Grantmaking Blog

In July 2007, when Meyer Memorial Trust was considering its own future space needs, we posted a message on our blog asking readers to let us know what they thought of a nonprofit center in which multiple organizations share a facility and related resources. We received forty written responses and other phone calls from nonprofit organizations expressing enthusiasm for this concept.

As a result of this high level of interest, MMT is issuing a Request for Proposals as one of its strategies to support nonprofit services in this time of economic uncertainty when nonprofit organizations are struggling to meet growing demands for their services, while watching their funding sources diminish. In particular, we are interested in proposals for multi-tenant nonprofit centers, shared services programs, and fiscal sponsorships because they offer opportunities for organizations to share costs and stimulate activities that help rejuvenate and better serve their communities.

MMT anticipates awarding up to seven one-year planning grants, not to exceed $25,000 each, to help facilitate the above projects. Grant funds are to be for assessment, cost/benefit analysis, business planning, legal matters, risk management, facility development, community needs and other areas that may not otherwise be available to potential partners. The award may be used to acquire the required expertise and/or it may be applied to staff time and other agency expenses incurred on behalf of the project. With planning assistance, applicants can test if any financial and operational benefits could be achieved prior to investing significant resources in implementing a particular model. In some cases, applicants may discover that their proposed model does not work, and this would be considered an acceptable outcome.

Applicants are required to attend a training workshop in Portland on Feb. 24 or Roseburg on Feb. 25th. As of Feb. 23, attendance is full for both workshops.

Proposals must be received no later than 5 p.m., March 20, 2009. Late proposals will not be considered.

Interested organizations can ask questions and receive answers about the nature of the project, feasibility, and related matters in the comment section at the bottom of this blog post, in order to assure that all potential applicants have access to the same information and advice. Please read over the RFP carefully before submitting questions.

Questions concerning completing the form and submitting materials are to be addressed to grants administration at grantsadmin@mmt.org or (503) 228-5512.

Applicants without Internet access or with other constraints can call an MMT program officer at (503-228-5512). The last day for submitting questions is March 16, 2009. In the interests of ensuring that all applicants have access to the same information, applicants are encouraged to submit questions online so that everyone can see the answers. A program officer will post responses to written questions and the results of the phone conversation no later than one workday after receipt.

Applicants are encouraged to bookmark and return to this page often since it will be the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information.

Comments

Posted by: Steve Garretson - People for Parks | January 16, 2009 10:22 AM

We have moved into a nice office with plenty of space for other non-profits. It would be great if People for Parks and other non-profits could collaborate for this Shared Space Grant. Space is located in Rockwood on the max line. Contact People for Parks, steve@pfpevents.org

Posted by: Catherine Jarmin Miller | January 16, 2009 11:10 AM

May an organization apply in response to this RFP and also apply to another MMT program?

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 16, 2009 12:47 PM

Responding to the RFP would not preclude an organization from submitting an application for support for another program. The only exception would be if the other application was comparable in nature.

Thank you for being the first organization to step-up and ask a question.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 16, 2009 04:17 PM

We received an email from a for profit entity wishing to partner with nonprofit organizations. Here is the communication.

From: "Will Denecke"
Date: January 16, 2009 12:33:22 PM PST
To:
Subject: Question on Multi Tenant Project

Dear MMT:

We have a 30,000 sf building (seven stories at 5,000 sf per floor) in downtown Portland that we own. We would be open to discussing how we could work with a group that was awarded a grant and wanted to consider placing a number of non profits in our building on one floor.

It appears, from your application information that as a for profit entity, we can not apply for the $25,000 grant to study the opportunity itself. Correct?

We have significant experience organizing and managing multi tenant space for start up companies, known as encubator space as well as setting up shared office resources (copying, phones, internet, etc). And most important, we know how to encourage companies to share ideas and energy.

Please let me know if our building could be of interest to any of your grant recipients.

