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THE

TRENTON HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE

Small Grants Program – Spring 2016

Grant Application Package I Am Trenton Community Foundation awards grants to agencies, organizations, or individuals that serve Trenton residents. Our overall goal is to support organizations that improve our community and add to the quality of life for Trenton residents. We utilize a competitive grant making process to promote inclusion, equity, and diversity in Trenton. Our mission is to make Trenton even better through community engagement, building pride in our city, and community-focused giving. The Trenton Historic Development Collaborative (THDC)is a coalition of more than 40 community stakeholders from the West and North Wards of Trenton who are committed to revitalizing their neighborhood. Our community-driven plan for the neighborhood, which is bordered by West State Street, Willow Street, Bellevue and Rutherford Avenues, and Hermitage Avenue, was approved by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in 2011. The THDC is now implementing this plan with the support of the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and the NJ Department of Community Affair’s Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program. About the THDC Small Grants Program Smaller, grassroots organizations, as well as community activists and non-incorporated groups, were a driving force in developing the THDC plan. Many of these groups do important work in the THDC neighborhood, but do not, at present, qualify for funding through traditional sources. To support their efforts, and to build their capacity in the process, the Collaborative has set up the Small Grants Program in partnership with I Am Trenton Community Foundation to support work in the THDC planning area, as noted on the map on page 3. This grant application packet should provide all the information you need for submitting a grant request for the THDC Small Grants Program.

General guidelines Read about the types of projects, events, and community activities that the THDC Small Grants Program is designed to support.

Application timeline and submission requirements

The deadline for the THDC Small Grants Spring Round is April 18, 2016 at 12 p.m. Please review the information in this section carefully before you submit your application.

Application Please fill out your application using the detailed instructions and application form.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES The THDC Small Grants Program is intended to support projects or activities that will have a meaningful impact within the THDC neighborhood while strengthening the capacity of the grantee to accomplish more in the future. It is not intended as a regular funding source for operating expenses or ongoing programs – rather, it is intended to strengthen grantees so that they can better seek other sources of funding for their regular work. While applicants may submit an on-going program for consideration, projects that can significantly increase an applicant’s capacity will be given preference. At this time, the THDC Small Grants Program provides three tiers of grants: 1. Base grants (up to $500)

Five-hundred dollars may go a long way. Applicants with limited experience in grant management, or who are only carrying out a short-term, one-time project, are encouraged to apply at the Base level.

2. Strength grants (up to $2,500)

This category is intended to strengthen the applicant’s ability to manage, leverage and improve existing programs. Applicants whose prior experience is very limited are strongly encouraged to apply for a base grant instead.

3. Amp grants (up to $5,000)

A very limited number of amp grants of up to $5,000 may be awarded in this cycle. This category is intended to significantly strengthen the capacity of organizations who have demonstrated experience in managing grants. These grants are not intended to support the regular operations, programs, or services that an organization provides – rather, they should be considered an investment that will help an organization scale up. As such, applicants must be 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in good standing, or must co-apply with a 501(c)3 organization in good standing. Additionally, the application must clearly establish how the grant will change the organization’s ability to operate, and must demonstrate how the grant will help the applicant attract additional funds.

Geographic restrictions The THDC Small Grants Program is intended for projects that serve the area covered by the THDC neighborhood plan, which is generally bordered by West State Street, Willow Street, Bellevue and Rutherford Avenues, and Hermitage Avenue as illustrated by the map on page three. This means that activities should primarily take place in, and primarily benefit the residents of, the THDC neighborhood: All applications must clearly state the location of their activities, and the way that they will

track who attends or benefits from them; for instance, by requiring all participants to sign in with their address. Activities within the neighborhood may be open to participants from outside the neighborhood as well, provided that the primary beneficiaries are neighborhood residents.

Activities that cannot physically take place in the neighborhood (for example, because they require a facility that is not available in the neighborhood) are allowed, provided that the THDC Small Grants funding supports only the participation of neighborhood residents.

