What to know before you apply for a grant:

Funding Priorities

Moving ME Forward requires proposals that create social change in the areas of health and fitness include a component that:

• Develops/promotes community connections
• Encourages social responsibility/giving back to the community
• Addresses ongoing sustainability
• Are partially funded by in kind donations

Who is eligible to apply

• Students, graduates and affiliates of Central Maine Community College
• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations

When to apply

• Grant application period is open from September 1st thru December 31st.

What to submit

• Requests should be for future expenses only. Awards for grants will be made by March 1st. Project start date should take this into consideration.
• Requests should not exceed $10,000
• Please only send information and materials requested in the grant program guidelines/application. Additional materials will not be reviewed.
• All competitive grant program awardees will be required to submit a Project Progress Report. If the grantee fails to submit one, further funding will be held until the missing report is filed.

Types of funding (often supported)

• New projects: activities that are distinct from ongoing programs and that have start and end dates.
• Expanding projects: the extension of a successful program to a new population or geographic location or to include a significant change in scope.
• Capacity building: projects that will strengthen an organization’s efficiency or effectiveness and that have clear goals or outcomes. For example, board training to develop fundraising capacity with specific goals.
• Capital expenses: can be part of the budget for a new or expanding project if they are necessary and directly related to the outcomes of the project, including materials and equipment.
• Personnel expenses: any staff salaries must be directly tied to a new or expanding project.
• Indirect costs: administrative overhead expenses of up to 20% of the total requested budget. When allowed, these should be included in the budget and labeled “Indirect costs.

Types of funding (often not supported)

• Operating support: ongoing administrative costs such as rent, utilities, office supplies, salaries (not tied to a specific project expense).
• Ongoing activities: continuing programs or projects that have no clear end date.
• Endowments or capital campaigns: activities leading up to a capital campaign such as feasibility studies as well as costs related to verbal or written requests for financial support such as fundraising events or appeal letters.
• Camp scholarships: funding for admission, enrollment, tuition, or other costs related to individual or group attendance at a short-term recreational or educational program.
• Capital expenses: purchases of property, equipment, or building materials related to the organization’s core operations.

Grant Process Timeline

• Application intake/Eligibility prescreening: grant application period is open from September 1st thru December 31st. Applications are reviewed as they are received to determine if required grant program criteria are met.
• Grant application review: eligible applications are assessed by assigned Moving ME Forward board members and summary reviews written.
• Grant decision meeting: summary reviews are presented to Moving ME Forward Board of Directors and final award decisions are made as a committee.
• Notification: All applicants will receive a letter through regular mail notifying by March 1st as to whether their request has been funded or declined.
• Evaluation: All grant recipients are required to submit project progress reports for review by the Moving ME Forward Board of Directors at 6 month intervals and at the completion of the project.

Application Confidentiality

Applications may be shared with interested parties, including donors for potential funding.