Connected Communities FAQs
What is considered a matching fund?
Matching funds are new funds generated for the project after the grant period begins. They should be in addition to your organization’s normal operating income.
One goal of Connected Communities is to inspire additional philanthropy in the Midlands. We encourage you to use the grant as an opportunity to leverage additional support from donors and other funders.
Do in-kind donations count toward the matching requirement?
In-kind donations have not historically been accepted as matching funds. However, an in-kind contribution may be considered if it represents a tangible, quantifiable expense, such as contractor services, facility rental or supplies.
Volunteer hours and staff salaries generally are not accepted as matching funds.
If we have already raised money for the project, can it count toward our match?
No. Matching funds must be secured after the grant period begins. We encourage you to use the Connected Communities grant as an opportunity to approach donors, corporations and other funders for additional support.
If appropriate, you may include letters of support from donors or corporations committing matching funds.
Is the matching requirement based on our grant request or our total project budget?
The matching requirement is based on the amount you request from Central Carolina Community Foundation, not the total project budget.
For a first-year request, your organization must secure a match equal to at least 20 percent of the grant request. The matching requirement increases to 30 percent in the second consecutive year and 40 percent in the third consecutive year for the same project.
Can we use a public fundraising campaign such as Midlands Gives to raise our matching funds?
Yes. Public fundraising campaigns such as Midlands Gives Day can be used to help raise your required match.
To receive full funding, your organization must secure the entire required match by the interim report due date, six months after the grant period begins.
Can grant funds be used for expenses we have already incurred?
No. Grant funds cannot be applied retroactively to expenses already incurred. Grant funds must be used for expenses incurred during the grant period.
If we already have funding secured for our project, can we redirect those funds and use the Connected Communities grant to cover those costs instead?
No. Connected Communities grant funds should not replace funding your organization has already secured for the project. The grant should help your organization expand the project's impact or accomplish something that would not otherwise be possible.
Can we apply for an existing project or one that has already started?
Yes, but the proposed use of Connected Communities funding should enhance the project or allow your organization to accomplish something that would not otherwise be possible.
For example, if you already have funding to conduct five workshops, you might request funding to provide childcare or transportation to increase participation or provide attendees with materials that complement the workshop content.
Is this a one-year grant, or can we request multiple years of funding?
Connected Communities is a one-year grant. If you anticipate continuing the project beyond the grant period, consider how you will begin securing funding for future years.
If you expect to request Connected Communities funding for the same project again, you should explain that in your proposal.
Can current Connected Communities grantees apply?
Yes. The same project may receive Connected Communities funding a maximum of three times.
If the same project is funded in consecutive years, the matching requirement increases:
First year: 20 percent
Second year: 30 percent
Third year: 40 percent
Does the Foundation have a preference for how grant funds are spent?
No. There is no preference for specific types of project expenses. The expenses should support the proposed project, and all grant funds must be spent during the grant period.
Can we select more than one grant category?
We prefer that applicants select the one category that most closely aligns with the primary outcomes of the project, but you may select more than one.
If you select multiple categories, consider whether your project will intentionally and significantly address each one. Your application should include objectives that clearly align with each category you select.
Should we include letters of support from project partners?
Letters of support are not required, but they can be helpful, particularly when a partner will play a significant role in the project.
If you include letters from multiple partners, we recommend asking partners to sign one joint letter when practical to minimize the number of pages. If you have additional documentation that may be useful but is not necessary for the application, you may note that it is available upon request.
What is the Connected Communities grant period?
The grant period is one year and begins in March. Refer to the Grant Process Timeline above for the current grant cycle.