2011-2012

2
……………………………………………………………...3
……………………………………………….4-8
…………………..………………...9
………………..……………………..10
…………….11-13
…...14-15

Community & Commerce works to support neighborhoods and businesses be healthy and vibrant. It is our goal that all
City of Charlotte neighborhoods are wonderful places to live, work, and play. We recognize that building these types of communities can sometimes involve collaborating with others and seeking funding to support neighborhood goals and initiatives. This guide is a brief introduction to how to access organizations that offer financial support to those neighborhoods and groups working to improve their communities.
What is included in this guide?
This guide will review some of the grant opportunities that are available to City of Charlotte communities and the people who live and work within them. It will also guide you through how to write a competitive grant application and how to become a registered 501 (c) 3 organization.
What are grants?
Grants are funds disbursed by one party (Grant Makers), often a government department, corporation, foundation or trust, to a recipient, often (but not always) a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. Grants can be in the form of monetary or in-kind gifts.
Why should we apply for grants?
Grants can help provide the funds and materials to complete community improvement projects that would be difficult to do without outside assistance.
3

Grant Opportunities
City of Charlotte
Neighborhood Matching Grants (NMG) Program:
Awards funds up to $25,000 to eligible organizations to make neighborhoods better places to live, work, play and shop.
Eligible Organizations:
Neighborhood Organizations, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and
Business Associations located in specific geographies as defined by the Quality of Life
Study
Eligible Projects:
Neighborhood Improvement
Organizational Development
Crime and Public Safety Initiatives
Recreational, Educational, or Cultural Initiatives
Energy Conservation & Natural Preservation
Neighborhood/School Partnerships
For more information on the NMG Program or to host a NMG Presentation for your neighborhood group, please contact Aisha Alexander, Neighborhood Resource
Specialist 704-336-2175 or valexander@charlottenc.gov
Arts & Science Council
Cultural Project Grant:
Increase access to arts, science, history and heritage offerings and strengthen the quality of cultural programming in neighborhoods and towns throughout Mecklenburg
County.
Eligible Organizations:
Any Mecklenburg County non-profit organization with a project that utilizes arts, science, history or heritage who does not receive an ASC Operating Support grant.
Maximum Grant Award: $7,500
Cultural Access Grant: Designed to increase community access to African American,
Asian, Latino, and Native American arts, science, history/heritage experiences.
Eligible Organizations:
Any Mecklenburg County non-profit, tax-exempt organization who does not receive other ASC support from Cultural Project Grants or Operating Support is eligible to apply.
Maximum Grant Award : $7,500
Contact: Ben Kubie, (704) 335-3052 www.artsandscience.org
4

Grant Opportunities
Blumenthal Foundation
Focuses grants on programs and projects that have an impact on Charlotte, and the state of North Carolina. The Foundation provides grants for seed money, annual operating budgets, capital campaigns, conferences and seminars, special projects and endowments.
Eligible Organizations:
The present policy of the Foundation is to make grants only to non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organizations and institutions that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code or to a governmental agency.
Eligible Request Areas: Arts and Science, Civic and Community, Education,
Environment, Foundation Affiliates, Health, Jewish Institutions and Philanthropies,
Religious and Interfaith, and Social Sciences
Contact: (704)688-2305, www.blumenthalfoundation.org, foundation@gunk.com
Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation/Foundation for the Carolinas
The mission of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and strengthen our community through supporting initiatives that address local needs and providing quality services to donors and constituents.
Front Porch Grants:
Foster bridge building between individuals, communities, neighborhoods and organizations. The goal of the grant program is to increase trust and expand social connections and informal networks.
Eligible Organizations: Neighborhood associations, social clubs, school groups and other civic organizations.
Maximum Grant Award: $2,500
Contact: Karen Coppadge, Grant Specialist, kcoppadge@fftc.org, 704-973-4559, www.fftc.org
5

