SPECIAL AND URGENT NEEDS GUIDELINES
For unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities
The Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) grant round was created to address the short-term needs of nonprofits. With a relatively small amount of funding, SUN grants help an organization take advantage of an unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive opportunity or emergency that will enhance or preserve the ability of the organization to meet its mission. Note: Given the very small size of this pool of funds and the overwhelming need in this area, we do not have the capacity to consider requests for operating expenses due to budget deficits or shortfalls.
Deadline:
There is no deadline - you may apply anytime. Only online applications are accepted.
Decisions will be made by:
Within 21 business days of receiving application.
Total amount available:
Up to $80,000
Grant size:
Up to $5,000
Who is eligible:
Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are located in or serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency or municipality in the state of Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must employ staff and provide services without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
What we fund:
For the SUN grant round, we will consider any eligible organization that meets a well-documented community need in Vermont and that meets the overall grantmaking criteria of the Foundation (see below). We look for proposals that will allow an organization to:
- obtain essential equipment, technology, or resources whose need could not have been anticipated or budgeted, and without which the work of the organization would be severely hampered
- manage an unanticipated leadership transition or emergency succession of an executive director
- conduct emergency repairs of building structure or mechanical systems (heating/cooling, water service, etc.) whose sudden and unexpected failure interferes with the provision of services
- take advantage of an unexpected but strategic opportunity that would increase an organization's ability to achieve its goals
See the 2008 SUN grants awarded
See the 2007 SUN grants awarded
What we don't fund:
For the SUN grant round, we only fund projects that are unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive. Please refer to our Fall Community Fund grant round for information about operating support.
We do not generally make grants for: endowments; capital campaigns (except for initial planning expenses); religious purposes; individuals; debts; equipment (unless it is an integral part of an otherwise eligible project); and we do not fund work that has already been completed. We also cannot consider applications for budget deficits or shortfalls in this grant round.
How to submit your application:
Note: By submitting your application to the Vermont Community Foundation, you give the Foundation permission to share your application with other interested funders (if any), both individuals and foundations.
FIRST READ OUR ONLINE APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THEN CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
How we evaluate your application:
The Vermont Community Foundation will consider the following criteria:
- Compatibility with the SUN grant round guidelines
- Enhances or preserves the ability of the organization to meet its mission
- Well-documented community need for organization and/or project
- Extent to which the project or program will address the needs of Vermont communities, including underserved populations, as outlined in our values statement
- Time sensitivity of the project or program; grant would meet an immediate revenue need
- Financial sustainability of the project or program and financial stability of the organization
- Extent to which the grant will help the Foundation reach geographic areas throughout the state
- Community support for the project and the organization
- Project is not part of the annual workplan or budget
- Availability of Foundation funds
Our Grantseeker Frequently Asked Questions is a great resource for information.
We are always here to help. Please contact Jen Peterson, Vice President for Community Grantmaking, with questions.
BACK TO APPLY FOR A GRANT
