Common Ground Grants
This initiative promotes regional collaboration by encouraging organizations to identify common ground in meeting the diverse needs of Newport County. Common Ground grants will support creative collaborative projects that cross institutional boundaries and the borders of Newport County’s six cities and towns. This program seeks projects that take advantage of regional relationships to build stronger organizations through collaboration across Newport County.
NCF will consider proposals for project collaborations in six sectors: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, and human services or other area of demonstrated need. Projects adopting a multi-sector focus are strongly encouraged.
In awarding these grants, NCF is looking for opportunities to foster innovation and achieve organizational efficiencies in the design and delivery of a variety of programs and services. Proposals that reduce duplication of service and provide strategies for long-term sustainability will be given special consideration.
The application deadline is October 3, 2011.
Eligibility
This competitive grants program provides support for the planning and implementation of collaborative projects for nonprofit, 501(c) organizations and municipal departments located and operating in Newport County. Awards will be made to one organization in the partnership to support the program collaboration. Grants will range from $20,000-$50,000. NCF expects to award three to five grants from this program in 2011.
Eligible projects must include:
- Partnership between 2 or more unaffiliated organizations
- Evidence of a demonstrated commitment to collaborative ways of working or regional approaches to community issues or needs
- Work may be focused in one sector or multiple sectors
- Serve one Newport County community or multiple communities
- Public program component to share project concept or outcomes with the community
Successful applications will demonstrate:
- Alignment with NCF’s mission
- Focus on a significant problem or opportunity in the county
- Innovation in approach or project design
- Capacity and leadership to complete the proposed work
- Measurable results
- A plan for long-term sustainability where relevant
The Newport County Fund does not fund individuals or scholarships, capital or endowment efforts, medical research, debt reduction, fundraising events, or campaigns to elect candidates to public office. Grants may support faith-based organizations for secular programs or projects.
As a Foundation-established fund with geographic focus, the Newport County Fund awards grants that serve to supplement, not replace, the Foundation’s current statewide grantmaking programs. Grant support from NCF will not reduce eligibility to apply to The Rhode Island Foundation for other grant support.
Grants are awarded annually, on a year-to-year basis. Successful projects may reapply for additional funding, but NCF does not make multi-year commitments.
Please note: Projects that previously have received support from the Foundation must submit interim or final reports before the Newport County Fund can award a new grant.
Learn More
Questions?
Call or email Inés Merchán, grant programs officer, (401) 427-4034. |