Thanks,

Will Denecke
Summer Lake LLC
510 SW Fifth Avenue, #400
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-997-3811

From: Paul Reich
Date: January 16, 2009 4:03:41 PM PST
To: wdenecke@spiritone.com
Subject: Question on Multi Tenant Project

Thank you for your email.

Yes, you are correct that you are not eligible to apply for a grant.

We will provide this information on our blog.

Paul

Posted by: Jerry Hubbard | January 16, 2009 04:51 PM

I am on the board of a small non-profit located in Sunriver, south of Bend and would be interested in a shared office.

Posted by: Michael Roth | January 17, 2009 02:43 PM

Dear MMT and Community Activists:

We have a NICE SPACE AVAILABLE in a restored 1908 Four-Square house (converted to commercial space). Reasonable lease/rent in one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in NE Portland. The building is located in Rose City Park in a bright, sunny location and 1/2 block off Sandy near the Rheinlander and the new Laurelwood Pub. Utilities and wireless are included. Offices starts as low as $300. Flexible arrangements.

The 1,000 SF main floor can be altered as needed for specific needs including 2 to 4 offices and a conference room, with or without a kitchen. The 1,000 SF upstairs has 4 offices. Nicely landscaped (garden and large trees) with private patio. Easy parking.

I am a long-time nonprofit professional and consultant and know that this situation is ideal for a smaller nonprofit or a collaboration of several nonprofits and/or consultants for office space with easy access to almost every part of the metropolitan area (Portland & Vancouver).

Call us for photos, specifics or a visit.

Sincerely,

Michael Roth
503-493-8316
msr@nwresources.com

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 20, 2009 12:11 PM

Today, I received an inquiry from Mr. Raj Shah from the City of Creswell.

He asked if public agencies were eligible to respond to the RFP.

Public agencies are eligible.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 20, 2009 04:29 PM

We received an email regarding eligibility of an agency who has a project comparable to what we are seeking in the RFP. Given the rationale provided, this organization would be eligible. See the following communication

From: Paul Reich
Date: January 20, 2009 4:18:06 PM PST
To: "Gina Marie Agosta"
Subject: Re: Question re: Shared Services RFP

Yes, you would be eligible to apply.

Paul

On Jan 20, 2009, at 3:56 PM, Gina Marie Agosta wrote:

Hi Paul,

Our organization has operated a multi-tenant Family Resource Center for the last 17 years. While the facility is already established, we'd like to re-assess the needs of our partner agencies and clients to determine if there are more/better ways for us to collaborate and improve services.

Would we be eligible to apply for the planning grant even though we already have a multi-tenant center?

Gina Marie Agosta, Executive Director
Coalition for Kids
541-479-1929 FAX: 471-9403
www.cfk-gp.org



Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 21, 2009 12:18 PM

It's great to see folks are already signing up for these events! And we continue to welcome questions.

Just a gentle reminder that training workshops are designed for potential applicants, who need to meet MMT's eligibility requirements. (Requirements are listed here: http://www.mmt.org/grants_programs/eligibility.php )

For-profit facility owners are not eligible to attend the workshop, although they are welcome to post information about their facilities and plans here.

Additionally, a nonprofit agency who has not engaged in meaningful discussions with others about projects should consider not attending the workshop.

Because space is limited, we must restrict attendance at the workshops to representatives of groups that have a project in mind and are likely to submit a proposal for the planning grants.

Posted by: Peter Huhtala | January 21, 2009 08:11 PM

I represent a relatively new nonprofit still awaiting our IRS determination letter. We have a project in mind and we are qualified to lead the feasibility study. Would I be able to attend the workshop under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?

Posted by: Greg Netzer | January 22, 2009 10:32 AM

My organization received a Grassroots Grant from MMT in Fall '08 to help with strategic and development planning. Would we be precluded from applying for this grant?

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 22, 2009 12:06 PM

Q: My organization received a Grassroots Grant from MMT in Fall '08 to help with strategic and development planning. Would we be precluded from applying for this grant?

A: Yes, you are eligible to respond to the RFP.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 22, 2009 01:44 PM

Q: I represent a relatively new nonprofit still awaiting our IRS determination letter. We have a project in mind and we are qualified to lead the feasibility study. Would I be able to attend the workshop under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?

