Capacity Building Grant Guidelines __________________________________________________________Northern Illinois Food Bank’s move in 2011 to our new West Suburban Center has almost doubled the amount of food we have been able to distribute with the help and collaboration of our network partners. The food bank continues to increase the amount and variety of food available to our network partners through improved and new relationships with retailers and manufacturers. We are also committed to helping our partners build capacity to accept and distribute more food, so that together we can solve hunger in communities throughout our 13 county service area.

Over the past few years we have offered capacity building grants for network partners annually and would like to continue this with a rolling application that will be available year-round. Grants will be made as funds are available.

These will be challenge grants, requiring you to have raised or commit to raising at least 25% of the total cost of the project. For example if the total cost of your project is $10,000 you could request $7,500 and be required to have raised or raise the remaining $2,500.

We will be using a two-stage application process. Letters of Intent will be required and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Application Process:

Letter of Intent: A link to the letter of intent form can be found on the Agency website in the Agency Toolbox. Please submit using the Letter of Intent Word document by email to sjewitt@northernilfoodbank.org.

Within four weeks you will be contacted and invited to submit a full proposal or asked to provide more information.

Grant Application: A link to the grant application form will be emailed to you on approval of your LOI. Please use the Grant Application Word document and submit by email to sjewitt@northernilfoodbank.org.

Site visits or interviews may be conducted during the grant process.

Grant decisions will be made quarterly with deadlines of October 31st, January 31st, April 30th and July 31st. You will hear within a month of the deadline the result of your application.

Handwritten, faxed or mailed applications will not be considered.

Grant Application Workshops:We strongly recommend that you view the Capacity Building Grant webinar on the Agency website and check Agency news for upcoming workshops that will provide tips and advice on writing a capacity building grant.

Questions may be directed to the Help Center 630-443-6910 x820

Purpose of Funding:This grant funding is intended to build capacity to enable network partners to increasethe amount of food distributed and/or number of hours open or improve safety oftransportation and handling for perishable foods. Possible projects could include:

Food handling and storage equipment (freezer, refrigerator, freezer blankets, thermometers)

Additional storage, carts, equipment to improve ease and safety of handling and distributing food

Technology – computer hardware or software Marketing materials for awareness of services and volunteers Walk in freezer/cooler Expansion of space to add storage and/or improve client choice Acquisition of refrigerated vehicle Community garden projects

Multiple items may be requested in the application, so long as all items demonstrate ability to increase capacity.

Equipment Recommendations:Please see information on recommended equipment on the Agency website in the Toolbox. Please include estimates for any electrical or construction work in your project budget. Also include delivery estimate for equipment.

Funding may NOT be requested for: General operating expenses (salaries, rent, utilities, gas etc.) Food Mobile Pantries

Eligibility: Active network partner food pantry or soup kitchen in good standing with the food

bank All food bank reporting requirements met and accounting up to date Grant report for any previous Capacity Building grant submitted and grant

funding used

An organization can only receive one capacity building grant in a 12-month period,

Organizations that do not discriminate in the provision of service, against any person because of race, color, citizenship, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran.

Evaluation Criteria:This is a competitive grant process and not all applications will receive funding. Partial funding may be awarded. Proposals will be evaluated on:

Ability to strengthen capacity to increase number of clients served or serve existing clients more efficiently and effectively

Estimated increase in numbers of pounds to be distributed or estimated increase in number of hours open

Ability to show additional funds to complete project if needed have been raised or can be raised during grant period

Ability to match 25% of the grant amount with other funding Ability to deliver and report measurable results and impact Demonstration of organizational commitment to building capacity Demonstration of a clear need for requested project

Grant Amount:Funding requests between $500 and $15,000 will be considered.

Grant Disbursement:If awarded a grant and in order to ensure that the funds are used for the purpose requested in the grant, you will be asked to submit invoices, receipts or cancelled checks for reimbursement.

Reporting: A progress report will be due six months after the award A final report will be due one year after the award