6
Grant Opportunities
Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund
The mission of the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund is to cultivate one community that supports lesbian and gay individuals and families, with the belief that all people should be treated with equal respect and dignity in all facets of the community.
Community Connections Grant Program:
Support the creation of programs, projects and events that cultivate one community that supports lesbian and gay individuals and families.
Eligible Organizations: Organizations that support the LGBT community, as well as bridge building initiatives that seek to cultivate alliances and support with the non-gay community in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Maximum Award Amount : $5,000
Contact: Karen Coppadge, Grant Specialist, kcoppadge@fftc.org, 704-973-4559, www.fftc.org
DoSomething.org
The mission of DoSomething.org is based on the concept that young people have the power to make a difference by inspiring, supporting and celebrating a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done and take action.
Do Something Seed Grants:
Targeted towards project ideas and programs that are just getting started. These grants can be used to jump-start your program or to realize your ideas for the first time.
Do Something Growth Grants: Do Something Growth Grants are targeted towards projects that are already developed and sustainable. These grants go towards the next steps of your project or organization to help you as you look to expand your project or grow your impact.
Eligible Projects: Community engagement, action, and/or improvement
Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be a US citizen under the age of 25.
Maximum Award Amount: $500
Contact: www.dosomething.org

Grant Opportunities
The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment supports vulnerable children, health care, higher education and rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina and South Carolina, balancing direct aid in the present with strategic investment for the future.
Eligible Organizations: 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Funding Areas: Replicating Success, Strengthening Organizations and Advancing
Innovation.
Maximum Award Amount : $250,000
Contact: http://www.dukeendowment.org/grants/for-grantseekers
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to the community, with a focus in four areas: environment and energy efficiency, economic development, education, and community vitality.
Eligible Projects:
Environment and Energy Efficiency:-Programs that support conservation, training and research around environmental and energy efficiency initiatives.
Economic Development-Skills development, including job entry skills for the new economy and retraining of unemployed and underemployed workers.
Education -Pre K-12 education focused on math, science and technology. Higher education, focused on engineering, technology, science and environment
Community Vitality-Health and human services through United Way, arts & culture, energy assistance, public safety. Community leadership development/capacity building.
Eligibility Requirements: Recipients must be organizations with a 501(c)(3) verification from the IRS or are a part of a governmental entity.
Maximum Award Amount: unknown
Contact: http://www.duke-energy.com/community/foundation.asp
7

8
Grant Opportunities
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation:
The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving the communities we serve through support of public education, community improvement projects and home safety initiatives.
Eligible Projects:
Community improvement and educational projects.
Eligible Organizations:
The Foundation provides funding only to 501(c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and public agencies in communities where Lowe’s operates stores and distribution centers.
Maximum Award Amount: $25,000
Contact: www.lowes.com
Southwood Corporation Signage Grant
The Southwood “Identifying Our Community” Grant Program. The program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment.
Eligible Organizations: Must be a 501(c) (3) located in Mecklenburg County
Maximum Award Amount: $5,000
Contact: www.southwoodcorp.com
Pepsi Refresh Grants
Pepsi is looking for people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact. The goal of the project is to encourage people to look around their community, think about how they want to change it and provide funds to activate their ideas.
Eligible Projects:
Projects that aim to improve health, arts and culture, neighborhoods, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhoods, and education.
Eligible Applicants:
Individuals or groups, 13 years of age or older, US citizens
Maximum Award Amount: $250,000

Grant Opportunities
4Imprint
One by One Program:
Each business day 4Imprint give worthy organizations $500 in promotional products to spread the word, recruit volunteers, thank donors, offer comfort to someone in need or in some other way turns one thing into something much more.
Eligible Projects: Varies
Eligible Organizations: 501 (c) 3 organizations, religious organizations, and schools that want to make a difference in the community
Maximum Award Amount: $500
Contact: http://onebyone.4imprint.com
There are many grants available to communities and organizations that are not listed here and new grant opportunities constantly become available. To see a comprehensive list of grant making organizations, visit: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/issues_and_causes/philanthropy/ organizations/grant_making_foundations/
Please check out these grant opportunities to determine if they can help you or your organization make a difference in your community.
If you need assistance in completing a grant application, feel free to contact :
Aisha Alexander
Neighborhood Resource Specialist
City of Charlotte
704-336-2175, valexander@charlottenc.gov
9

