Supporting Our Sisters Grantmaking

Overview
Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Application requirements may change from year to year; therefore, grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project. Visit our Apply for a Grant page for instructions on submitting a funding request.

Grant Cycle
We consider requests for funding on a yearly cycle which begins each June. At the start of each cycle, a notice is mailed to nonprofit organizations that serve Spencer County women and girls. The requirements and instructions provided here are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the Supporting Our Sisters grant cycle, which runs from June through November each year. Funding requests will be accepted from June through the August deadline. Funding requests submitted after the July deadline will not be considered.

Eligibility
The Supporting Our Sisters Fund welcomes funding requests from non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving Spencer County women and girls.  Funding requests from other non-profit organizations to carry out charitable projects or activities that address issues facing women and girls in Spencer County may be accepted.  However, organizations not designated as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be required to secure a fiscal sponsor.

Project Areas Funded by the Supporting Our Sisters Fund
The Supporting Our Sisters Fund is used to make yearly grants to support a variety of projects or programs serving women and girls in Spencer County, such as programs that prevent domestic violence, secure family-supporting jobs, promote health and education, and develop confidence. The programs or projects for which funding is being requested must address the needs and opportunities which support the Fund's mission of providing opportunities, encouragement, knowledge and hope to our community's women and girls.

Fiscal Sponsors
Funding requests submitted by a non-charitable entity under the auspices of a 501(c)(3) public charity must include a written statement signed by the public charity's board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity's fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project. 

Funding Range
To be determined.

Deliberation
The Supporting Our Sisters (SOS) Steering Committee will review letters of inquiry and determine those organizations that will be invited to submit a complete grant application.  All organizations that have submitted a letter of inquiry will be notified of the outcome in writing no later than Friday, September 2, 2011.

Upon its review of the complete grant applications, the SOS Steering Committee will make its recommendations on funding to the Spencer County Community Foundation Board of Trustees, which will make final funding recommendations to the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors (our governing board). No lobbying or soliciting of Steering Committee members or representatives of the Spencer County Community Foundation will be permitted.  All organizations that have submitted a complete grant application will be notified of the outcome in writing no later than November 1, 2011.

Reporting Procedures
If the funding request is approved, the organization is required to submit a six-month progress report and a final report at project completion as instructed by the Community Foundation Alliance.  Organizations approved for funding must complete their projects within one year of receiving the grant award.  Click here for report forms.