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How to Apply
Grant applications must be submitted prior to March 1st of each year to be eligible for consideration. Please include two copies of each application. Grant proposals that are subsequently approved typically are disbursed by early June of the same year.
If unfamiliar with the grantmaking process of Sherwood Trust, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to contact us early in the process of crafting a grant proposal to avoid misunderstandings.
In reviewing grant proposals, Sherwood Trust first addresses the nonprofit organization itself in areas such as the following:
- Governance and the commitment of its board of directors.
- Local volunteer involvement and support.
- Financial stability, related fiscal policies, management capacity, and financial transparency.
- Degree to which applicant works with or complements the services of other community organizations.
- Potential impact and sustainability of the applicant's project on the community it serves and the number of people who will benefit.
The application for an Organization grant proposal may differ from a Community grant proposal. Nevertheless, each should generally follow this format:
- Cover Letter. Provide a brief letter that includes the organization's name, address, and phone number where a contact person may be reached. Briefly state the purpose of the request, the amount of money being requested, and when it will be needed. The letter should be signed by the board chair and executive director of the applying organization.
- Proposal. The proposal should address the following:
- Organization's background. Its mission, primary programs, people served, and date organized.
- Proposed request. Describe the project in terms of its goals, people it will serve, and service area involved. If funding is requested for an ongoing project, briefly describe the results of the project to date.
- Concept. Explain how the grant will be meaningful and make a difference in enhancing the effectiveness of the organization in an enduring manner.
- Funding the Project. Explain specifically how a Sherwood Trust grant will be used. Describe contributions from other likely funding sources. Indicate the financial support from the organization's board of directors in terms of total dollars and percentage participation.
- Timetable. Show the time schedule to achieve the project's goals.
- Budget. Include a comprehensive budget detailing the project's expenses.
- Governing Organization. Attach a list of names and affiliations of the applicant's board of directors and members of all standing committees. Include copies of the building reserve policy and model, plus endowment spending and investment policies. Include a history of the endowment fund's investment performance, investment management costs, and funding building replacement reserves.
- Financial Statements. Provide balance sheet and income statement for the year-to-date current year and prior three years of operation. Statements must comply with Sherwood Trust's Financial Statement Guidelines. Include a copy of the most recent audited statement.
- Tax-Exempt Status. Attach a copy of applicant's current I.R.S. determination letter concerning its status as a 501(c)(3).
Grant applications may be mailed or delivered to the office of Sherwood Trust at P.O. Box 1855 or 6 E. Alder, Suite 412, Walla Walla, Washington 99362.
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