How to Become a 501 (c) (3) Organization
1. Organize your group as a trust, corporation, or association
2. Prepare your mission statement, which will let people know what your organization is about, what it does, for whom, and where. Your mission statement should reflect a tax exempt purpose.
3. Create a Board of Directors composed of people who are committed to your organizations mission.
4. Draft and file Articles of Incorporation. Articles of Incorporation are the official statement of creation of your organization. It keeps you, your board and staff from legal liabilities your organization might encounter. You must file these with the
North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, State Corporations . They can be reached at 919-807-2225. The filing fee is $60.00.
5. Draft bylaws. These are simply the regulations of how your organization will run.
They aren’t required, but are important for helping manage your organization.
6. Develop a budget for the current year and budget projections for the following two years.
7. Apply for a Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). The form is available online http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
8. Complete IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section
501(c) (3). To complete the application, you will need:
Your organizations Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Copies of your organizing documents (Articles of Incorporation, list of Board of Directors, bylaws)
Financial Statements: If you are a new organization, provide statements for the current year and proposed budgets for the next two years. Existing organizations should provide financials for the current year and the two preceding years.
9. Pay the application fee and mail to the appropriate IRS office
10. More information about 501 (c) (3) designation can be found at www.irs.gov
10

Basic Guidelines to Writing a Successful Grant Application
Successful grant writing involves solid planning and preparation. A good proposal must be organized, reflect attention to detail and be innovative as well as feasible. These basic steps will guide you in drafting a professional grant application.
Prove that you have a significant need or problem in your proposal
Deliver an answer to the need, or solution to the problem, based on experience, logic, and imagination throughout your proposal
Reflect planning, research, and vision throughout your proposal
Make sure your organization and project is eligible for funding
Determine whether the grantmakers’ goals and objectives match your grant seeking purposes
Apply to more than one source
Contact the grantmaker before you write your proposal to establish a relationship and make sure you fully understand the guidelines
Present your proposal in the appropriate format, and make sure you submit all required documents and supplemental materials
Make sure you write well: use proper grammar and correct spelling. Have an extra set of eyes read it over
Make sure you have answered these questions in you proposal:
Who are you?
How do you qualify?
What do you want?
What specific objectives will you accomplish and how?
How will you measure your results?
How does your request fit in with the grantmaker’s purpose, goals, and objectives?
Make your proposal standout; make sure it is unique and innovative
Reflect partnerships and relationships with and support from the community and other groups and organizations
Always follow the exact specifications set forth in the application
11

A Quick Guide to
Neighborhood Matching Grants
This is a quick overview of the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program. Read the full content of the Neighborhood Matching Grants Application Guide booklet for more complete information.
The program is administered by the City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services
Department
Program goals:
Help neighborhood prioritize and make improvements
Build the capacity of organizations and improve quality of life
Promote involvement and leverage resources
Encourage partnerships
Grant awards up to $25,000
Application deadlines: March 15th, June 15th, and September 15th
Eligible applicants
Neighborhood Associations, Community Development Corporations, Business
Associations
Organized for at least six months
Area median household income of up to $57,489 according to the 2010 Quality of
Life Study
Project requirements:
Provide a public, neighborhood benefit
Involve project activities and implementation steps
Engage residents in project planning and implementation
No duplication or funding of an existing project
12
Project categories
Neighborhood Improvement: Physical improvements to public areas—landscaping and beautification, community gardens, neighborhood entrance signs, small playgrounds, street light installation, neighborhood clean-ups
Organizational Development: Increase the effectiveness of the organization— newsletters, membership drives, meeting announcement signs, brochures and directories
Crime and Public Safety: Reduce crime—Neighborhood Watch signs, citizens’ patrols, National Night Out activities, crime prevention and fire safety awareness initiatives
Recreation, Education, and Culture: Academic programs, music or art enrichment, and some outdoor and recreational activities
Energy Conservation & Natural Preservation: Reduce energy consumption and protect natural environments
Neighborhood-School Partnership: Relationship building between neighborhoods and schools

