[KFCF Friends] Foundation Grants notes

[subs at kfcf.org]

Hi all,
I have received several requests for information about theVanguard 
Foundation proposal. Please be aware that these draft notes from the 
presentation at the last board meeting are subject to correction. Anyone 
who wishes to speak to the Board regarding KFCF and Foundation grant 
funding should plan on coming to Tuesday's meeting at the Unitarian 
Church at 7 p.m. I expect the discussion on the subject to begin around 
7:30.
--Debbie Speer

DRAFT NOTES ONLY:

Alice Rocha of the Vanguard Foundation was invited by Mike Rhodes to 
give a presentation giving an overview of the Foundation, an explanation 
of the different types of grants available, and grant writing advice. In 
addition to funding for workers and advocacy initiatives, Vanguard 
provides technical assistance for capacity building for organizations 
that meet Vanguard's criteria. In deciding to award grants, Vanguard 
reviews organizations to ensure programming fits Vanguard's criteria, 
there are clear project and organizational overviews, identification of 
program's issues and audience, statistics on constituencies, a budget 
and no duplication of existing service (organizations must be clear 
about differences if services are similar to other programs). Vanguard 
requires that the funded organization has the capacity to fund 
administration and staff to implement programming. Objectives must be 
measurable (number of listeners, for example) and must be able to show 
the impact of programming. An example of showing outcomes would be to 
show who organized and how organizing occurred. A request of 25 percent 
of present budget would be "in line" with a reasonable funding request. 
Vanguard requests information / biographies from board members to ensure 
a broad and appropriate range of backgrounds and experience. Three basic 
types of grants are for "capacity building," "program building" and 
"core of support." It is extremely important to apply for the type of 
funding most appropriate for needs, and that the terminology is 
understood thoroughly when applying. Vanguard also looks to establish 
long-term relationships with groups funded. Many grassroots 
organizations have been able to "move on" with help of Vanguard funding. 
Vanguard may provide advisors/consultants to assist with programming 
that receives "capacity building" grants. Vanguard is a privately funded 
foundation. No action was taken by the board at this time.