How to Apply for a Neighborhood SUCCESS Grant
Grantseekers who are submitting their first application to Neighborhood SUCCESS are required to attend an orientation session. The orientation provides important information on program goals, objectives and the application process. Orientation sessions are held in February and August. Check the Foundation website for current dates and times.
Eligibility - Groups of residents, neighborhood associations, school affiliated groups (preference given to projects initiated by parents and students), faith-based organizations and civic and social organizations in the cities of Warren and Youngstown, Ohio, are eligible to apply. In order to apply for a grant, groups must qualify as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Groups without 501(c)(3) status must identify and partner with an organization that qualifies as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to serve as its Fiscal Agent (see Fiscal Agent on page 7 of application). Fiscal Agents must provide a letter documenting their agreement to assume that role. This letter, along with the proposed Fiscal Agent's IRS Letter of Determination, must accompany the grant application.
Required match - Grantseekers are required to match the amount they are seeking with contributions of:
- Volunteer labor, valued at $12 per person per hour
- Cash
- In-kind donations of goods and services
Neighborhood SUCCESS will not fund individuals or individual businesses and generally will not consider funds for:
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Political groups for political purposes
- Government agencies or departments
- Endowment funds
- For-profit entities
- Lobbying efforts
Grant Making Process - The Grant Making Committees, consisting of area residents, guide the Neighborhood SUCCESS grant process. These committee members represent the diverse cultures and ideas expressed in the community at large. The committee reviews grant applications and makes the final funding decision.
- Application - There are two grant making cycles a year. Organizations may receive one grant per 12-month funding cycle. First time grantseekers are required to attend The Grantseeker Orientation Session, prior to applying for a grant. However, the Neighborhood SUCCESS Committee encourages all groups of residents, neighborhood, school and faith-based organizations to attend one of our Grantseeker Orientations. The Orientation provides important information on program goals, objectives and the application process. Applications must be sent by mail or hand delivered, and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the current deadline - March 15 or September 15 or the next business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. NO EXCEPTIONS. Applications may not be submitted by fax or email.
Neighborhood SUCCESS Grant Application (download)
OR contact Cheryl at 330.394.5600 or at ccrooks@rjweanfdn.org
- Review by Grant Making Committee - Within three weeks after the application deadline, the Grant Making Committee will review all grant applications. Grantseekers whose applications require clarification will be invited for an interview. Up to three representatives may attend the interview on behalf of the group. Grantseekers should be responsive to requests for additional information, provide visuals and encourage partners and/or participants to attend.
- Award Decisions - Grant award decisions are based on program-established criteria with all projects notified by mail two months after application deadline. Award distribution is approximately three months after the application deadline.
- Orientation - Grantees and fiscal agents are required to attend The Grantee Orientation Session before the release of funds. These sessions will outline the fiscal agent/grantee relationship and provide support for the implementation of the project.
- Implementation - Projects must be completed within one year of the grant award. Program staff is available to provide assistance in successful grant management.
- Evaluation - The Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program wants to know how your project went as evaluation serves as a valuable learning tool for both grantees and program staff. Within 30 days after grant activities are complete, but no later than 30 days after the grant term, grantees must provide a report outlining the outcomes and accomplishments (Final Grant Report). This report must be completed prior to a new request. Grantees may also be asked to participate in in-depth evaluation (Site Visits and Group Learning Conversations). A grantee should cooperate with all requests.
If you have any questions about the application or program, please contact: Jennifer Roller Neighborhood SUCCESS Grants Program at 330.394.3203 or email jroller@rjweanfdn.org
How to Apply for Grant