The match should be funds generated for the project after the project start date, that are in addition to the organization’s normal operating expenses/income. One anticipated outcomes of the Connected Communities Grant is to increase philanthropy in the Midlands. Please use this grant as an opportunity to leverage additional funding.
The Central Carolina Community Foundation Board of Trustees has not historically accepted in-kind donations as part of the matching funds. However, it may be considered if the in-kind donation is for a tangible, quantifiable item (i.e. contractor services, facility rental, supplies, etc.). Volunteer hours and salaries will likely not be accepted as part of the Matching Funds.
Funds cannot be applied retroactively to costs already incurred. Therefore, all grant money should be used for expenses incurred after the grant start date.
Grant funds should not be used as a substitute for funds already secured for your project by your organization.
The match can only be funds secured after the grant start date. We encourage you to use this grant as an opportunity to approach donors/other funders to secure additional funds. If appropriate, you can submit letters of support from any donors/corporations committing matching dollars.
If your project has already begun, you should propose using these funds to enhance it and/or do something you would not be able to do otherwise. For example, if you already have funding to conduct five workshops, you could propose using CCCF funding to provide childcare or transportation to increase attendance, give all attendees a book that complements the workshop content, etc.
Your organization is expected to match 20% of the CCCF request (not 20% of the total project budget). When you enter the CCCF Request into the provided Excel Budget Form (row 9), the match amount will automatically generate for you in Row 44. This is the minimum amount your organization must match.
Your organization is making a one-year request to CCCF. However, if you anticipate continuing this project after year one, please thoughtfully consider how you will put plans into place NOW to begin securing funds for next year. If you anticipate requesting funds from CCCF again next year for the same project, it is best to go ahead and say that in your proposal.
Yes! Please use public campaigns such as Midlands Gives Day to raise your Challenge Match. All organizations will be notified by February 2025, so Midlands Gives would be a great opportunity to solicit matching dollars. To receive full funding, the entire Challenge Match must be secured by the interim report due date (6 months from the program start date).
The project year is March 2025-February 2026.
It is not a requirement but could be helpful (especially if you are relying on them for a heavy lift). We recommend having partners sign one letter to minimize the number of pages. If you are unsure if a document would be helpful, you could also include something along the lines of “[X document] is available upon request” in the application.
We prefer that organizations only pick one grant category, but you may select more than one. Please thoughtfully consider what outcomes you plan to achieve with your project. You should choose categories that you are confident your project will intentionally and significantly address. Please ensure you include objectives that align with each category you close.
No. It is only important that all funds are expensed during this project year.
Current grantees can apply; the same project can only be funded a maximum of three times. If a program/project is funded more than once, the grantee matching requirement will increase annually: 1st year – 20%, 2nd year– 30% and 3rd year – 40%