HomeMy Public PortalAboutCharitable Funds - Checklist 2008Watertown/Harvard and Watertown/O'Neill Properties
Community Enrichment Fund
2008
The Town of Watertown is pleased to announce that it is taking applications for the
Watertown/Harvard and Watertown/O'Neill Properties Community Enrichment Fund. The
awards will be given to community organizations/programs in the Spring of 2008, and will be
based on two different types of awards.
The first award will be entitled the Standard Grant Award and will be limited to a maximum
of $7,500 to any single organization. The second award will be entitled a Special Project Grant
Award and will be a minimum of $10,000. Organizations are encouraged to submit a group
application for a special project grant award.
To be considered for either award(s), please follow the guidelines within this document.
An informational meeting will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, February 25, 2008
at 6:00 PM.
Please submit seven (7) copies of the written application to the Town Clerk's Office, 149 Main
St., Watertown, MA 02472 by March 28, 2008 at 5:00 PM.
In order to receive an award from the Watertown/Harvard and Watertown/O'Neill
Properties Community Enrichment Funds, the following items must be provided:
1. Name, address, phone number, mission statement, and contact person of the organization
including an email address.
2. Detail listing of Revenues and Expenditures for the last four years. (If organization has been
in existence less than four years, then provide as many years as you can).
3. A current Balance Sheet of the organization.
4. Number of Watertown residents that the organization has assisted per year for the last four
years.
5. Proof that the organization has achieved a 501 (C) (3) status or its equivalent and/or any
documentation supporting your non-profit status.
6. State a specific amount that the organization is seeking.
7. State the specific purpose or need that the requested funds will be used for.
8. If your organization received an award from this fund in 2007, please state the amount of the
award and documentation of the specific accomplishments achieved with these funds
including a detailed breakdown of what, how and when the funds were expended.
9. Signature of an authorized officer of the organization acknowledging that all the information
in the written application is true and accurate.
Eligibility Ground Rules
• Watertown -based Non -Profit organizations only (including but not limited to 501 (C) (3)
organizations).
• Town departments and other town funded capital or operating programs are not eligible.
• Uses that constitute a pass -through to other organizations/individuals will not be
considered (e.g. funds used for donations to other groups or scholarship funds).
• Filing of a complete and timely application.
Selection Criteria/Considerations
Service -related criteria
• Direct benefits to Watertown residents.
• Number of Watertown residents served.
• Types and criticality of services being provided.
• Number of other organizations providing same/similar services.
• Community impact if services are not available due to funding.
• Groups are encouraged to make their funding request as specific as possible.
• Documentation regarding use of previously awarded funds demonstrating that use was
consistent with purposes stated as basis of prior award.
• Previous Awards of the Special Project Award
Financial considerations
• Financial position of organization.
• Amount and source of funding already being received directly or indirectly.
• Percentage of funds reaching residents after expenses.
• Sources of other funding available for your specific proposal.
• Percentage of the organization's current budget being requested.
• Description of other fundraising activities.
Selection Process
• Selections made by Ad -Hoc Charitable Committee, approved by Town Council.
• Applicants may be required by the Committee to present additional information about
their application.
Definition of Awards
• Standard Grant Award: An eligible organization may apply for a Standard Grant Award
(maximum $7,500) and may be given the award based upon the criteria outlined above.
• Special Project Grant Award: One or more eligible organizations may apply, in a single
application, for a Special Project Grant Award (minimum $10,000). The Special Project
Grant Award may be awarded to an individual eligible organization or a group of eligible
organizations to fund larger scale community enrichment programs meeting the criteria
outlined above. All Special Project Grant Award applicants, in addition to the written
submission, may be required to make a formal presentation to the Committee.
APPLICANTS MAY APPLY FOR BOTH TYPES OF GRANT AWARDS.
Please be advised that the Town of Watertown DOES NOT GUARANTEE that all
organizations that apply will be given an award.