A: Yes, your project would be eligible if fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3).

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 23, 2009 11:13 AM

We're excited about the high level of interest in the RFP. In the course of reviewing those who have expressed interest in attending one of the workshops, it's a good time to touch bases on some themes we are seeing.

Q: Can grant writers, serving as independent contractors on behalf of an organization, attend the workshop?

A: The workshops are intended for lead staff and/or board members of a nonprofit organization to learn how shared space and services projects are structured and if an agency is ready to move forward. This is not the right juncture in this process for grant writers serving as independent contractors to participate in this project.

Q: What do we mean when we say "no more than two representatives from a proposing group should attend the workshop?"

A: Some have interpreted this as two persons per agency. This is not what we intended. We apologize for any misunderstanding. Regardless of the size of the group who may be submitting a proposal, no more than two persons (preferably at a leadership level) should attend.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 26, 2009 03:51 PM

Today, I received several questions from Paul Lindberg of Hood River.

Q: In reviewing the RFP, it appears that MMT is interested in proposals that are focused on organizations sharing facilities. Is this accurate?

A: Proposals need not be restricted to sharing facilities. We are interested in organizations collaborating to share a broad array of resources and services.

Q: Does MMT have a plan to allocate grants to projects representing various geographic areas. For example, will a certain number of grants go to rural areas?

A: MMT encourages applicants throughout Oregon and Clark County, Washington to respond to this RFP.
Awards will be based on the merits of the proposal. There is no allocation plan to award grants to rural and/or urban areas.

Q: If an organization receives a planning grant, will it be able to return to the Trust for an "implementation grant" without going through the responsive grants process?

A: No.



Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 27, 2009 03:05 PM

Q: Are organizations that have active grants eligible to respond to the RFP?

A: Yes.

Q: Can an organization that has a multi-tenant center respond to the RFP?

A: Yes. For those organizations that currently have a multi-tenant center, shared services program or fiscal sponsorship, we suggest you consider the following questions when responding to the RFP:

-What are the issues driving your proposal?
-How does your proposed project relate to your strategic plan?
-Is the proposed project a logical outgrowth of your present activities?

Additionally, we encourage you to review our other evaluation criteria that is presented on our website.

Posted by: Windy Hovey | January 27, 2009 03:49 PM

Hello,
I was wondering if this particular focus/program might be offered again after this initial RFP, or is this a one-time funding opportunity? Thank you for all the incredible and forward-thinking support you provide!
-Windy with WREN

Posted by: carole zoom | January 28, 2009 01:41 AM

I am currently purchasing a building in near SE for nonprofit/art organizations. I will be offering reduced price rent over 3-5 years and selling the building to the tenants when they are ready.

If there are groups interested on this blog, please contact me. I expect the renovations to be complete in summer.

I have experience with this model: in 2005 i helped create the MidTown Arts Center in Eugene, home to the Eugene Ballet and 7 other arts groups. The Eugene Ballet bought that building from me in September after a 3 year capital campaign.

If you would like more information, please contact me at carolezoom@mac.com
cz

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 28, 2009 10:34 AM

This message follows-up on the one posted by Carole Zoom.

Carole, what you describe is exciting. It is comparable to a project we've seen in Sisters. You may want to connect with them. Here is the contact information.

Roundhouse Foundation
Kathy Deggendorfer
1-541-549-4072



Posted by: Carole Zoom | January 29, 2009 01:33 AM

thanks for the contact.

i have had a number of meetings since last april with likeminded efforts and find them very exciting to learn from. i forgot to mention in my previous post (can i edit?) that one of the reasons i created this model is to develop a shared sense of community for hardworking nonprofits as well as help them to place more of their financial resources into their missions rather than their overhead. this is for me an investment. i am not wealthy enough to offer space to them for free. but within my parameters, i am trying to offer a situation that meets my values and the needs of nonprofits.

i wonder if y'all at MMT have thought about a place to plug in us folks who are offering these opportunities but are not nonprofits? we do not fit into the criteria to attend the required meeting for nonprofits but i believe we are an essential part of the solution as partners to those nonprofits. let me know if there is a way to connect up, advise, or use the resources we have garnered in doing this before.

again thanks for the info on sisters.

