You must be defined as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) or any applicable statute of the Internal Revenue code.
While grants are occasionally made to governmental agencies, local nonprofits receive priority. Requests will be considered from groups that do not have tax-exemption status, provided that they have a fiscal agent with the appropriate tax status. In projects involving a partnership of agencies, a single agency with the appropriate tax status and financial management capacity must assume the role of lead organization. Individuals are not eligible for grants but can be eligible for academic scholarships.
Exception:
Eligibility criteria for a New Haven and Valley Neighborhood Small Grant does not require that an applicant have non-profit status. This grant opportunity is intended to help neighborhood residents, parents, and youth enhance their leadership and organizing skills and move their civic agenda forward. You are eligible to apply for a grant if you are:
- Agencies & groups that serve the elderly
- Art Groups
- Blockwatches
- Business Associations
- Faith-based Organizations
- Individuals
- Neighborhood Groups & Associations
- Parent Groups
- Tenant Associations
- Service Clubs
- Youth Groups
- Partnerships between groups listed above
- Non-profits that are all-volunteer or have a staff of 2 or less
- Groups that received a Neighborhood Small Grant in the past
Municipalities, agencies with five or more employees, and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for a grant under the New Haven Neighborhood Small Grants Program.
You must adhere to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of:
- age
- sex
- religion
- national origin
- sexual preference
- in all aspects of organizational operations including hiring, leadership and service provision.
Requests for capital projects (building, equipment, vehicles, and other depreciable items) will be evaluated as to their ability to enable the organization to more significantly serve its constituency.
The Foundation doesn't provide permanent funding for projects. Most grants are made with continuing support contingent upon availability of support and progress towards stated outcomes. There are times, however, when requests for longer-term funding are considered and supported, in accordance with The Community Foundation's strategic goal to put community assets on solid ground.