TRANSFORMATION
comes from big ideas
that can make
a lasting change
in our communities.

--Trabian Shorters
Vice President
Communities Program,
Knight Foundation

Grant Guidelines

NOTICE - OCTOBER 2009

THE KNIGHT COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS HAVE BEEN FULLY DISBURSED FOR 2009. PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT REVIEW DATE IS EARLY MARCH 2010. LETTERS OF INQUIRY SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 25, 2010 TO BE CONSIDERED.


LBCF Philosophy on Grant-Making

  • We prefer to fund programs and services rather than capital campaigns for building funds or operating expenses.
  • We prefer to see organizations seek matching grants to increase the funding capacity for the programs.
  • We prefer to fund the launching of innovative, new programs rather than funding the continuation of existing programs.
  • We prefer to not establish ourselves as repeat funders for the same organizations and programs.

Funding request guidelines for transformational projects - Knight Foundation Community Benefit Fund
(granting process managed by Long Beach Community Foundation)

Transformation is lasting change that alters a condition or state of being in a group of persons, organizations or client population. It is a process that, through community engagement and volunteerism,

·          changes the marginality of residents or neighborhoods;

·          enhances the ability of residents to participate in government;

·          develops their potential to engage in decision-making that has an impact on their  lives.

 

Priority is given to projects that will make lasting change in Long Beach neighborhoods. A successful project will do one or more of the following:

·          Promote community engagement and civic participation

·          Encourage volunteerism

·          Foster collaboration

·          Develop community leaders

·          Create job opportunities

·          Develop marketable skills

·          Enhance communication

·          Provide relevant information

·          Improve local decision making

·          Improve a depressed neighborhood

·          Promote arts and culture advancement

 

 

Guidelines for Letters of Inquiry for Knight Foundation Community Benefit Fund

Submit Letter of Inquiry of 1-2 pages in length with the following information:

·       Brief description of the organization to include total annual operating budget amount

·       Brief description of the program for which funding is sought to include how it fits transformational theme(s), anticipated outcomes, number recipients served, total program budget amount

            ·          Amount requested – also include any other identified funding sources