In 2021, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will award community grant requests by invitation only. Invited organizations will be asked to submit a simple request form by March 15.
The foundation expects to grant more than $2 million from its discretionary grant-making funds. Donors direct more than 80% of all the grants the foundation awards to the causes they care about most.
The majority of these funds are restricted to benefit children, youth, and seniors, and are focused on education, end of life care, youth development, historic preservation, and human services.
Proposals will be reviewed in March with a staff recommendation going to the board for final approval April 1.
Asked why by invitation only, the foundation’s answer is, “We’re focusing on the relationships we’re building with current grant partners and look to support their organizational health. We have a high grant renewal rate, which leaves little room for new partners.”
Last year, grants were awarded to 35 organizations from Watsonville to San Lorenzo Valley.
Many organizations the foundation anticipates not being able to fund, and in that case, the foundation welcomes you to submit an “Impact Profile.”
These succinct profiles of your work allow foundation staff the opportunity to introduce donors to the work you’re doing with optimism it will yield new attention, understanding, and resources toward your organization. Impact Profile forms will be available online starting March 26 and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
For those seeking help with the profile, a recording with writing and editing tips will be posted at cfscc.org.
The foundation anticipates providing grants from the Fire Recovery and COVID Response Funds by invitation only. Contact [email protected] to see if your work may be eligible for funds dedicated to supporting people’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and/or helping the land and people to heal from the CZU fires.
•••
For details see cfscc.org or the frequently asked questions page docs.google.com/document/d/1Yk8PHhMAyte874AC0ttW2rqstD3Tu0zVbO9eKqna80Q/edit If your question isn’t answered, email [email protected] or Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement & Impact at [email protected]