Please note that this year’s 2014 Grant cycle is complete. Recipients are listed on this website. If you would like to contribute to this program that provides direct support to local organizations, please contact a board member (phone numbers listed on website) or send a check to:

Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley
P.O. Box 574
Ben Lomond, CA 95005

    Attention: Community Grants Program

Valley Women’s Club of the San Lorenzo Valley – 2014 Community Grant Program Announcement

The Valley Women’s Club is now inviting proposals to be funded under its 2014 Community Grant Program. Deadline for applications: Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 5:00pm

What is the goal of the Community Grant Program?

The goal of the Community Grant Program is to provide funding for capital improvements, including repairs and tangible equipment, to support and strengthen organizations and projects in the San Lorenzo Valley.

Who is eligible to apply?

Individuals, students, teachers, groups, and organizations are eligible for grant funding.

What proposals will be considered?

The Grant Program will fund proposals for capital improvements, including repairs and tangible equipment. Three general criteria will be applied: 1) grants will support projects that align with the mission of the Valley Women’s Club (above); 2) grants will support applicants who sign a statement of non-discrimination in relation to their activities and their proposal; 3) grants will not support proposals that include direct political action.

How much money will be granted to successful applicants?

The Grant Program will consider projects at levels between $250 and $3000.

What is the grant proposal application deadline?

Online applications must be submitted by 5:00pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

What features is the Grant Program looking for in projects? 

The Grant Program will give highest priority to capital improvements for projects that:

• Directly address environmental, educational, or social issues that affect the health and welfare of San LorenzoValley residents.
• Demonstrate the greatest impact, benefit and yield to the mission of the Grant Program.
• Provide the greatest benefit to residents of the San LorenzoValley.
• Demonstrate the potential for achieving the highest value with respect to the public interest and/or best utilization of grant funds.
• Demonstrate future and/or long-term benefits.

What types of projects does the Grant Program discourage?

The Grant Program will not award grants for the following:

• Operating expenses, training programs, salaries
• Endowments, building campaigns, annual fund appeals or fund raising events.
• Religious organizations for religious purposes.
• Existing obligations, debt retirement, deficits or retroactive funding.
• Political or lobbying activities.
• Hiring grant proposal writers.

How do I apply?

Applicants may apply in one of two ways:

Complete the online form, or

Download and print this document, fill it out, and mail to Valley Women’s Club, PO Box 574, Ben Lomond, CA. 95005. Must be postmarked by May 21, 2014, 5pm.

When will awards be made?

The VWC Board of Directors will make final award decisions by June 21, 2014.

How do I get more information?

If you have any questions or need additional information or assistance with the grant proposal application or review process, please consult Nancy Gerdt at 831-335-3130 or ngerdt45@gmail.com

If my project is funded, what do I need to do when my project is completed?

All successful grant applicants will be required to submit documentation that the grant funds have been spent on the capital improvement(s) included in the proposal. This must be done in the form of a final report which includes:  copies of receipts for all items and services purchased with grants funds, photos showing items purchased and/or improvements made, and a brief description of the project.   The final report is due within three months of the receipt of the grant.

How are applications reviewed and awards decided?

The Community Grant Program is administered by a committee established by the Board of Directors of the Valley Women’s Club. The Community Grant Program Committee will screen all applications to ensure that they meet the above requirements. It will then read and evaluate all screened applications in terms of the selection criteria, and recommend funding awards to the VWC Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, at their sole discretion, decides which grant proposals to fund and the amounts to be funded for each proposal.  All decisions of the Board of Directors are final.  Members of the Committee will notify all applicants in writing of the Board’s decision. Following grant awards, funds are normally available for disbursement within twenty-one (21) calendar days.