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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions? 20 20

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