CaroleZoom

Posted by: Candy Solovjovs and Paul Reich, Program Officers | January 29, 2009 10:35 AM

We're responding to a question posed by Windy from WREN.

Q: "I was wondering if this particular focus/program might be offered again after this initial RFP, or is this a one-time funding opportunity?"

A: Currently, we have no specific plan to issue another RFP. However, we will evaluate the outcomes of this RFP and decide how to proceed on this matter. Some factors we likely will consider are the initial interest in the RFP, value of the workshop training, number of proposals received, and quality of the proposals. In the long-term we will evaluate the outcomes of the planning that occurred as a result of MMT support.

Candy and Paul

Posted by: Barbara Butzer | January 29, 2009 11:06 AM

Community Sharing Program in Cottage Grove owns a former hospital building with many small offices. We currently lease office space to other non-profits. We share space and a fax machine, but nothing else. We would like to explore other models, such as centralized reception, shared bookkeeping, etc. Would this grant and the associated training workshop be useful to support this "next step" planning?

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 29, 2009 12:30 PM

I'm responding to the question posed by Barbara from Cottage Grove's Community Sharing Program.

Q: "We currently lease office space to other non-profits. We share space and a fax machine, but nothing else. We would like to explore other models ... Would this grant and the associated training workshop be useful to support this "next step" planning?

A: You are eligible to participate in the process if you meet MMT's basic requirements noted in the RFP. Your situation is comparable to ones addressed in earlier blogs of January 20 (4:29 PM) and January 27 (3:05 PM).

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 30, 2009 01:16 PM

This message is in response to the second blog posted by C. Zoom.

In addition to you, three other parties have buildings, but who do not represent a nonprofit organization, have contacted us and expressed an interest in working on this concept.

At this time, our best mechanism for "getting the word out" is this blog. We welcome your suggestions for expanding this network.

Paul

Posted by: Mary O'Kief | January 30, 2009 02:35 PM

Rogue Community College has two strong partnership projects. Our Justice Education Center is still on the drawing board and a good fit for this RFP. I am wondering if our Business Enterprise Center which is already in the construction phase is appropriate. We are seeking funds to complete the facility. Please advise.

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | January 30, 2009 04:29 PM

Q: Are projects "already in the construction phase" appropriate for this RFP?

A: This RFP would not be a good fit for projects of this nature. The RFP is meant to support planning prior to engaging in significant capital construction or renovation.

Paul

Posted by: Shane | February 1, 2009 07:45 PM

RE: Rogue Community College, Business Enterprise Center

How can I find out more?

Shane Jimerfield
Siskiyou Project
Grants Pass, OR
541.476.6648

Posted by: Gordon Dickey | February 3, 2009 11:17 AM

Twelve years ago, when American Lung Association of Oregon Executive Director, we explored a Unified NonProfit Facility with interest from several community health care organizations.
Major variables include convenient bus service for clients,staff parking and affordability.
There were two national models at the time. One was in Omaha, Nebraska but none in the West.
Forward thinking!

Posted by: Ron Hays | February 4, 2009 08:51 AM

It appears that both Portland and Roseburg required meetings are full. Is there an alternative option being considered.

Thanks.

Ron

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | February 4, 2009 09:10 AM

In response to Ron's question....

At this time, we are only offering the two workshops. FYI, prior to issuing the RFP we considered videoconferencing to expand the reach of the RFP. Without getting into the details, we decided against this option.

