Impact Grants

IMPACT GRANT PURPOSE:

Impact grants provide Program-specific or Capacity-building grants of up to $50,000 that will have a significant impact on an important organizational or community need. These grants are intended to support projects that have the potential to drive substantial, positive change within the organization or on the identified need. 

DEADLINE:

• Applications open January 25th and are due by midnight on March 15th, 2024.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Nonprofits eligible for Spur Impact grants: 

• Are determined to be tax-exempt by the IRS 

• Actively and broadly serve the Blaine County/Wood River Valley community  

• Address a local community need or opportunity 

We highly recommend that nonprofits undergo a Spur assessment prior to submitting an application for an Impact grant. The assessment serves as a valuable indicator confirming that your organization has successfully met the criteria outlined below. 

IMPACT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES: 

• Program or Project Grants: Supports the implementation, continuation, or expansion of programs that align with the organization's mission and objectives. For Impact grants, the proposed activities should address a pressing community need. 

• Capacity-Building Grants: Supports organizations in strengthening their internal capabilities and infrastructure. For Impact grants, the proposed activities should significantly enhance the organization's ability to fulfill its mission. 

IMPACT GRANT PROCESS: 

1. Conversation with a Spur staff member: If after reading the guidelines, FAQs and eligibility requirements, you feel your organization is a good fit for an Impact grant, then please contact a Spur staff member to arrange a time to speak by emailing NPservices@SpurFoundation.org. Initial conversations help Spur better understand your project, further clarify if your project is a good match for this opportunity, and potentially prevent unnecessary effort on your part.  

2. Online Application: Once you have spoken to a staff member, you may complete an application online using Spur’s grant portal. Applications will open on January 25th and are due by midnight on March 15th. Click here to go to Spur’s grant portal.

3. Review and Evaluation: Spur staff will review the application to ensure it is complete and may request additional information if needed. Once staff has reviewed the application, it will be assigned to the grants committee. The Committee will review and evaluate your application using the criteria listed below. 

4. Grant Decisions: The Committee will present its recommendations to Spur's Board of Directors. Upon the board's consideration and approval, Spur staff will promptly notify the applicant of the decision. If a grant is awarded, the payment will be processed shortly thereafter. In the case when a grant is not awarded, the applicant will be offered feedback on their application.

5. Report: Funded organizations report on progress toward the goals and outcomes established. Reports due dates depend on the timeline of the project.  

REVIEW CRITERIA: 

Impact and Need: Successful applications will identify and address an important and pressing organizational or community need that aligns with the applicant organization’s strategic priorities. Proposed activities should greatly improve the ability of the organization to address the identified need and have the potential for sustained positive outcomes. 

Measurable Results: We prioritize organizations that present clear objectives, outline a strategy for achieving results, and demonstrate the ability to monitor and measure the impact on the community and/or the individuals they serve. 

Clear Plan for Proposed Activities: Successful applicants present a clear description of all activities with a well-defined timeline, providing a comprehensive understanding of planned actions. We appreciate plans that demonstrate innovative approaches to solving problems.

Leadership and Capacity: We value leadership at both the board and executive levels, emphasizing a deep understanding of the community, nonprofit management, and the organization’s specific field.  We appreciate good leaders may bring diverse experiences to the role and value those who maintain an awareness of areas for improvement and actively strive to implement best practices. We prioritize organizations that have demonstrated competence and success, particularly in the area of the need identified. 

Financial Management and Sustainability: Successful applicants demonstrate fiscal responsibility, provide a clear and detailed budget, clearly outline the need for these funds at this time, and present plans that instill confidence in the sustained impact of the activities beyond this grant.  

Collaboration: Addressing complex, persistent challenges necessitate innovative strategies that often exceed the capabilities of a single organization. We prioritize organizations with a proven history of collaboration and collective endeavors dedicated to tackling community needs. 

Available Funds: We must also consider the availability of funds aligned with the request's purpose.