morris at kmorris@cfgreateratlanta.org, or visit the website (www.cfgreateratlanta.org) for guidelines and applications. kmorris@cfgreateratlanta.orgwww.cfgreateratlanta.org

50. Bullet information here Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund The Arts Fund’s programs provide grants, management consulting and loans that strengthen small and midsized arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million. For 2009, the Arts Fund is providing funds for general operating expenses to organizations that have strong, current business plans and serve the community in a robust, vital way. What can you expect in 2009? Deadline to submit the required Letter of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding July 24, 2009 Approximately $500,000 in total grants A very competitive process Applications and guidelines can be found on the Arts Fund website www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org. For more information, please contact www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org Josh Phillipson, program associate at 404-688-5525 or jphillipson@cfgreateratlanta.org. jphillipson@cfgreateratlanta.org

51. Bullet information here Arts Fund Toolbox In addition to grants, the Arts Fund’s Toolbox Award gives small and midsized arts organizations custom-designed packages of management consulting and tools to help them solve key organizational challenges or problems. In 2009, the Toolbox is focused on helping organizations addressing issues of organizational collaboration, financial management, scenario planning, updates to strategic plans and board development. What can you expect in 2009? Two remaining Toolbox deadlines on June 26 and October 9 Ten to twelve individual awards given throughout the year Applications and guidelines can be found on the Arts Fund website www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org. For more information, please contact Josh Phillipson, program associate at 404-688-5525 or jphillipson@cfgreateratlanta.org. www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org jphillipson@cfgreateratlanta.org

52. Bullet information here Arts Fund Loan Fund The Arts Loan Fund helps small and midsized arts organizations meet short term capital needs by providing loans. Each applicant is required to secure its loan with a verifiable source of funds for repayment. Loans of up to $40,000 Loans have a maximum term of 12 months and offer market interest rates, typically prime plus 2% Applications to the Loan Fund are evaluated as they are received. In most cases, applicants will be notified within two weeks. Applications and tools can be found on the Arts Fund website www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org. www.MetroAtlantaArtsFund.org For more information, please contact Sandy Kring, administrator at ArtsLoanFund@atlcf.org. ArtsLoanFund@atlcf.org

53. Bullet information here Neighborhood Fund The Neighborhood Fund helps transform grassroots ideas and energy into products that build relationships, change communities, develops leadership and produce lasting results. The Neighborhood Fund provides comprehensive supports that assist residents and neighborhood groups organize around these strengths and assets. The Neighborhood Fund provides resources to community groups seeking to impact their community at the local level. Since 1991, more than 300 neighborhood projects have received an estimated $2,000,000 in grants and community coaching. Typical grants have included cultural events, community organizing, neighborhood newsletters, community gardens and more. Applications and guidelines can be found on our website www.cfgreateratlanta.org. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Fund staff at NeighborhoodFund@cfgreateratlanta.org or 404-688-5525. www.cfgreateratlanta.orgNeighborhoodFund@cfgreateratlanta.org

54. Bullet information here Grants to Green Grants to Green is a collaborative initiative that provides metro Atlanta nonprofits with resources to “green up” their facilities through renovation or new construction of healthier, eco-friendly work places through three opportunities: (1) Assessment: Energy & Water Use Assessment: Not a cash grant, but a service performed for the nonprofit for Green renovation and expansion projects. (2) Assessment: Other Green Operations Services: These services go beyond an Energy and Water Use Assessment. It is not a cash grant, but services performed for the nonprofit by Southface, which will examine the recipient organization’s programs and operations and recommend sustainability measures. (3) Implementation Grants: This is a cash grant (up to $50,000) to the nonprofit that can be used to support the Green renovation of existing structures as well as development of new Green construction. Next Orientation will tentatively be on August 18 (location TBD); deadline for the Letter of Intent is September 14. Email Grantstogreen@cfgreateratlanta.org with any questions.Grantstogreen@cfgreateratlanta.org

55. Bullet information here Local Funds The Foundation helps Local Funds build their capacity to identify local issues and local assets which can combine with other resources to solve community problems. Clayton County Fayette County Morgan County Newton County Check the county pages on the website www.cfgreateratlanta.org for details. www.cfgreateratlanta.org

56. Bullet information here An Extra Wish To be eligible to apply in 2009, a prospective applicant must: Be a 501(c)(3) public charity Have been reviewed through a formal, competitive program at The Community Foundation in the last 3 years Have an operating budget of at least $30,000 Operate within the Foundation’s 23-county service area Applicants may request an item or items (no more than three unique items) valued at no more than $5,000 total. Requests may include: Supplemental resources for program participants Capital items Program resources for organizations Applications and guidelines can be found on our website www.cfgreateratlanta.org. The next deadline is June 22, 2009. www.cfgreateratlanta.org

57. Bullet information here In Conclusion Grant seeking is a competitive process and the Common Good Funds cannot fund every request. The Common Good Funds considers geography when deciding which organizations to fund. Letter of Intent deadlines are firm. The Letter of Intent is only accepted by email – send it as an attachment to CommonGood@cfgreateratlanta.org by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline day (Monday, June 15).CommonGood@cfgreateratlanta.org If you do not receive an acknowledgement email within three business days of submitting your Letter of Intent, call our Grants Administrator! This means we did not receive it.

58. Bullet information here Program Contacts Natasha Battle-Edwards, Grants Administrator (nbattle@cfgreateratlanta.org)nbattle@cfgreateratlanta.org Lisa Cremin, Director of Metropolitan Arts Fund Associate (lcremin@cfgreateratlanta.org)lcremin@cfgreateratlanta.org Kathy Palumbo, Director of Community Partnerships (kpalumbo@cfgreateratlanta.org)kpalumbo@cfgreateratlanta.org Kim Austin, Program Associate (kaustin@cfgreateratlanta.org)kaustin@cfgreateratlanta.org Tené Traylor, Program Officer (ttraylor@cfgreateratlanta.org)ttraylor@cfgreateratlanta.org