Your best option is to place yourself on the wait list. We'll do our best to accommodate you and others who are hoping to attend the workshop.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | February 4, 2009 10:47 AM

Recently, we learned of a shared spaces partnership for youth and family services in the Tacoma area. Here is the link:

http://gcmfhc.org/Default.htm

The point of contact is:

Gary Yazwa
Foundation President
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound
1501 Pacific Avenue, Suite 202
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-502-4601

Posted by: Diand Syrcle | February 5, 2009 04:07 PM

Portland Youth Philharmonic is looking for shared space partners who might need meeting space during the day. We are a youth orchestra and need rehearsal space/classrooms in the evenings and office space during the day.

Diane Syrcle
Portland Youth Philharmonic
diane@portlandyouthphil.org

Posted by: Scott Lewis / NWPDP | February 6, 2009 01:00 PM

The Northwest Professional Dance Project is exploring the establishment of a professional dance studio (2000 sq ft w/ sprung floor, marley, barres, sound, etc.) in Portland that would be available to several dance companies and artists.
The RSVP list is full - is there a wait list or extra room?
Also, we'd love to hear from more dance entities interested in this.

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | February 6, 2009 02:57 PM

We learned of two Portland organizations that have co-located.

The Children's Institute and Oregon Mentors, with support from the Oregon Community Foundation, have recently come together to share space.

They will share the costs of receptionist, IT services, office equipment, phone system, and Internet connection. The space will have common areas used by both groups and has sufficient space for future growth.

The new site is at 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 260, Portland, 97205. Points of contact to discuss this partnership are the executive directors of both organizations.

*Swati Adarkar, Children's Institute, 503-219-2034
*Caroline Becic, Oregon Mentors, 503-517-8990

Posted by: Levi Herrera-Lopez | February 6, 2009 03:58 PM

My organization Mano a Mano Family Center in Salem has already done some of the preliminary work and is in the process of moving into a location, owned by a local non-profit, that can house up to 4 other non-profits in Salem, including the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality. Are funds available only for planning or if there is a project, like ours, ready to start, could funds be used for facility expenses?

Levi Herrera
Mano a Mano

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | February 6, 2009 04:36 PM

For this RFP, funds are designated for planning.

Our responsive grants program may be a better match for your project.

Paul

Posted by: Kristina | February 6, 2009 07:27 PM

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity in Vancouver has space available in the Uptown Village neighborhhod. We would love to partner with a compatible non profit.

Posted by: Phoebe Owens | February 11, 2009 10:53 AM

Whether you are seeking information about resource sharing for nonprofits or have information to share, please visit our "Resource Sharing" section in connectipedia: http://www.connectipedia.org/wagn/Resource_Sharing

Posted by: Cindy Fulton | February 21, 2009 11:35 AM

I have associations with an OR nonprofit in Clatsop County as the Board chair, which is how I heard about this RFP.

I live in WA. Do you know of any of your colleagues or other foundations having a similar approach in WA?

Thank you!

Cindy Fulton
cfulton@willapabay.org
Camp Kiwanilong Board, Inc.
A.B.C. Alliance for a Better Community (Raymond, WA)

Posted by: Carol Ronan | March 2, 2009 04:50 PM

The Illinois Valley Family Coaltion is a community resource center in Cave Junction, Oregon. The facility houses 10+ non-profit agencies providing services to individuals in our community. We would welcome visits from any agency considering a similar shared space. We have offices for lease and will also rent to compatable for-profit businesses.
Contact Carol Ronan, Executive Director, at 541-592-6139.

Posted by: Kimberly | March 3, 2009 10:44 AM

We (IFCC-Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center) recently read about this great opportunity in the RACC Newsletter. We are doing just this sort of partnership building with artists and arts organizations around shared space, shared marketing resources,and shared creative & technical resources. If we did not attend one of the two training workshops, are we still eligible to apply?

Kimberly Howard
Managing Director
IFCC
503-823-2072
kimberly@ifccarts.org

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 3, 2009 11:49 AM

We’ve received a few questions since we’ve held our workshops.

Q: Can we apply if we did not attend one of the workshops?

A: No. This is a requirement

Q: Will this be providing additional workshops and funding in the future?

A: As noted in our January 29, 2009 10:35 AM blog, there is no plan to issue another RFP. We want to evaluate the outcomes of this RFP and decide how to proceed on this matter.

