The CFNRV received nearly 100 applications to its 2020 Responsive Grant Program in July. For the first time in its 25 year history, the CFNRV is opening its grants process to the public. Community members can join the CFNRV’s existing donors in supporting these worthy organizations through a new online Grant Catalog. The Responsive Grant Program makes a positive impact in the region by responding to ongoing or emergent community needs as recognized by the area nonprofits serving those needs directly. Any registered 501c(3) organization or unit of government, such as a school or library, operating in the NRV was eligible to apply.
With the significant challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFNRV recognized that nonprofits need flexibility in grant funding. Building on the success of the CFNRV’s COVID-19 Response Grants awarded earlier this year, the foundation tailored this program to offer general operating support grants of up to $4,000. Grantees can use the funds at their discretion to meet immediate needs. Organizations from across the region applied for support. These organizations work on a wide-range of issues, including poverty alleviation, education, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and much more.
Public invited to participate in CFNRV’s grant program
With the new online Grant Catalog, the CFNRV is giving more people the opportunity to take part in the grant program and to support worthy nonprofits. The CFNRV traditionally awards grants from the dozens of endowed funds under its umbrella. Our team works closely with fund holders to review and support applications that meet their specific interests. Unfortunately, these endowed funds are not enough to fund all the applicants that are worthy of support. Additionally, the need is particularly great this year as organizations are seeing increased demand for services during COVID-19.
This is where the community can step in to make a difference by donating towards these grants, for the first time ever! Community members can visit the online Grant Catalog to learn about each applicant organization. Additionally, they can see how much money was requested and how much has been granted to date. Then, they can make a secure, online gift to support their applications of choice. A team of CFNRV volunteers reviews each application to ensure that the organizations are well-managed and worthy of financial support.
Helping organizations vetted by the CFNRV
Executive Director, Jessica Wirgau sees the Grant Catalog as a natural extension of the CFNRV’s work. “Over the past several months, we have received many phone calls and emails from community members and civic and religious groups wanting to help nonprofits during the pandemic,” said Wirgau. “They know that people are struggling and they want to help. But, they don’t always know about the organizations working in our region and what they need to be successful. The online Grant Catalog is a great way for community members to see where the need is in our community. They can have confidence in knowing that the organizations listed are vetted. They can support those organizations with a simple, online gift. It’s a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to support our community through this pandemic.”
The Grant Catalog will be open to community members from September 28th to October 30th. Learn more about the Grant Catalog, and how to make a gift by visiting https://cfnrv.org/grants/responsive-grants/information-for-community-members/.