The Oakes Area Community Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit projects and programs within the city of Oakes and a 25-mile radius, aiming to improve community and quality of life. The foundation's mission is aligned with fostering local initiatives that address community needs and enhance the well-being of residents. These grants are specifically designed for organizations that are either nonprofit entities or government bodies such as schools or park districts, ensuring that the funding directly benefits community-focused endeavors. Religious organizations may also apply, provided their activities are non-denominational and serve the entire community.
The target beneficiaries are the residents of Oakes and the surrounding 25-mile radius, with a strong emphasis on projects that demonstrate broad community impact and local involvement. The grants aim to support initiatives that result in improved quality of life, stronger community ties, and innovative solutions to existing problems. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve a significant number of residents and show a clear path to achieving measurable positive outcomes within the community.
In its funding decisions, the Advisory Committee focuses on several key priorities. These include the inherent merits of each project, the organizational management and integrity of the applicant, and the level of local involvement and community support, including fundraising efforts. The committee also considers the organization's ability to leverage funds through other granting agencies or programs, demonstrating a strategic approach to resource utilization.
The expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the degree of impact on the community, the number of residents served, and the introduction of innovative solutions. The foundation seeks projects that can demonstrate successful attempts to address community challenges and those where the Oakes Area Community Foundation grant will significantly contribute to the project's success. The foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by supporting well-managed, community-backed, and innovative projects, they can directly enhance the quality of life and foster a thriving community in the Oakes area. Grants generally do not exceed $1,000, emphasizing a focus on catalytic funding for impactful local initiatives.