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Applicant eligibility The THDC Small Grants Program was created, in part, to strengthen the capacity of organizations and activists in the THDC neighborhood who do not have the capacity to access other sources of funding. As such, Base grants and Strength grants are open to organizations (regardless of federal tax status), individuals, and unincorporated groups. Amp grants of up to $5,000 are only open to 501(c)3 organizations. Applicants who intend to apply as individuals or without a non-profit fiscal sponsor,

should be aware that any grant amount received under this program is subject to applicable tax policies and regulations. Please budget accordingly.

Applicants who have previously received a grant from I Am Trenton Community Foundation or from the THDC Small Grants Program are not eligible for further awards until all required reports have been submitted.

The THDC Neighborhood

Projects outside the THDC neighborhood are not eligible for funding under the THDC Small Grants Program.

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The THDC Small Grants Program does not support activities that will generate private profit to an organization, business, or individual. For-profit entities may apply, provided that the project has a direct community benefit and will generate no profit for the company.

Entrepreneurs starting a small business may apply for a base grant under the economic development priority issue area only. The expenses submitted for funding must be “capacity building” expenses that will clearly enable the applicant to scale up their operations, rather than routine operational expenses or inputs. Purchases of inventory or raw materials to be sold are not eligible. Purchases of needed equipment (e.g. a sewing machine) may be eligible if the applicant adequately demonstrates the impact this will have on their operations.

Priority issues

During the planning process, community members identified and ranked the challenges and areas of opportunity in the THDC neighborhood. Grants will continue to address the top four Priority Issues outlined below and identified by residents and stakeholders in the THDC plan. Note: the Spring 2016 round will have a focus on economic development in support of small businesses in the THDC, although applications in all categories will be encouraged and accepted in both rounds.

Accordingly, the Small Grants Program supports projects that will impact one of the following four priority issues, which community members considered the most important: Youth Services

This priority issue includes recreation, computer literacy, civic engagement, job training, college prep, after school programs, non-violent conflict resolution, youth entrepreneurship, etc.

Education

This priority issue includes both youth education and life-long learning, with the ultimate goal of forming active, informed, engaged, and self-reliant citizens. Examples of specific areas of focus for a project include (but are not limited to) life skills, financial literacy, parenting skills, and neighborhood/cultural history.

Safety

With the goal of creating a safe social and physical environment for the THDC community, this priority issue may include interventions that address crime, drugs, poor lighting, safety in specific locations, or the overall perception of the neighborhood as unsafe.

Economic Development (All business/entrepreneurship must be in this category.)

Access to economic opportunity is critical to the neighborhood’s revitalization, and to the long-term well-being of its residents. This priority issue includes job training, access to employment, support for local goods and services, and support for grass-roots entrepreneurship. Note: any small-business startup applications must be under this category.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the Overview of the THDC Revitalization Plan for more details on the work the Collaborative has underway, and to build a case for how their project will fit into this ongoing work – for example, by addressing gaps, by enhancing current efforts, etc.

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Please note that these priority areas are specific to the THDC Small Grants Program. I Am Trenton Community Foundation’s annual grant program has different funding priorities. Activities not supported The Small Grants Program will not support: Activities conducted outside the THDC neighborhood Projects whose primary beneficiaries are not residents of the THDC neighborhood Debt reduction On-going operational support1 Capital campaigns or fundraising events1 Other foundations or grant programs Scholarships Partisan political activities or lobbying directed to government bodies or officials, including

voter registration drives Religious activities (such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytizing).2 Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, national origin, ethnicity,

veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. For-profit activities3 Notes:

(1) The THDC Small Grants Program aims, in part, to build the capacity of organizations working to better the THDC neighborhood. It is not intended to provide basic operational support to such organizations, but to set them on stronger footing to achieve their goals, in part by making them better able to access other sources of funds. As such, applications for technical assistance with such activities as outreach, marketing, fundraising, etc. may be considered, particularly at the Amp level. However, applicants are encouraged to devise a project that will have a meaningful impact on the community, not just their own organization, as much as possible.

(2) This does not exclude religious organizations from applying for projects that do not require participation in religious activity.

(3) THDC Small Grants are intended to support activities for the general benefit of the community. Entrepreneurs seeking start-up assistance for a small business may apply under the “Economic Development” category, are limited to one Base grant (up to $500), and must apply only for investments that will significantly improve the business’s productivity (for instance, a sewing machine for a tailor), not for routine supplies, inventory, or expenses.