A Quick Guide to
Neighborhood Matching Grants
Application process:
Discuss project ideas within your organization
Send a representative to a pre-application workshop
Decide on ONE PROJECT and outline the details with your organization’s project planning team
Complete the application; use information from your outline to answer questions
Attach the required documentation
Submit the application to the Neighborhood Matching Grants office
Respond to staff feedback and requests for clarification
Review and approval process takes 45-60 days. Review teams evaluate each application based on the following criteria:
Match—Cash, in-kind donations, and/or volunteer labor that will be used to carry out the project; amount or value of match must be equal to or greater than the amount of grant funding requested
All match items should be documented by signed pledge sheets and/or letters of commitment
Funding or assistance from public entities does not qualify as a match
At least 25% of the required match must come from the applicant
Activities occurring prior to the contract signing will not count
Participation and collaboration—Evidence of broad neighborhood participation in choosing, planning, and carrying out the project; also partnerships with other entities.
Project Impact and Need—Justification of how the project addresses an important need, and the impact it will have in improving the quality of life in the neighborhood quality of life
Project Design—Evidence of well planned, credible project and a solid plan for sustainability
13

A Quick Guide to
Neighborhood Matching Grants
Next steps after approval :
Contract signing and orientation will be held 10-14 days following approval
Project implementation activities can begin after the contracts are signed
Funds are disbursed as the grantee submits invoices for payment (or receipts for reimbursement)
Monthly progress reports are required; staff monitoring and assistance is ongoing
Project close-out is achieved after project is completed and pledged match is satisfied
Next steps after denial :
Letter explaining a reason for denial
Opportunity for staff follow up and assistance if needed for future project ideas
Ineligible costs and other limitations:
NMG will not pay for food, beverages, entertainment, salaries and other operational costs, or annual plants (perennials are recommended)
Applicants may plan to pay for and count these costs as a part of their match
Neighborhood festivals and organized trips may be awarded grants up to $3,000
For more information on the NMG Program or to host a NMG Presentation for your neighborhood group, please contact Aisha Alexander, Neighborhood Resource Specialist 704-
336-2175 or valexander@charlottenc.gov
14

Glossary of Terms Related to
Grants and Funding
Applicant :
Application :
Party requesting a grant or sub-grant
Written plan outlining the grant program activities
Appropriation : Amount approved for expenditure under an authorization bill
Authorization Legislation setting up the general aims and purposes of a
Bill:
Award : program
Funds provided as the result of winning a grant
Awardee : Recipient of the grant award
Budget : Financial plan for carrying out the project or program bidentified in the grant proposal
Competitive
Grant:
Grant that must go through a competitive, objective review process
Continuation Grant available for the continuation of a program already in
Grant: existence
Direct Costs : Costs directly associated with operating a grant program, such as personnel, equipment, instructional supplies, travel
Entitlement
Funds: expenses and professional development
Money received on the basis of a formula such as number or percentage of student population
Formula Funds : Money received based on certain requirements of the target
population
Federal Funds : Money appropriated by the US Congress to fund a program or project
Federal Register : Source of official announcements for application information
15

Glossary of Terms Related to
Grants and Funding
Grant : Award of financial assistance
Grant Program : Activities and requirements that must be followed by the
Grantee : grantee
Recipient of the grant award
Grantor : Party issuing the grant
Indirect Costs : Administrative and financial costs associated with operating a grant program
In-Kind A non-cash donation of labor, facilities, or equipment
Contribution: contributed to a project
LEA : Local Education Agency (e.g., school or district)
Matching funds : Contributions of funds required of an applicant or contributor
to match grant funds
Proposal : Details the project developed in response to the grant requirements
RFA :
RFP :
SEA :
Sub-grant :
Request for Application
Request for Proposal
State Education Agency
Awards made under the authority of another grant program as a means to distribute funds to secondary applicants,
Supplant : such as Reading First funds.
To deliberately reduce state or local funds because of the existence of grant funds
Supplement : To support, reinforce, expand, or enrich an existing program with additional funds
Target Population : The identified intended beneficiaries of the grant project activities and services
16

Community & Commerce Division
600 East Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
17