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 serveresidents 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 issuesrelated to food, shelter, disabilities, health, aging, abuse, or children’s education.

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JIF Core Grants:

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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 in April.

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In fiscal year 2022-23, our 30 core grants ranged from $3,000 to $100,000 with an average grant amount of $46,600. The Board may make exceptions for grants larger than $50,000.

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1. John’s Island Foundation uses United Way’s e-CImpact online application. Applications will open September 11, 2023.

2. Please complete and submit a Core Grant application on e- CImpact by Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

3. 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.

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JIF Accelerated Grants:

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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 a 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 evaluated on an invitation basis. 

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Grant Request Guidelines:
 

1. In all cases, grants must meet the mission of the JIF and primarily benefit the Indian River County community​

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 letter or IRS tax–exempt number

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

   • the most recent independent audit or review report with a 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 independent audit orreview 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 budget and prior year;

   • a list of current board of directors, organizational chart, board minutes for the past 12 months, anda 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 theproject that is being considered for funding.

   • if a collaborative effort is pertinent to the request, a letter from the supporting agency 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 needs will be funded. Capital needs are defined as tangible assets, typically with a useful life of three years or more (i.e., additions or improvements to plant and equipment, educational needs such as playground equipment and transportation) 

   • we do not fund the purchases of education curricula

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

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

6. Applicants should demonstrate a track record of operation with continuity of programs servingthose 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 independent audit or independent financial review is required from agencies.

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

7. The following lease protocol is applicable in instances in which the agency leases rather than owns itsproperty where the assets will reside. The agency must represent:

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

   • the remaining term of lease (including lease options) exceeds the useful life of the capitalimprovements; and,

   • the agency intends to continue to utilize the property for at least the useful life of the capitalimprovements.

8. Grant requests should demonstrate that the agency will make its best efforts to complete the project in a cost-effective way, including competing bids where appropriate. If a grant is approved for aconstruction 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.