Endow El Dorado SAPLING Grant

The Endow El Dorado 2024 SAPLING Grant, offered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the growth of nascent nonprofit organizations serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County. This grant is specifically designed for "sapling" nonprofits, defined as those with less than $175,000 in gross annual revenue. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the local community by fostering the development of smaller, yet impactful, organizations. The grant's focus on capacity building or project/program ideas indicates a strategic commitment to empowering these nonprofits to enhance their operational effectiveness and deliver more substantial services. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations that specifically serve El Dorado County communities and meet the revenue criteria. The grant seeks to impact these organizations by providing them with crucial financial support, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to be utilized during the 2024-2025 year. The primary impact goal is to enable these sapling nonprofits to either bolster their internal capabilities (capacity building) or implement specific projects and programs that directly benefit the community. This direct investment in smaller local organizations suggests a theory of change rooted in the belief that empowering grassroots efforts leads to a more resilient and vibrant community ecosystem. The priorities and focuses of the SAPLING grant are clearly defined: serving El Dorado County communities, supporting organizations with less than $175,000 in gross revenue, and ensuring grantees are in good standing with relevant regulatory bodies (IRS, CA SOS, CA DOJ, and FTB). These requirements emphasize accountability and local impact, ensuring that the grants are directed towards credible organizations committed to the well-being of El Dorado County. The flexibility to use funds for either capacity building or program implementation allows nonprofits to address their most pressing needs, whether it's strengthening their infrastructure or launching new initiatives. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed in quantifiable metrics, can be inferred from the grant's design. For capacity building, success would involve improved organizational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, or stronger governance. For project/program ideas, outcomes would relate to the specific objectives of those initiatives, such as increased service delivery, improved community well-being in a particular area, or heightened awareness of a social issue. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to center on fostering the growth of local nonprofits, recognizing their essential role in addressing community needs, and providing targeted support to those at an earlier stage of development. By investing in these sapling organizations, the El Dorado Community Foundation aims to cultivate a robust and diverse nonprofit sector that can effectively serve the evolving needs of El Dorado County residents.