Grant Guidelines
The mission of the Mountain Lake Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving and facilitate the economic and social growth of the community.
Areas of Interest
- Arts, Culture, Humanities
- Community Improvement (celebrations, beautification, parks)
- Education
- Healthcare
- Recreation, Leisure, Sports, Athletics (camps, leagues, clubs, facilities)
- Youth Development (developmental assets, mentoring, service learning, scouting, centers/clubs)
Types of Support
- Conferences/seminars
- Curriculum development
- Exhibitions/trade shows
- Performances
- Program development
- Start-up funds
The Mountain Lake Area Foundation generally will not make grants for:
- Capital expenditures
- Lobbying or political activities
- For-profit businesses
- Debt retirement
- Ongoing, open ended grants
- Operating expenses
- Administrative budgets for existing organizations
- Programs or services mandated by law
- National fundraising campaigns
- Ticket sales, raffles, or fundraising dinners
- Endowment drives
In reviewing grant proposals, the review team will look for evidence of the following:
- Proposals must be submitted by a 501(c)(3) organization, a unit of government, or by a public agency. If a 501(c)3, please include a copy of the IRS Determination letter.
- Organizations that are not tax exempt must apply through a suitable fiscal agent willing to accept responsibility for the project, such as a unit of government, school district, etc.
- All proposals must demonstrate a benefit within the Mountain Lake Area.
- The Foundation prefers projects that are submitted by local applicants.
- Targeted populations are involved early in the development of the proposed project (i.e. businesses, youth, aging, and/or people of color).
- Proposals should avoid duplication of efforts.
- Proposals should have clearly-stated goals and measurable outcomes.
- Proposals should exhibit evidence of appropriate partnerships. Foundation prefers letters of support from involved agencies, organizations, and individuals clearly outlining both support and contributions to the success of the project.
- Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000.
- Proposals may include a cash match.
- The Foundation prefers evidence of one or more ways to continue the project beyond Foundation funding.