Three copies of your application packet should be submitted by the March 10th deadline. Each packet must include the ECCF Grant Application Cover Sheet (attached), and a narrative which includes the following information:

1. A brief description of your organization, including its mission, the population served, and the types of services provided;
2. Explanation of need, including opportunities addressed by the program, reasons why you believe this program is necessary, and who will benefit from this program. If applicable, please include the corresponding “2006 Community Counts” indicators addressed by your project;
3. Specific objectives of the program;
4. Anticipated timetable for the project;
5. The relationship of the proposed project to other programs in the community designed to meet the same or similar needs or opportunities;
6. What other local nonprofit organizations, government agencies, residents, and/or businesses (i.e., all stakeholders) are working with you on this project;
7. Plan to evaluate the program, including expected outcomes and plans for measurement;
8. The number and qualifications of the project’s staff;
9. Detailed income and expense budget for the project;
10. A listing of other grantors to whom requests have been submitted, the amounts requested to fund this project, and the status of those requests (e.g., pending, declined, or approved); and
11. Future plans for continuation of the project, including future funding sources.

Attachments: In addition, please attach one copy of each of the following:

1. Completed copy of the Core Operating Standards for Nonprofits checklist;
2. The organization’s latest financial statement;
3. IRS Letter of Determination for 501(c)(3) status;
4. Letter of endorsement from the president of the organization’s Board of Directors; and
5. Names and mailing addresses of the organization’s current Board of Directors.

Grant recipients will be required to complete an evaluation form, provided by the ECCF, within one calendar year of receipt of funds. The ECCF will not consider any future grant requests unless an evaluation form has been completed and returned.

All grant recipients are requested to publicize the receipt of funds from ECCF. Grantees should provide 1 - 2 pictures from the project to be used by ECCF for publicity purposes.