Save-the-Day Grant Program

The Save-the-Day Grant Program offers community grants to assist nonprofits by responding to urgent needs, or emergencies, that impair the organization from fulfilling its mission. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Mendocino County State: California County: Mendocino County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation of Mendocino County (Community Foundation) has a limited budget for community grants to assist nonprofits by responding to urgent needs and emergency situations that impair the organization from fulfilling its mission. This grant program is made possible through the Community Endowment Fund.  Types of Funding Projects should fit the applicant’s mission, expertise, and long-term goals; solve the problem and help the applicant organization move to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, positioning it to more effectively and/or efficiently fulfill its mission in the future. Technical assistance grants must demonstrate how the grant request will solve a problem and position the organization to more effectively and/or efficiently fulfill its programmatic goals in the future. Collaborating with other organizations to improve services or eliminate duplication. Strengthening governance, leadership, or staff expertise. Restructuring business models and accounting practices to improve financial stability. Building and diversifying revenue streams. Developing and implementing long-term strategic plans. Refining communications, marketing, and outreach. Improving volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement. Pursuing opportunities to share space, equipment, or other administrative costs. Small Equipment and Technology projects must demonstrate how the equipment or technology will increase the organization’s ability to advance its mission. Small equipment is defined as a single item that costs $3,000 or less. Software, apps, or website development costs are considered small equipment and technology projects. Funding Priorities Priority will be given to projects that respond to an unanticipated urgent or emergency situation that keeps the organization from fulfilling its mission. Urgent and emergency situations are defined as compelling timely action or attention due to circumstances that impede an organization from fulfilling its mission or providing services in a prudent and timely fashion. Some examples of urgent situations include: A transition of a key staff member causes the organization to need technical assistance during a transition. An organization’s website is hacked, and they need timely assistance to make changes to their website. A vehicle or other piece of equipment suddenly fails, and a replacement is needed in a timely manner to continue providing services. Funding Information The Grant range between $500-$5,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicant organizations must: Serve residents of Mendocino County. Applicants not headquartered in Mendocino County must ensure that all grant dollars requested are spent within the County. Be legally chartered in California and in possession of a determination letter from the IRS declaring the organization a public charity that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3); or be a school district, tribe, public agency, or special district (e.g., community services, recreation, fire protection); or have an aligned mission with a fiscal sponsor and one year of operational history. Be governed by a volunteer board of directors that is representative of the community. Conduct business without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, or religious affiliation.  Ineligibility  Type of grants that are not likely to be funded: Influencing legislation and/or elections; promoting voter registration; political candidates and/or political campaigns; organizations whose primary purpose is to influence elections/legislation. Litigation. Federated appeals or organizations that collect funds for redistribution to other nonprofit groups. Religious organizations for religious purposes. Sports team travel, class trips, and similar expenses. Normal operating expenses or purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions. Animal welfare projects that do not include a human welfare component. Sponsorship of school assemblies and other one-day events (unless clear long-term impact). Individuals, including scholarships for individuals. For-profit businesses.  Underwriting/sponsorship of performances or fundraising events. For more information, visit CFMC.