Q: Can an organization submit an application under this RFP and for another project either through the grassroots, operating or responsive grants’ programs?

A: Our policy is the Trust will consider only one proposal of any kind from an organization at any given time. Maintaining this policy is reasonable given the short turnaround time planned for this RFP, multiple funding cycles for the grassroots and operating grants programs, and our monthly schedule for accepting responsive grants.

Q: My organization is at a very early stage in providing either a shared services or multi-tenant program. Does it make sense to apply?

A: When deciding whether to apply, you may want to consider the following:

1. Funding will be competitive because we anticipate receiving more proposals than what is available for funding.
2. The proposals will likely be from groups ranging from those in the early stages, to others who have engaged in significant planning to start a project, and some who are already engaged in some form of shared services or multi-tenant centers and desire to take it to a higher level. Consequently, the fact that you’re at an early stage doesn’t necessarily put you at a disadvantage.
3. For those organizations in the early stages, it’s important that key partners are identified and there is a serious commitment from all organizations that would be participating in the planning. Likewise, responding to the RFP may help in your overall organizational planning.
4. As noted in the RFP, compelling proposals will be ones that “model our mission and values, are strategic and represent the top priorities, and have clear outcomes.” Some examples of outcomes are achieving greater efficiency, accessing additional resources, improved service coordination, and increasing innovation, among others.
5. When thinking about outcomes, you may want to consider a “before” and “after” snapshot describing the potential changes of your project.

Q: My organization is thinking about responding to the RFP, but we’re also considering submitting a responsive grant request in which the proposed project would enhance the larger endeavor. What should I do?

A: From your description, it appears that you cannot undertake the larger project without, first, undergoing the planning for which this RFP is intended to support. As a result, your responsive grant may be lacking, and you may benefit by taking an incremental approach and respond to the RFP. In other words, if the RFP planning is necessary for the responsive grant idea, then you should do the RFP first. If the RFP planning is not necessary(assuming that is what you mean by using the word “enhance”), then this is a case where you need to decide your highest priority.

Q: Is the Trust aware of foundations in Washington that have a similar program?

A: We are not aware of a Washington-based foundation that have adopted a similar initiative. However, foundations are interested in supporting programs that achieve the outcomes desired in this RFP. You may want to have a conversation with foundations that support your local community.

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 4, 2009 11:06 AM

We learned of a few more groups who currently have substantial programs occurring with multi-tenant centers and/or shared services.

Portland
The Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Portland Jewish Academy are separately incorporated and share the same board, facility, and administrative resources.

Contact Patti Nemer, 503-244-0111.

Central Oregon
The Deschutes Children's Foundation manages four collaborative campuses located in Bend, La Pine and Redmond. Currently these campuses are home to 31 human service programs. The Foundation provides rent-free facilities and no-cost property management, and offers community meeting rooms to nonprofits and other organizations that serve children and families.

Contact Jan Eggleston, 541-388-3101.

The Central Oregon Environmental Center in Bend provides outreach and education services for 37 conservation and environmental nonprofit organizations.

Contact Mike Riley, 541-385-6908 x 19.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 5, 2009 02:27 PM

Q: Is it okay in the Shared Spaces Planning Grant program to have one of the collaborators be the fiscal sponsor (money handler) but not be the lead agency?

A: As stated in the RFP, one responsibility of the lead agency is "to administer the project should an award be made." Administration includes being accountable for the use of funds.

This would not occur in this example because the collaborator (serving as the lead agency)
is not providing the accounting and management oversight needed for this project.

The proposed model would not meet a requirement of the RFP.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 6, 2009 01:16 PM

Mary O'Kief from Rogue Community College asked the following question.

"The RFP directs us to use the grassroots grant application. In reading over this section, I wondered if the type of projects the planning grant seeks to fund must adhere to the information in this section? Specifically,

1) Grassroots Grants are designed for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Historically, 70% of Grassroots Grants have gone to organizations with operating budgets of $250,000 or less.

