These grants are made through designated funds and donor-advised funds established by individuals, companies, and community groups that support the interests and philanthropic goals of the donors as well as the Community Foundation’s mission and operating principles.

The Community Foundation awards grants for project-specific, capital, and technical assistance purposes to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies to support a broad range of services  to the islands community. The Community Foundation is particularly interested in supporting efforts that improve the capacity of organizations to deliver services to their clients.

Project grants are primarily for new or expanded programs and pilot or demonstration projects. Project grants have explicit objectives, predetermined time frames and costs, support the mission of the recipient organization, and address a documented community need.

Capital grants support the construction, acquisition, and renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase of equipment by an organization. Capital grant requests for construction projects may also include the costs of related technical services such as legal, architectural, and engineering activities.

Technical Assistance grants support organizational development activities to address such issues as board governance, strategic planning, resource development, and interagency collaboration.

A limited amount of funding is available each year to assist individuals with one-time financial emergency needs that cannot be covered by other sources. Charitable organizations must request funding on behalf of individuals needing assistance after verifying that the need is legitimate. Grants of up to $200 are available for organizations to disburse to their clients after approval by the Community Foundation.

For more information on the Community Foundation's grantmaking programs, please contact Anne Douglas, Director of Programs, at 239-274-5900.