Strategic Impact Grants
To support larger projects that address important community needs, strengthen nonprofit services, encourage collaboration, or create long-term benefits for Dickinson County.
Strategic Impact Grants are intended for organiziations with projects that go beyond a small one-time request. These grants should support work that has a broader community benefit, addresses a significant issue, builds organizational strength, or creates lasting impact.
Examples of Eligible Requests: Program expansion, collaborative projects between organizations, Equipment or infrastructure serving a larger community purpose, matching funds for State, Federal, or private grants, planning or implementation of a major community initiative, community health, food security, childcare, housing, or transportation projects.
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits, schools, churches, government entities, or organizations with an approved fiscal sponsor serving Dickinson County. If you have any questions about eligibility or fiscal agents, please contact the Community Foundation of Dickinson County (785-263-1863). We are happy to help.
Funding Limitations: In general, the Community foundation does not support:
• General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead)
• Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar)
• Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraiser events (including but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets)
• Travel grants: Fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures
• Sponsorship of sports teams
• Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects
• Other grant making organizations
• Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects
• Religious or sectarian programs, political parties or campaigns
• Organizations operating fewer than 2 years
• Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants
• Children’s projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
1. Strategic Community Need- The project/program addresses a meaningful issue or opportunity in Dickinson County
2. Long-Term Impact- The project/program creates benefit beyond the grant period
3. Organizational Readiness- The applicant has the leadership, planning, and capacity to complete the project
4. Collaboration and Leverage- The project/program includes partnerships, matching funds, in-kind support, or other investments when appropriate
5. Clear Outcomes- The organization can explain what success will look like and how it will be measured
6. Sustainability- The organization has considered how the project or service will continue after the grant
Procedures for Submitting Grant Applications:
- Complete the online grant application.
- Certify your application by digitally signing it
- Upload your documents
- Submit your application
- You may be asked to attend a grant panel meeting with our committee. Save the grant panel dates listed at www.communityfoundation.us/grants. If you are required to attend a grant panel, the Community Foundation staff will notify you of your scheduled meeting date and time once your grant has been submitted and reviewed.
Note to Applicants: The Community Foundation of Dickinson County is committed to supporting local businesses and suppliers and encourages its grantees to source their supplies and materials from Dickinson County businesses whenever possible.
Verification of Receipt: Verification of receipt will be sent to the e-mail address of the contact person provided on the application cover page. You will also be notified via email by October 9 if your grant has been awarded or declined.