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Community Project Mini-Grant Guidelines
Eligible projects:
One-time mini-grants, from $100 - $3,000;
For programs benefiting or serving children zero-five and their families in Amador County in the following areas: - Child Care
- Father Involvement
- Family Safety
- Nutrition & Physical Activity Promotion
- Health
- School Readiness
Eligible applicants include individuals, community and neighborhood groups, not-for-profit organizations, public agencies, educational institutions, or for-profit entities serving children zero to five and their families in Amador County.
No funding available for physical improvements (ie: fences, landscaping, permanent construction).
A maximum of $300.00 in capital assets can be requested in any one mini-grant.
Grant applications are reviewed six times a year. Deadlines for the calendar year 2010 are 5:00pm, at the First 5 office, on the following dates: January 1, 2010 March 1, 2010
May 1, 2010 July 1, 2010
September 1, 2010 November 1, 2010 Applications must be turned it at least two months prior to the start date of your program, or project. The process for review, clarifications, finalizations of plans, and payment processing can take up to a minimum of two months, please plan accordingly. In addition, please do not announce or advertise your program or project until you have final confirmation that it has been funded.
Successful grantees may be awarded funding no more than two times per fiscal year, for two separate projects; previously awarded grantees are eligible to apply each year. If approved for funding, applicants will be required to sign a contract describing specifically how the funds will be used and, upon completion, to show how the funds were spent. Grantees will also be requested to complete a marketing/outreach plan and to work with First 5 evaluators to measure the success of the program. When appropriate, grantees will be asked to document the project with photos with a disposable camera provided by First 5 Amador (photo release forms provided as well). Grantee Responsibilities: - After receiving grant money, grantees will need to keep track of their grant activities on an ongoing basis. A one-time expense report on funds spent will be required. A simple report form will be provided.
- Grantees will need to work with First 5 Amador evaluation staff to measure the effectiveness of grant funds. A simple evaluation report form will also be provided to be turned in as part of the final report. Some grantees may be requested to meet with evaluation staff before the project begins to determine how to best document whether goals have been achieved or not.
- Grantees may be requested to take photographs of the project or event (where applicable) and provide copies to First 5 Amador. A disposable camera will be provided by First 5 Amador along with a photo release form.
- Grantees must maintain a tobacco-free environment (including outside areas at all events) for all projects, and each office location.
- Grantees must agree to a contract that will include a certification that the applicant will comply with all State and Federal law, including, but not limited to: a) a drug-free workplace; and b) all employment and anti-discrimination laws.
- Due to the nature of working with children 0-5, some grantees may be required to complete fingerprinting and a background check before receiving funding.
- Grantees requesting money for personnel expenses may be required to invoice First 5 according to a schedule established between First 5 and the Grantee. Proof of attendance at events/classes, etc, when applicable, may also be required. (Appropriate forms will be provided by First 5.) If the grant budget includes personnel expenses and no one attends a class or event, First 5 may opt to reimburse for only half of these personnel costs originally approved in the grant. To ensure attendance, the grantee is responsible for developing a marketing/outreach plan with assistance from First 5 staff.
Click here to download the 2010 Mini-Grant Application |
