Capital Campaign Grants: Criteria for Consideration
In order to ensure the type of programmatic outcomes that we hope to achieve through our grants, we will consider the following criteria for support of capital campaigns.
Capital Campaign Criteria:
- The Community Foundation will consider capital requests for time-limited projects where an organization seeks to raise a specific amount of cash to be used for purchase or renovation of a building and/or for equipment, either to furnish the facility or for other uses. The Community Foundation will not consider capital requests for support of endowment campaigns.
- There must be a clearly defined and measurable outcome for the project that will also address the goals and priorities of the Community Foundation. Though the measurable aspects of a capital project – be it enhanced programming, expanded services, or additional revenue for the grantee organization – may be years away, the ultimate outcome must address a Community Foundation priority.
- The organization must be able to identify interim benchmarks of success toward improved organizational capacity. Capital campaigns frequently allow an organization to increase and diversify its sources of support, improving the organization’s capacity. Interim benchmarks must address the applicant organization’s increased capacity as a direct result of the capital project.
- The Grand Rapids Community Foundation values environmental responsibility and sustainability. Where possible, LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification of construction supported through capital campaign grants is required.
- The applicant organization should have a strong organizational infrastructure, including:
- The project must fit with the organization’s mission and be clearly included as a strategy in a current strategic plan
- A strong board, with effective board leadership and a membership that can support a capital campaign, financially or through its connections
- A sound financial management system, including appropriate technology and policies and procedures associated with gift acceptance
- A stable budget with no accumulated deficits, good cash flow, and a strong balance sheet
- A successful fund development strategy for the organization and for the campaign
- Demonstration of an institutional commitment to private and diverse sources of support
- Projections of increased organizational operating costs after completion of the campaign and a clear plan for absorbing them
- A clear consistent message and public awareness of the organization
- A good program that advances the mission of the organization with stable or increasing demand for services
- The applicant organization must also demonstrate readiness for the capital campaign by having the following in place:
- A strong case for support, justifying the need for the capital expenditures and explaining how it will help the organization increase its capacity to meet its mission
- A well-defined project scope
- A feasibility study demonstrating community support for the project and the organization
- Approval of changes in zoning and compliance with other regulatory approvals secured or imminent
- A firm estimate of costs to be incurred as a result of the project, including campaign costs, architectural design and construction
- If applicable, long term financing in place or imminent
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