Grants
A grant is funding given by an entity (the grantor) to another entity (grantee) for a specific purpose that creates public benefit.
Below is general information about grants and organizations that give grants in our area.
Grant Funding
Grants are not just “free” money. Grantors want to see a return on investment, usually in the terms of impact and ongoing sustainability. Eligibility varies and each grant has its own requirements. Entities must apply for grant funding for a specific project or purpose.
Grantors will request information to document capacity: the ability to manage the money and carry out the proposed project/program after the grant runs out. This often includes financial records of the organization (possibly audits), number of staff or volunteers, history of programming, experience managing grants, and certifications or credentials.
Grants typically come with a lot of rules and restrictions on how funds can be spent. Failure to comply with the grant requirements can result in having to pay back the grant.
Generalities
- Grant funding comes from foundations, corporations, or the government.
- Generally, only non-profits, units of government, and federally recognized tribes are eligible for grants. Opportunities for for-profit businesses are very limited (often tied to job creation or a specific industry).
- Grantors don’t like to fund 100% of a program/project, they want to see other funding and support.
- Most grants are project or programming based.
- Construction and general operating grants are very rare.
- Some grants require the grantee to spend the money upfront and then they are reimbursed for eligible expenses by submitting proper documentation including things like receipts, paid invoices, etc.
Typical Grant Cycle
Planning and prep work are not shown in the graphic but can be extensive depending on application requirements.
Application Process: Sometimes this is a single step and other times it is a multi-step process.
The time between submitting a grant and funding being awarded varies: sometimes it is a few weeks and other times it is a few months.
Notification of Funding: Entities are notified that they are being awarded funding (or are notified that they weren’t selected).
Execution of Grant Agreement: The grantor and grantee sign an agreement outlining the terms of a grant.
Grant Period: The grant period starts after the grant agreement is executed. This is a designated amount of time to carry out the project and meet the grant requirements. Grant reporting is required during this time.
Grant Closeout: Funds have been utilized, the project is complete, and the final report is submitted in addition to anything else required by the grantor.
Some grants may have a compliance period that starts after a grant is closed out, requiring additional reporting for a specified amount of time.
Grant Opportunities
This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather highlight some accessible opportunities.
Golden Belt Community Foundation
Golden Belt Community Foundation offers several grants annually. For more information, click here.
- Spring Community Building Grant – max. $3,000 (they like to see a match but none is explicitly required). Application opens Feb. 1 and is due April 1.
- The Neighborhood Youth Grant – max. $5,000 (they like to see a match but none is explicitly required). Application opens July 1 and is due August 1.
South Central Community Foundation
South Central Community Foundation’s grant cycle opens on June 1st of each year. Applications are due August 31st by 11:59 p.m. For more information, click here.
- SCCF Community Grants – max. $2,000 (they like to see a match but none is explicitly required). This application is available to nonprofits, schools, churches, and cities serving one or more counties in SCCF’s service area.
- Children’s Health Grant – max. $5,000 (only one awarded per county). This application is available to nonprofits, schools, churches, and cities. This grant must be for a children’s health project or program in one of SCCF’s seven county service area. Children is defined as 18 years or younger.
- Teacher’s Grant – $250. This grant is available to Teachers in SCCF’s seven county service area. This grant is for $250 for any classroom need. Budget must be for $250 or more with overages paid by the school.
Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC)
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission’s grant cycle opens annually in the spring. For more information, click here.
- Strategic Investment – max. $7,500. 1:1 match required (in-kind or cash). This application is available to nonprofits, units of local government (schools, libraries, etc.), and federally recognized tribes depending on the subcategory of the application.
- Arts Integration – max. $7,500. 1:1 match required. Using the arts to enhance student success and community development. This application is available to nonprofits, units of local government (schools, libraries, etc.), and federally recognized tribes.
- Reimagined Spaces – max. $10,000. 1:1 match required. Activating underused spaces through the arts. This application is available to nonprofits, units of local government (schools, libraries, etc.), and federally recognized tribes.
- Murals and Public Art – max. $10,000. 1:1 match required (half can be inkind). This application is available to nonprofits, units of local government (schools, libraries, etc.), and federally recognized tribes.
- Organizational Mentorship – max. $7,500. 1:1 match required (half can be inkind). This application is available Kansas based arts nonprofits.
Please note:
EcoDevo does not always have the capacity to offer assistance with grants and may decline requests for assistance.
EcoDevo can sometimes serve as a fiscal sponsor for projects if approved by our board of directors. You can learn more about fiscal sponsorship here.
