Guidelines, Policies and Evaluation Criteria

In order to most effectively fulfill its philanthropic responsibilities in Henry County within the limits of its resources, the Henry County Community Foundation's grant program will emphasize change-oriented and focused types of grants. The grants program will be operated in accordance with the following guidelines and policies:

Grant Guidelines

1. That the Foundation's grants program will strive to anticipate the changing needs of community and be flexible in responding to them;
2. That it be change-oriented and problem-solving in nature with emphasis on "seed" money or pilot project support rather than for ongoing general operating support;
3. That it focus on those types of grants which will have the greatest benefit per dollar granted;
4. That it encourage the participation of other contributions by using matching challenge and other grant techniques;
5. That, where possible, it closely relate and coordinate with the programs of other sources for funding such as the government, other foundations, and associations;
6. That, where possible, it induce grant recipients to achieve certain objectives such as becoming more efficient, increasing fund-raising capabilities, delivering better products, etc.

Grant Policies

1. That grants applications will be accepted only from organizations who attend the spring or fall grant workshops
2. That grants will be made to organizations whose programs benefit the residents of Henry County;
3. That grants will be made only to organizations which provide for a responsible fiscal agent and adequate accounting procedures;
4. That no grants will be made solely to individuals but can be made for the benefit of certain individuals for such purposes as scholarships and special programs through education institutions and other sponsoring recipient organizations;
5. That, generally, grants will not be made to enable individuals or groups of individuals to attend seminars or take trips except where there are special circumstances which will benefit the community;
6. That no grants will be made specifically for sectarian religious purposes but can be made to religious organizations for general community programs;
7. That no grants will be made exclusively for endowment purposes of recipient organizations
8. That, generally, no grant proposals will be considered by the Henry County Community Foundation which have been proposed by individuals or organizations that are not charitable organizations.
9. That, generally, grants will not be made for programs and/or equipment which were committed to prior to the submission of grant application;
10. That, final grant evaluation reports will be required to be submitted by the grantees.

Grant Evaluation Criteria

1. In reviewing grant proposals, the Henry County Community Foundation generally utilizes the following evaluation criteria:
2. Is there an established need for the program or project for which the grant is requested?
3. Is it appropriate for the Foundation to make a grant for the requested purpose, or are there other more compatible sources for potential funding?
4. Does the Henry County Community Foundation have adequate resources to effectively respond to this need?
5. Is it for the good of the community?