1. Wayne County Foundation
Welcome!
Wayne County Foundation
2016 Grantmaking 1 1

2. Our Purpose Today …
Provide current information about the Foundation’s grantmaking function
Introduce two important changes to the 2016 grantmaking program
Offer suggestions for success 2 2

3. Some Background …
Grant makers are only successful to the extent that their grantees achieve meaningful results 3 3

4. Some Background …
Limited resources drive us to seek the highest and best use of the funds available 4 4

5. Some Background …
Our work is guided by policy and process Successful applications align with our policy and follow our process to show how they will be effective community investments 5 5

6. Policy Highlights …
Discretionary and field-of-interest funds to address needs / realize opportunities
Qualified charities or sponsored groups
Defined types of projects funded 6 6

7. Policy Highlights … Outlined our priority interests
New or unique approach to solve problems
Collaborative relationships to leverage resources
Broad reach or significant importance
Ability to achieve goals and be sustainable
Organizations well qualified to achieve goals 7 7

8. Policy Highlights … Outlined what we cannot or do not fund
Regular operating and debt reduction
Religious or political activity
Grants to individuals or individual travel
School services required by law or regular operating costs of non-public schools
Organizations already funded with an unexpended award for a similar purpose 8 8

9. Our Process … Two “traditional” cycles Challenge Match
March Application / May Distribution
July Application / September Distribution
Challenge Match
September Application
Match Period in November
December Distribution 9 9

10. Our Process … Online Application 3-Step Foundation Review
Pre-Application / Application
Project Narrative
Supporting Materials
Governing Board Certification
3-Step Foundation Review
Staff
Grant Committee
Governing Board 10 10

11. What’s Happening …
A redoubled interest with the Foundation to maximize its discretionary resources in meaningful and strategic ways
New field-of-interest funds realized from estate gifts and other large contributions 11 11

12. What Will Change …
Field-of-interest funds will figure more prominently in the Spring Cycle
$10,000 limit on requests of unrestricted funds
Field-of-interest requests up to $15,000, if available
Able to mix field of interest and unrestricted sources up to $15,000 12 12

13. What Will Change …
The Fall Cycle will be dedicated to a particular theme or initiative TBD
Currently working to identify an area in which we can have a significant, long-term impact
Many options currently under consideration
Expect an announcement by mid-June 13 13

14. What Will Change …
If the focus of the Fall Cycle is not determined by mid-June, the Foundation will hold a smaller-scale “regular cycle” in the July – September time frame
This places an emphasis on submitting “regular” applications to the Spring Cycle 14 14

15. A Word About Process …
Some questions may change, but the online application process will stay the same. Contact Lisa Bates with questions about navigating the system.
Remember: Grant Committee members change from year to year. Not everyone is familiar with your work. 15 15

16. Some Advice … Be clear. Be concise.
What are you trying to accomplish? Why is it important?
How is it a good investment for the Foundation and other funders? 16 16

17. Beyond clear and concise, be specific.
Some Advice …
Beyond clear and concise, be specific.
The more you can provide specific, numeric data about how your proposed use of funds will help you achieve your objectives – and how you will measure your outcomes – the better. 17 17

18. Some Advice …
Review what the Foundation prefers to support and what it cannot support. Is your proposal well-aligned?
Contact us to discuss your plans. We can help identify questions and concerns to address in your narrative. 18 18

19. Key Dates Spring Cycle 2016 Challenge Match
March 1 – Begin Accepting Pre-Applications
March 18 – Spring Cycle Pre-Application Deadline
April 8 – Spring Cycle Applications Due
Fall Cycle
Mid-June – Program Announcement
2016 Challenge Match
Mid-August – Information Meeting
Mid-September – Application Deadline
November 7 – 18 – Anticipated Match Period 19 19

20. Questions? 20 20

21. Upcoming Events March 29 – Rural Urban Banquet
April 15 – Wickemeyer and Rodefeld Award Nominations Due
April 19 – Nonprofit Networking Luncheon
May 3 – All Aboard Event 21 21