Eligibility Criteria

Sustainability

The organization shows the ability to financially sustain the project indefinitely and the project contributes to the sustainability of the organization.

Organizational Capacity

The organization demonstrates the financial and human resources, as well as intellectual capacity to manage the project successfully.

Organizational Impact

Projects address a key goal identified in an organization's strategic plan.

Community Impact

Projects will benefit and enhance the knowledge of the target audience and/or local community.

In Depth Knowledge

Proposals reflect a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the subject matter.

Project-Based Design

Work plans consist of a set of logical, interrelated activities tied directly to addressing the key need or challenge identified in the proposal.

Demonstrable Results

Projects generate measurable results that tie directly to the need or challenge it was designed to address.

Sensible and Justifiable Budget

Applicants craft a budget well-suited to both the scope of the project and the organization’s capacity; the amount requested should neither be inflated nor insufficient to complete the project successfully.

Request for the following would not be awarded: 

Property purchase, Lobbying, Fund-raising, Indirect​ costs (overhead), Expenses incurred prior to award date, Insurance costs, Debt or interest, Sub-granting.

• The first step is to submit your applications to the Foundation's Secretary and Communications Officer, Karlyn Grasso, at grasso_karlyn@nlgroupmail.com.

• The Board of Directors will review completed grant applications during scheduled board meetings and vote according to the merits of the grant request in accordance with the guidelines of the Foundation. 

• Please make sure that your application is fully completed and includes all supporting documentation, accounting documents, financials, and dual signatures (in required format.) Incomplete applications will not be submitted for board review. 

• The Board will not be held responsible for maintaining incomplete documentation.

• Not all grant requests are funded. A grant application submission and the acceptance by the board to review a grant request is not an indication that a grant request will be approved by the board. Many factors determine if a grant will be awarded to the 501(c)3 organization. Applicants should not interpret the denial of an application as an indication that the Foundation lacks appreciation for the merits and worthiness of the organization's mission, goals, and objectives. 

• Reporting is essential to account for the use of funds awarded by the Foundation and to provide the Foundation with information as to the development and success of the project. 

• The expectation is that organizations will execute and complete their stated projects within 12 months of receipt of the grant. Upon completion of the project, a final report must be submitted. 

• No further applications will be considered by the Foundation until the project is completed and a final report has been submitted.