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Grant Requests & Criteria

Applicants must meet the mission of the John's Island Foundation and primarily benefit the Indian River County Community. Only capital needs will be funded. Capital needs are defined as tangible assets, typically with a useful life of three years or more.
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Mission:
 

The John’s Island Foundation (JIF) provides grant funding for capital needs to nonprofit agencies that serve residents in Indian River County. Agencies eligible for funding are those that serve people in need and whose programs are directed toward meeting needs or assisting with issues related to food, shelter, disabilities, health, aging, abuse, or education.

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JIF Core Grants:

 

Core Grants are awarded annually to Indian River County nonprofits for capital needs. Grant applications submitted in October are evaluated by John’s Island Club members serving on site teams and recommended to the JIF Board for approval by April.

 

In fiscal year 2023-24, our 23 core grants ranged from $7,332 to $84,000 with an average grant amount of $46,000. The Board makes grants larger than $50,000 when merited.

  1. John’s Island Foundation uses United Way’s e-CImpact online application. Applications will open Monday, September 16, 2024.

  2. Please complete and submit a Core Grant application on e-CImpact by Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

  3. If you would like to discuss a potential project, or have questions about project or organization eligibility, please email Dee Locke at operationsdirector@johnsislandfoundation.org

  4. If you are a new agency applying to the John’s Island Foundation for the first time, you will need to be registered in our system. Please contact Nate Bruckner, our Grant Technology Administrator, at nate.bruckner@unitedwayirc.org or 772-567-8900, ext. 115.

 

JIF Accelerated Grants:

 

Off cycle and time-sensitive grants may be considered in cases of significant human need or economic implications. To discuss such a grant, please email: grants@JohnsIslandFoundation.org

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JIF Leadership Grants:

 

Leadership Grants are awarded when the John's Island Foundation board recognizes the need for a larger, often multi-year capital project that will drive significant impact and lasting benefit for our Indian River County

neighbors. These grants are developed and evaluated on an invitation- only basis.

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Grant Request Guidelines: 

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  1. In all cases, grants must advance the mission of the JIF and primarily benefit the Indian River County community or have a significant benefit to Indian River County residents.

  2. Only non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that file an IRS Form 990 tax return will be considered.

  3. All agencies must provide the following documents with their applications:

    • a copy of an IRS determination letter;

    • IRS tax–exempt number;

    • a letter from the State of Florida verifying a current registration with the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services;

    • the last three years audit or review report from an independent CPA with management letter, if any;

    • the latest IRS Form 990 tax return;

    • the latest annual report;

    • unaudited P&L and balance sheet for any completed fiscal year for which an audit or review report is not yet available;

    • budgeted P&L for the current fiscal year;

    • unaudited year-to-date P&L for the current fiscal year, with comparisons to the current year budget and the prior year;

    • a list of current board members;

    • board minutes for the past 12 months;

    • succession plan for key staff and board members, if available;

    • a total capital budget for the fiscal year and for the project, and at least two estimates for the project that is being considered for funding.

    • if a collaborative effort is pertinent to the request, letters from collaborating agencies must be included in the supporting documents on the application.

  4. Applications must be signed by the Executive Director as well as the Board President.

  5. Only capital investments that directly support the mission of the requesting nonprofit will be funded.  Capital is defined as tangible assets, typically with a useful life of three years or more (e.g., additions or  improvements to land or buildings, playground or medical equipment, vehicles, computers)

    • We do not fund the purchases of education curricula.​

    • normally painting is considered regular maintenance unless it is specific to a new construction or renovation project.

    • computer equipment and software may be funded for specific programming needs. John’s Island Foundation does not fund devices (including cell phones, iPads, or laptops) for personal use.

  6. Applicants should demonstrate a track record of operation with continuity of programs serving those in need for at least one year. The agency must be financially viable as evidenced by a history of generally breaking even, meeting budgetary projections, and having sound governance.

    • an annual audit or financial review by an independent CPA is required from agencies.

    • we encourage agencies to establish a capital budget and a capital reserve.​

  7. Grants may be made for improvements to leased facilities or for assets intended to be used in leased facilities. In such cases, the agency must represent that:

    • the facility lease specifies that capital improvements are the responsibility of the leasee;

    • the remaining term of the lease (including lessee options) exceeds the useful life of the assets to be funded; and,

    • the agency intends to continue to utilize the property for at least the useful life of the assets to be funded.

  8. Grant requests should demonstrate that the agency will make its best efforts to complete the project in a cost effective way, including obtaining competing bids where appropriate. If a grant is approved for a construction project, there may be restrictions as to when funds will be released as defined in the grant letter.

  9. In special circumstances, the Foundation may make grants in the form of a pledge or challenge grant.

  10. Grants will not be considered for endowments, private foundations, sectarian or political purposes, individuals, or animal welfare.

  11. Agencies with religious affiliations will be considered only if they serve community members without regard to their religious beliefs and assets will not be used for religious purposes. 

  12. Funding commitments are generally made on a year to year basis, with the amount of any grant based on need and funds available.

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