Where did the new grantmaking strategy come from?

In 2005, the Board of Directors completed a strategic plan that prioritized defining the Community Foundation’s impact and influence in Pierce County. Since that time they have been working to develop the values of the Community Foundation as they pertain to the unrestricted Community Grantmaking. This work created the framework of the Vibrant Community Fund.  

What if we’re requesting funding for tried and true programming?

Is that not considered innovative? Innovation is a process. It is a state of being open to new input and thinking creatively about economic growth and social well-being. The Community Foundation is interested in supporting a climate of innovation in Pierce County.  We do not expect agencies to create new programs every year in order to be innovative. Paying attention to the ways you can do what you do well, better, is innovative. Please also review our definition of innovation.

What does collaboration look like? Will you be looking for formal or informal collaborations?

Collaborations will look different dependent on the agencies involved and the issues being addressed. We are not looking for any one specific model, and feel that if you’re aware of your community and your role in it, collaborations happen organically.  

As you pay attention to the unintended consequences, will there be an opportunity for follow up conversations?

Definitely! We are developing ways to hear back from you over the next year as these changes take effect. Of course you are always welcome to email or call us with concerns or suggestions, but we will also be creating an anonymous option in the next several months as well.  

I don’t know what you’re looking for and if I answer the question wrong will I not get funded?
 
There is no right answer. This is an evolving process and we are learning with you. We are hoping that we will be able to partner with you to find the answers that work for the community. If you have specific questions about what we mean by a definition of our values or a focus area, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.  

How do you intend to measure systemic and social change over the long term?

Attempting to address root causes and create long term change is a bold, aspirational goal. We recognize that there are many change models and we hope to work in partnership to discuss what indicators of change you use in your organization. We look forward to learning from you through this process to see what kind of change is possible.  

What if the root cause of the issue we deal with reaches beyond Pierce County, or across generations? How can we possibly address such a large issue with such a small organization?

We don’t expect individual agencies to solve the root causes. These are community wide problems that need collaborative, community driven solutions. We do, however, want to encourage agencies to be aware of the entire system impacting the issue you’re addressing. Again, this is an evolving conversation and we look forward to moving forward in discovering the opportunities for change as a community partner.  

Are you going to continue funding ongoing general operating support?

Yes. Operating and administrative funds are an important part of the overall health of an organization and we will continue this funding. Paying nonprofit employees a livable wage is an important economic driver for the whole community.

Can we apply for general operating and program support at the same time as capital projects and capacity building grants?

Yes. These three grant opportunities are separate from each other. You can apply for each of these in the same year, but only once per year for each category. Also, for capital projects you may only apply once per campaign. Please refer to the timeframes for each of the proposals.

Does this mean you will no longer be funding direct services like emergency housing and food distribution?

Direct services that meet immediate needs will no longer be a priority in the Vibrant Community Fund. We encourage you to add your agency to the nonprofit directory so donors in the community have an opportunity to learn about the work you’re doing.

Does the Community Foundation give multi-year grants?

Yes.  There will be an option to receive mulit-year funding beginning in January 2011.

What broad community issues are important to you under these new guidelines? How can my organization get involved?

We have begun or been involved in conversations around youth violence, and arts education. As resources allow we will continue to add to this list. If you have ideas for topics you would like to see us discuss, please get in touch with us directly.

Can you explain the definitions of your grant focus areas?

We encourage you to use these definitions as a guide, along with our values, to see how your agency aligns with our vision for a vibrant Pierce County. We recognize that there will be a learning curve (for us too!) as we transition to these new focus areas. We are happy to discuss these one-on-one with you as they specifically pertain to your organization or program.

What do you mean by partner? How would my agency partner with the Community Foundation?

We want to actively listen to the needs of the community and we want nonprofit agencies to know that we have additional resources to contribute to the community beyond our role as a funder. Through our community conversations, donor tours, and philanthropy focused events, we hope to engage many constituents as contributors to the development of a vibrant community.

How can I tell your donors about my agency? 

We encourage you to post your organization’s information on our website in our nonprofit directory and on the community calendar. We will be developing more donor educational events and will be in touch with individual agencies as appropriate.

What if my agency has been receiving funding but no longer fits into the revised categories? How do we continue to get funding?

We encourage you to look at your priorities and decide whether we’re still the appropriate funder for you. Your organization’s mission may no longer align with our grantmaking strategy.

What area exactly do you serve?

We serve residents of Pierce County. If your agency is outside of Pierce County but your services impact residents here, we would consider your grant request.

Do you prioritize agencies that have not received funding previously or agencies that have already been funded? Do you prioritize funding small organizations or large organizations? Do you fund regional, urban, or rural organizations?

We consider applications from all of these. We fund broadly across the Pierce County region, and do not prioritize small or large organizations or those that have or have not been funded previously. We do however take a harder look at agencies that have been receiving general operating support for many years in a row without a change in strategy or diversification of funding.

Will you be able to help my organization with sustainability if we take risks to be more collaborative and innovative?

We would certainly be open to a one-on-one conversation to discuss what this might look like, but we understand that sustainability through transition is a key ingredient to success and would support changes that strengthen the long term infrastructure of an agency.

Can you provide my agency with suggestions about how we might transition from serving basic needs?

We hope to hold some of these conversations on a larger scale over the next few years, but would certainly be open to having one-on-one conversations specific to the work of your organization.