We define organizational health as the ability of an organization to function effectively, cope adequately, change appropriately, and grow from within. Our objectives are to increase the stability, effectiveness, and resilience of nonprofits, to meet mission and community need, and to increase the capacity of smaller agencies.
Through this grant program, the foundation will accept requests between $5,000 and $15,000 for needs related to:
- Operational infrastructure
- Scaling a program or initiative
- Stabilizing a program or initiative
FCH accepts applications to the Capacity Building Grant program, through two grant cycles. Decisions are made within 30 days of each cycle’s deadline.
Upcoming Info Sessions
These brief 30-45 minute sessions provide an overview of the grant program and an opportunity for you to ask questions you may have about the application process, reporting, or what FCH staff consider when reviewing requests.
Friday, September 22nd 4:00pm – 4:45pm (Register HERE)
Wednesday, September 27th 3:00pm-3:45pm (Register HERE)
Can’t make one of these info sessions, but still have a question or need additional information? Please reach out or schedule a meeting on Natashea’s calendar to discuss your request.
Grant Program Details
Eligibility
Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 organizations OR initiatives with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor who serve one or multiple towns within FCH’s community that have alignment with the foundation’s funding interests. Proposals from organizations that do not meet this criterion or have received funding through FCH’s Multi-Year General Operating Support Program will not be considered for funding through this program.
Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:
- Alignment between the organization and the foundation’s funding interests, specifically:
- Is the organization focused on improving health issues within our community or the conditions required for health and well-being?
- Does the organization incorporate indicators of community health and well-being when measuring its performance or success?
- Alignment between the use of the requested funds and the organizational health or capacity needs of the organization, as communicated by the applicant
- Does the request clearly support an organizational health need, as identified by the applicant?
- Readiness of the organization, as communicated by the applicant (e.g. organization history, organization health and/or capacity goals, significant changes to the organization)
- Strength of ties to FCH’s community, specifically:
- Is the organization physically based in the community it serves?
- If the organization serves an entire state or county, does it make a concerted effort to serve the communities in FCH’s service area?
- Will the request impact services provided in FCH’s community?
Lastly, priority will be given to smaller organizations (operating budget at or under $500K annually) that meet the criteria above.
Learning and Evaluation
As part of the foundation’s effort to learn and understand the results of this program, grantee partners in the Capacity Building Grant Program will participate in the following learning and evaluation activities:
- Post-Grant Survey at the end of the funding period (estimated 15-20 minutes to complete)
- Post-Grant Check-in with an FCH staff member (45 minutes – 1 hour)
Additionally, grantees that have not previously or recently (more than 5 years) received funding from FCH will be asked to participate in a brief, 30-minute meeting in advance of their grant’s funded period.
Have a question or need additional information? Please reach out or schedule a meeting on Natashea’s calendar to discuss your request. This is not a mandatory or required step, but we have found that these conversations can be helpful in shaping how a proposal is framed or determining whether there is alignment with FCH’s funding interests – ultimately saving time for prospective grantees. We also suggest looking at the Capacity Building Program’s Post-Grant Survey, this can help give prospective applicants insight as to whether or not their request is aligned with the aims of this grant program.
Photo by Sarah Kenyon.
Connect with Our Staff
Can’t make one our scheduled info sessions? We’re happy to connect one-on-one and talk through the grant program and answer any questions you may have.