2) Projects must be of significance to the organization and its community. Total project costs may not exceed $150,000, including in-kind donations, but excluding volunteer labor."

Answer:

With the exception of the statement, "Projects must be of significance to the organization(s) and its community,"
the above guidelines do not apply to this RFP.

We are using the grassroots grant form to expedite the grant application and evaluation processes for this RFP.

Nonetheless, organizations with large budgets should consider a question may arise during the evaluation concerning why it cannot undertake the project with its own resources. You may want to address this point in the application.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 9, 2009 03:10 PM

Amanda Carwithen of Sutherlin Community Center is working with Carrie Swesso of the Evening Branch of the Sutherlin Lions and asks the following question:

Q: “It was my understanding that … we did not have the money in hand. In the RFP budget it states “self-explanatory” and on the grant application it states we do have to have the majority of funds in hand or our application will be denied. Do we or do not have to have the majority of funds in hand…?”

A: The budget rules for grassroots grants apply to this project. According to our website (http://www.mmt.org/grants_programs/sg/guidelines/), “Total project costs may not exceed $150,000, including in-kind donations, but excluding volunteer labor. All remaining funds and in-kind support for the project must be in hand or pledged when the application is submitted. Projects must be able to be initiated promptly after the MMT grant is made and generally completed within a year. Grant funds may not be used for activities that take place prior to the Trust's action on the request (three months after the submission deadline).”

This grant would not be appropriate for projects of an extended nature with sizable budgets that do not have all funds in-hand or pledged.

Posted by: Susan Knight | March 10, 2009 11:01 AM

CASA of Douglas County and Douglas CARES have agreed to accept and share a building, donated by Mercy Hospital to us on a long term lease for $1 per year. We are in the process of designing how the space will be shared, especially around community spaces and space that the two agencies will share. In addition we will be working with community members to design and remodel each agency space. I am not clear from reading the blog if we should be applying for the Shared Spaces planning grant or a Responsive Grant. The answer given to Mano a Mano makes me think we should be applying for a Responsive Grant.

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 11, 2009 12:14 PM

Here is our response to Susan Knight's inquiry.

Susan, based on our phone conversation, it appears that you've undertaken significant planning to date. A facility has been identified. You have a partner. There is agreement on the use of the facility. What you need is a plan for facility remodeling so that you can develop a budget. You noted that you may be able to obtain this resource and likely will be approaching foundations for capital support. Given these conditions, you may want to consider our grassroots and responsive grants program. Please review their guidelines should you choose to exercise this option in lieu of responding to this RFP.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 13, 2009 09:06 AM

Enrique Castro-Leon of Neighborhood Learning Center asked Kim Thomas, MMT Program Officer, if small equipment purchases are possible with this RFP.

Here is our response.

The RFP is intended to provide planning grants for resources that are not available to the applicant. The RFP states the award "may be used to acquire the required expertise and/or it may be applied to staff time and other agency expenses incurred on behalf of the project."

Nominal expenditures for equipment could be considered as "other agency expenses." It would be very important for you explain the reason(s) for acquiring the equipment in the project budget section of the application. Specifically, there is a question in the application which states, "How did you arrive at the expense amounts?"

Paul

Posted by: Paul Reich, MMT Program Officer | March 13, 2009 09:09 AM

We've received a few applications and have noticed that some did not include as a separate attachment the descriptions of the partnering organizations. Instead, they are being referenced in the application form.

The RFP's directions (section V.D.3) state "The lead agency should submit a supplemental document with the name and history of programs/services for each partner organization. Please limit the length of each organization summary to half a page. Email this document with "RFP supplemental materials" in the subject line. Include a brief message referencing the lead organization and this RFP. This will aid in processing your application and your documents, as supplemental documents are not allowed under our regular Grassroots Grants application procedure."

Also, remember to register all organizations.

Should you not provide the supplemental materials or not register your partner organizations, the application may be considered incomplete and possibly rejected. We'd hate to have this happen after all of your hard work.

Paul