Information Session Webinar Thursday, March 31 11:00 a.m. Presented by Thetyka Robinson LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project What you will learn: Fund Overview How Does My Organization Qualify? What Does the Grant NOT Fund? How to Apply: Two Step Process Application Deadline Award Process Questions?

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Fund Overview: The Lowcountry Ministries Fund was created in response to the senseless attack on a Bible study class at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church on June 17, Its purpose is to address issues of social justice and economic empowerment in mostly rural, underserved areas of Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, and lower, southern communities in Charleston and Beaufort counties. The Fund has accumulated more than $1.5 million from donors from around the world.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Fund Overview: The Fund is managed by the Palmetto Project in consultation with Jennifer Pinckney, the wife of the late state senator, The Reverend Clementa Pinckney, and a special Advisory Committee of community volunteers whose lives were touched both by those who died and those who survived.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project How Does My Organization Qualify? Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations like a 501(c)(3) organization, a religious organization, or a public entity with a physical address in Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and rural parts of lower Charleston and Beaufort counties, and currently addressing issues of social and economic justice. Priority will be given to issues focused on: Children, youth, and schools Health and access to care Economic empowerment and revitalization Food and nutrition If your organization has an idea for addressing other aspects of the Fund’s focus on social justice and economic empowerment, you are encouraged to submit it along with an explanation of why it is important.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Qualifying with a Partner Organization: Non-qualified organizations may apply by partnering with a qualified applicant organization that is located in the six funded underserved communities. Your Letter of Intent must include the following: Specify Lead Organization Must explain partnership in Letter of Intent How do you plan to work together ? How will you account for funds ? Accountability with Project Goals?

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project What does the Grant NOT Fund? The Fund CANNOT make grants to individuals, scholarship funds, or foundations. The Fund CANNOT make grants to religious organizations to cover salaries of church employees, unrelated construction projects, or worship related activities The Fund CANNOT make grants to government organizations and schools to cover costs associated with the administration, programming, or normal functioning of these entities cannot be funded

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project How to Apply: Two Step Process Step One: Letter of Intent (LOI) Step Two: Full Proposal

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Step One: Letter of Intent (LOI) A. Opening Paragraph: Your Summary Statement B. Statement of Need: The WHY of the project (1-2 paragraphs) C. Project Activity: The WHAT & HOW of the project (This will be the bulk of your letter) D. Outcomes (1-2 paragraphs; before or after the Project Activity) E. Credentials (1-2 paragraphs) F. Budget (1-2 paragraphs, use charts or grids, if necessary) G. Closing (1 paragraph) H. Signature For additional guidance on writing your LOI, review the LOI Instructions at intent-instructions/ intent-instructions/

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Letter of Intent: Don’t Forget! Organizations with 501(c)(3) status must include the following: Copy of their IRS letter indicating their non-profit status Total income and expenses for 2014 and 2015.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Step Two: Application Process Should your LOI be accepted, you will be notified by Friday, April 22 to submit additional information and materials to support your request. Only those whose LOI make it clear that they are qualified applicants will advance to this second step. Full Proposals from qualified applicants will be evaluated by the Advisory Committee and funding allocations will be made accordingly.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Award Process: Funds will be allocated this summer in the form of one-time grants to eligible organizations in the designated counties whose programs and projects align with the Fund’s focus on social justice and economic empowerment. All awarded funds will need to be expended or obligated by grantees before January 2018.

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Deadline to Apply Letter of Intent must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15 Mailing Address Lowcountry Ministries Fund c/o Palmetto Project 6296 Rivers Avenue #100 North Charleston SC

LowcountryMinistries Fund An Initiative of the Palmetto Project Questions? Thetyka Robinson