Funding Cycle This is the first funding cycle for the THDC Small Grants Program in 2016. Applicants will be notified within five weeks of the application deadline. Project activities are expected to run for three months. Additional rounds of this program may be announced in 2016 subject to the availability of funding. The I Am Trenton Community Foundation also conducts a separate, citywide grant program. More information can be found at http://www.iamtrenton.org

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Grant Awards Applicants are limited to one grant per funding cycle, and are not eligible for further awards under the THDC Small Grants Program until all reports for prior grants have been submitted. Grants of more than $500 will be disbursed in two installments, half in advance and half upon the submission of an interim report. Technical assistance and resources for applicants Mandatory pre-application workshop

A workshop for prospective applicants will be held before the application deadline. Attendance is mandatory for applicants who have not previously received a grant under this program. We encourage past grantees to attend as well, to brush up on the requirements, assist newer applicants, and network with others active in the community.

Date: Tuesday, March 8 Time: Doors open at 5:30; workshop offered 6 - 8 pm Location: The THDC Community Resource Center at the Carver Center

40 Fowler Street Trenton, NJ 08618

Additional workshops will be announced soon.

I Am Trenton and the THDC will also alert grantees and prospective applicants of any other learning opportunities in the neighborhood as they are scheduled.

Computer access

Free computer access is available at the following location. Applicants and grantees who do not have regular computer access are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these resources when applying and throughout their projects:

The THDC Community Resource Center Located at the Carver Youth and Family Center, 40 Fowler Street, Trenton, NJ 08618

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 am – 1 pm; computers are also available Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 8 pm.

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APPLICATION AND FUNDING TIMELINE Applicants are advised to retain a copy of this schedule for reference, and to mark their calendars accordingly:

Mandatory pre-application workshop All prospective applicants must attend an orientation workshop:

Tuesday, March 8TH Tuesday, March 22nd Tuesday April 5th

All workshops are held from 6 – 8pm at

The THDC Community Resource Center Carver Youth and Family Center 40 Fowler Street (first floor)

Application deadline

Applications that are mailed must be postmarked on or before April 18. Applications sent by email must be received no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday April 18. Late applications will not be reviewed.

Notification of awards

Notification of awards will occur by May 18, 2016. All applicants will be notified of grant award or rejection in writing.

Grant activities All grant activities must be completed between June 1, 2016 and August 31, 2016. Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement before funds can be disbursed.

Mid-term report Grantees are required to submit a short progress report by July 31 2016. For grants over $500, the second installment of funding is conditional on the successful and timely submission of the mid-term report.

Reporting

Grantees will be required to submit a final report, with supporting documentation, by September 30, 2016.

Please direct questions to the I Am Trenton THDC Small Grants Committee via email to grants@iamtrenton.org, Niquole@iamtrenton.org, or by phone to (515) 674-2127. When leaving a message, please be sure to give us the following information:

Your name and organization Your phone number That this is in reference to the THDC Small Grants Program Whether you are a first time applicant Your question or concern

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APPLICATION PROCESS AND REVIEW It is I Am Trenton Community Foundation’s objective to make the application process as simple as possible. Application materials 1. Applicants are required to complete the cover page, project narrative, and budget form

included in this package. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The application is also available electronically at http://www.iamtrenton.org/wp/thdc-small-grants-program/, and in hard copy at the THDC Community Resource Center (CRC), located on the second floor of the Carver Youth and Family Center (40 Fowler Street). Note that the THDC Small Grants application differs from I Am Trenton’s regular application.

The proposal narrative should not exceed three pages including the project budget, in 12-point font, with one-inch margins. Applications that exceed this limit will be disqualified. Electronic submission is very strongly preferred. Additional information for submitting the application in hard copy can be found below.

2. Required attachments

Applications lacking the necessary supporting documentation will be disqualified. Please read this section carefully: Applicants who are 501(c)3 organizations must include an IRS letter indicating the group’s

tax-exempt status. A letter of support is required from all partner organizations whose facilities or staff are

necessary for the project. This does not mean that all venues must be reserved ahead of time, but a basic agreement for specialized personnel or locations (schools, commercial kitchens, etc.) should be included to demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary access to complete the project.

