Application

Have you ever thought to yourself, it would be great if Salem had ___________? Well, review the application below and see if the Salem Community Foundation can help to make your dream a reality. 

Not interested in applying, but want to support the effort? We can only do this work because of your generous support and are appreciative of your donations.

Print Application

Salem Community Foundation

Grant Application Procedure

In an attempt to secure private, charitable funds to improve the quality of life of the greater Salem, NY community, the Salem Community Foundation (SCF), a regional affiliate of the Glens Falls Foundation (GFF) (www.glensfallsfoundation.org) will evaluate local needs and opportunities and look to fund projects that address the areas of community development, education, art & culture, environment, health, or social needs and that:

• represent an innovative, start-up effort or are capital in nature (e.g., construction, renovation, equipment)

• promote cooperation among agencies without duplicating services

• obtain the necessary additional funding to implement and maintain the project

• are for the benefit of citizens residing in the communities that comprise the Town of Salem, Washington County, New York

• strengthen or improve self-sufficiency or efficiency

• yield substantial community benefits for the resources invested

• serve a broad segment of the community

• encourage additional and permanent funding or matching gifts from other donors

• are managed by nonprofit organizations, including churches, government agencies and community groups with a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status. (Applications from religious organizations, for a non-religious purpose, will be considered. Grant proposals from religious organizations for a religious purpose, and proposals to fund scholarships for individuals, will not be considered.)

Organizations seeking a grant are invited to submit a letter providing information on the proposed use of funds, as follows:

1. Grant Application Cover Sheet - Please use this document as it captures important information. 

2. Overview: Background information on the organization including a brief history, a description of the activities or services carried out by the organization, and a list of officers, directors and board members.

3. Purpose of request: (a) A detailed description of the proposed project including the need the project is intended to address, (b) the scope of the project in terms of goals and objectives, impact on area residents and who, specifically, will benefit, (c) the plan of action and a timetable, the time period to be covered by the requested grant, (d) the amount of the grant requested (e) the benefits to be derived and how success will be determined/evaluated, and (f) the groups/individuals who have agreed to manage the project.

4. Finances: Provide a current budget of the organization/cause, and if applicable, a budget for the project, showing sources of other funding and the use of funds. Grants for general operating expenses are discouraged.

5. Supporting Documents: Exhibits consisting of media stories, photos, support letters, references, brochures, are welcome if they are appropriate.

6. Length: Application should not exceed 12 pages, with enclosures.

7. Consideration: The Salem Community Foundation will review the grants up to 2 times per year. Grants must be submitted to administrator@glensfallsfoundation.org by the 1st of March and September, initially for distribution to SCF for review and then for recommendation to the Distribution Committee of the Glens Falls Foundation by the 20th of the following month. The Glens Falls Foundation Distribution Committee meets 4 times a year and will anticipate any recommended applications from the Salem Community Foundation to the Distribution Committee of the Glens Falls Foundation be made by the 20th of March and September, to be considered at meetings in April and October.

8. Notification: Applicants will receive written notice of the Salem Community Foundation’s decision no later than 10 business days after the April or October meeting of the Glens Falls Foundation Distribution Committee.

Scoring Criteria

• Viability of project – Does the project have potential for success?

• Viability of the organization – Does the organization have sustainability?

• Continuing impact of the grant – Will the project have long term impact?

• Number of beneficiaries – Will a significant number of people benefit from the project?

• Overall impact on community – Will the project provide substantial benefit to the community?

• Financial need of the applicant – Is there a real need for the Foundation to contribute?

• Number and size of recent grants to applicants – Has the applicant received previous grants?