APPLICATION PROCESS
The Impact Fairfield County (Impact) Grant will provide restricted funds to develop new programs/projects; significantly expand existing programs/projects; and/or improve organizational capacity that advances the nonprofit organization's core mission. Our transformative grants are in the amount of $100,000 to be spent over 24 months, of which up to 20% is allowed to be allocated toward general operating expenses, as needed. Strong proposals demonstrate how Impact’s funding supports the organization’s core mission and why this is the right time to invest.
Please review the following eligibility criteria to determine whether both your organization and your proposed program/project meet the criteria for an Impact grant.
Criteria may change year to year as our process evolves. All questions may be directed to grants@impactffc.org
Eligibility & Requirements
Organization Requirements:
Classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity
Operating in, serving residents of AND fully expending funds exclusively in Fairfield County, CT
Three years of independently audited financial statements on file
Not a recipient of an Impact $100,000 grant in the previous three years
Proposal Requirements:
Your proposal must be for a new program/project, a significant expansion of an existing program/project with outcomes increasing by 50% or more, or a capacity-building initiative that advances your core mission. Additional requirements:
Total project budget of at least $100,000
No more than 20% of funds allocated to general operating costs
Funding must be distinct from general operations with direct measurable outcomes
Full grant must be used within 24 months
Project must benefit under-resourced populations in Fairfield County
All funds must be fully expended in Fairfield County and exclusively serving Fairfield County residents
What We Don’t Fund:
Impact Fairfield County does not provide grants for:
Debt reduction, operating deficits, or interim or bridge funding
Pass-through funding including financial aid, scholarship funding directly to individuals and/or tuition
Membership, participation or entrance fees
Endowment funding
Individuals, or private or community foundations
Religious, sectarian, partisan, legislative, or political in nature
Fundraising events or annual appeals
Medical research, pet/animal welfare, or capital funding not central to the proposal