3. Optional attachments

All applicants may submit evidence of their prior work, particularly any work they’ve done in the THDC neighborhood. This may include newspaper clippings, photographs, etc. Please limit supporting materials to two pages only.

Review criteria All proposals submitted by the application deadline will be reviewed by I Am Trenton’s Grants Committee. The Grants Committee comprises at least five members of the Trenton community, each of whom will be ineligible for funding. The Grants Committee will then make funding recommendations to the THDC Small Grants Steering Committee. During the application review, the I Am Trenton Grants Committee will consider:

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Need for the project: Is the project appropriate for the THDC neighborhood and its residents? Does it clearly address a THDC priority issue area? Would it improve the perception of the THDC neighborhood?

Project outcomes: Does the project have clear, measurable that will result in meaningful

improvement in the THDC neighborhood? Project impact: Does the application fully explain the anticipated impact of its activities on the

THDC plan priority issue it purports to address? Does it adequately show how the project will fit within the THDC Plan? Applicants should refer to the attached Overview of the THDC Plan.

Budget and project sustainability: Is the budget realistic? Will the project be able to sustain

itself after this grant (if applicable)?

Community connections: Does the project strengthen community connections within the THDC neighborhood, and/or between THDC and the larger Trenton community? Does the project involve collaboration with other organizations and have community support?

Project feasibility: Given the current capacity of the applicant, is the project likely to be

completed? Capacity building and sustainability (especially for Amp grants): Does the application clearly

demonstrate how the grant will strengthen the applicant organization? Does it show how the grant will enable the organization to seek and receive additional funding?

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SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION As discussed above, a complete application consists of: A completed cover page A completed application narrative A completed budget form 501 (c)(3) letter for all amp grant applicants A letter of support from any organizations whose staff or facilities are integral to the project. Please keep a copy of the completed application for your records. Email: Submission by email is very strongly preferred. Please send an email to grants@iamtrenton.org with all required application materials attached as one document in PDF format. Drop-off: Applications may be dropped off before the application deadline at the following location:

The THDC Community Resource Center (CRC) Located on the 2nd floor of the Carver Youth and Family Center 40 Fowler Street Trenton, NJ 08618

The CRC’s working hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Note that drop-off applications cannot be accepted outside the CRC’s working hours, and that the application deadline is 12 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016. If you intend to drop off your application, we highly recommend that you do so well before the deadline. Please ensure that your application is stamped, and that you receive a receipt for it. Mail: Applications sent by mail should be postmarked by the application deadline and addressed to:

I Am Trenton Community Foundation – THDC Grants Committee PO Box 1743 Trenton, NJ 08607-1743

The application deadline is 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on April 18, 2016. Late applications will not be accepted.

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FOR GRANT RECIPIENTS – REPORTING REQUIREMENTS If your project is awarded a grant, you will be required to do the following: 1. Sign a grant agreement. The governing members of the group and/or parties responsible for

carrying out the activities in the proposal must sign a grant agreement with I Am Trenton Community Foundation before funds will be disbursed. If your project will receive its funding in two installments, the date for an interim report and second funding request will be set in the agreement. Grantees must also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Trenton Historic Development Collaborative.

2. Retain all receipts. You will be required to submit them with your interim and final reports.

3. Document activities in the THDC neighborhood. This program is neighborhood-focused, and

should primarily benefit residents of the THDC neighborhood. Please create and keep photographs, sign-in sheets, and any other documentation that prove this; you will be required to submit them in your final report.

4. Submit your interim report. This is a short write-up (one page) telling us what you’ve gotten

done so far, what’s left to do, what (if any) challenges you’re facing, and how much you’ve spent. Please attach a copy of all receipts so far, and any photos, flyers, etc. that give us a sense of how the project is going. This interim report is required of all grantees. Any grantees who will receive their funds in two installments must submit their report before the second installment can be transferred.

5. Submit a final report. All THDC Small Grants recipients are required to submit a final report

within 15 days of completing their grant project. No new grant request will be considered until an applicant has submitted their final report for an open grant. The final report must describe the manner in which funds were spent, the progress made in accomplishing the grant outputs, and the impact on the neighborhood.

