Geographic Area
CFNCW considers grant applications only from nonprofit organizations in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties.  Proposals from nonprofit organizations outside of the three county area may apply ONLY if the proposed project benefits Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan counties exclusively.

IRS Charitable Status
A nonprofit organization must have a current tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Community projects that do not have tax exempt status may apply with a qualified Fiscal Sponsor.

Fiscal Sponsorship
An organization that acts as a fiscal sponsor for a grant applicat must meet the eligibility requirements established by the IRS and complete the fisal sponsor documentation in the grant application. Acting as a fiscal sponsor does not preclude an organization from applying for a grant withing the same cycle.

Public Schools
Public schools may apply for support of programs that enhance learning. Public schools with more than 50% free and reduced lunch students will be given priority. Funding cannot be used to subsidize shortfalls from tax supported levies or core operational funding. Applications are restricted to 1 per school per grant cycle.  The principal’s signature is required on all applications.

Private Schools
Private schools, defined as tuition based educational institutions, may apply for funding if more than 50% of student body is low income or receives tuition assistance. Tuition assistance is not eligible.

Colleges, Universities, etc.
Large organizations with many branches or departments must submit requests from the president’s office. Tuition assistance is not eligible.

City or County Governments
Projects that are essential services provided by government such as infrastructure, administration, or services such as fire & police, are not eligible for funding. However, non-essential, quality of life, community enhancement projects not typically funded through tax dollars may be eligible.  Please contact the Foundation before proceeding with an application.

Faith-Based Organizations
Grants from the Community Grants Program will not be made for religious purposes but may be made to faith-based organizations for the non-religious programs offered to the broader community. Characteristics of eligible programs include: program is located in a house of worship; religious programs are separated from non-religious programs; program is available to people of all faiths and/or non-believers; program abstains from religious worship, instruction or recruitment as part of the grant funded program. 

Multi-Year Requests
In order to provide the greatest immediate impact and to respond to current needs, multi-year requests are not accepted.

Repeat Funding: Because we receive far more qualified applications than we have funds available, organizations who have previously received a grant award shall wait two (2) grant cycles before submitting another grant application in order to allow others a chance to receive grant funding (i.e. if your organization was awarded a grant in the spring cycle of 2005, you should not submit another request until the fall cycle of 2006).  (Exception:  Public schools will wait one (1) grant cycle.) All organizations who have received a grant, must return the grant award report and not have any funds from the previous grant remaining unspent before applying for new funding.  This is applicable to all grant programs.

Multiple Submissions
Organizations are limited to one grant proposal in a single grant cycle. Proposals for a single project may not be submitted to multiple CFNCW grant programs. For example, a grant cannot not be awarded from both the Regional Impact Grant and Capital Grant programs for the same project. 

Ineligible
Because of IRS regulations, the Community Foundation cannot grant funds for:

• Individuals
• Lobbying activities
• Debt retirement or budget deficits
• Tuition, scholarships or core operating expenses for public schools, charter schools, private schools, or universities and colleges
• Annual campaigns, fundraising campaigns or events
• Religious organizations for religious purposes (see Limitations & Restrictions Section)
• Political activities
• Purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions