Step 1 – Complete the Cover Sheet

Download the application Cover Sheet for Non Profit Organizations, fill in the form and print, sign and date.

Step 2 – Write Proposal

Using your preferred word processor, type the answer to each question. Be clear and concise, and answer in the order listed. If a question is not applicable to your project, please list it and indicate “n/a”.

Tip: Most proposals can be presented well in 3-5 pages.

Background

Briefly describe:

• Your organization’s mission and history, including goals and key achievements, date of incorporation, population and geography served
• Your organization’s structure including board, staff and volunteer involvement
• Principal sources of support and income (i.e. client fees, membership dues, grants, special events, endowment income, in-kind support, etc.)

Project Description

Briefly describe:

• The issue(s) you hope to address through the proposed project and how the project came about (a brief history and context)
• Who will be served (i.e., groups, age, number, socioeconomic characteristics) if different than described under “Background” above
• A time-line for the project, the activities involved and evidence that your organization can complete them
• How the project fits with your organizational goals and the themes and priorities of the Sudbury Foundation: (youth development and opportunity, community building, preservation of community character and assets and/or organizational capacity and effectiveness)
• Anticipated outcomes and measures of success
• How the activity will be sustained after grant funding has ended

Step 3 – Gather Attachments

• Gather the documents listed.
• Label and collate the attachments in the order in which they are listed.

Attachments Checklist

____ a. Project budget
Summarize all revenue and in-kind support for the project and itemize all expenses
Under Revenue, include a list of other foundations and companies being approached to fund this project with dollar amounts indicating which sources are committed, pending or anticipated

____ b. Current operating budget
____ c. Most recent independent audit
____ d. IRS letter confirming tax exempt status – 501c(3)
____ e. Current board list with relevant backgrounds and affiliations
____ f. Relevant support or promotional material (optional)

Tip: Printing this checklist may be helpful in organizing your materials.

Step 4: Mail Packet

Mail your application packet to:

The Sudbury Foundation
326 Concord Road
Sudbury, MA 01776

Please check that your application packet is complete. No staples please.

 

Return to Sudbury Guidelines.