The Final Report Package must include: 1. A grant narrative (2 pages maximum), that answers the following questions:

Restate the outcomes you originally planned to achieve. Did you achieve them? Explain how.

How did you spend the grant funding? What did you learn through this project? Discuss any new relationships, skills, or

collaborations that you developed. What impact do you believe your project had on the priority issue you originally

aimed to address, and on the neighborhood as a whole? Will you continue the project? If so, how?

2. A financial summary (one page) listing all expenses. Please attach copies of all receipts.

3. Documentation that activities took place in the THDC neighborhood and/or that the primary beneficiaries were THDC residents.

4. Any other materials, such as newspaper stories that highlight the success of the project.

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THE

TRENTON HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE

THDC SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM – APPLICATION SECTION 1: COVER PAGE APPLICANT NAME: APPLICANT TYPE: ___ORGANIZATION ___INDIVIDUAL ___COLLECTIVE/GROUP CONTACT PERSON: TITLE (IF APPLICABLE): MAILING ADDRESS: EMAIL: PHONE: GRANT TYPE (please select one): ___Base grant (up to $500) ___Strength grant (up to $2,500) ___Amp grant (up to $5,000) PROJECT TITLE: BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PRIORITY ISSUE (PLEASE SELECT ONE): During the community planning process, community members identified the following as the top four priority issues that need to be addressed in the neighborhood. Please select one issue that most closely aligns with your proposed project: YOUTH SERVICES

Includes recreation, computer literacy, civic engagement, college prep, after school programs, non-violent conflict resolution, youth entrepreneurship, etc.

EDUCATION Includes basic life skills, financial literacy, parenting skills, neighborhood and cultural history, etc.

SAFETY

Includes interventions that address crime, drugs, poor lighting, safety in specific locations, safety in recreational areas, etc.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (All business/entrepreneurship must be in this category.) Includes job training, access to employment, local goods and services, entrepreneurship, etc.

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NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO BE SERVED:

TOTAL:

IN THE THDC NEIGHBORHOOD: FUNDS REQUESTED FROM THE THDC SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM: TOTAL COST OF YOUR PROJECT: WHAT IS YOUR ORGANIZATION’S ANNUAL BUDGET?: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS GRANT?

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SECTION 2: PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. APPLICANT OVERVIEW (150 words max):

Tell us about yourself. If you are applying as an organization, please provide a brief overview of your organization (mission, vision, leadership, structure, year of incorporation, tax status, etc.). If you are applying as an individual or non-incorporated group, please tell us briefly about your background and reasons for applying.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (300 words max):

Please provide a description of your project. Be sure to address all of the following questions (in any order): What are the activities?

Why is this project important?

Who will be doing what?

Where will the activities take place?

How many people will be served? How many will be residents of the THDC?

How will you document that activities take place in the THDC neighborhood, or directly

benefit THDC residents? 3. PROJECT OUTCOMES & OUTPUTS (150 words max):

State clearly the tangible, visible results your project will achieve. Wherever possible, please quantify your outputs.

4. PROJECT IMPACT (150 words max)

Please discuss what impact your project will have on the priority issue you identified in Section 1 above, and how it fits into the THDC Plan (see “Overview of the THDC Plan”, attached.) How will you measure this impact?

5. CHALLENGES (100 words max) Please discuss any challenges you foresee that may impact your ability to complete the project. How will you address them? Note any relevant experience that you/your organization has.

6. PARTNERSHIPS (100 words max)

Please indicate any other organizations or individuals that you will collaborate with on this project, and their role. Are they located within the THDC neighborhood? Note: If a partner’s staff or facilities are integral to the project, please attach a letter of support.

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7. BUDGET Please fill out the attached Budget Form for your project. List anticipated expenses in detail, including the hours and rates of any staff or consultants. Indicate whether any of these expenses will be funded through sources other than this grant. For outside funding sources, please indicate whether the funds are:

“Certain” (you have them or have a guarantee that you will get them), “Probable” (you’ve asked for them and have a reasonable expectation that they’ll come

through) “Requested” (you’ve asked, but have no guarantee you’ll get them).

Expense Amount Source of funds Status Total project cost Requested from THDC