**2009 Grant Making Cycle is Closed**

2009 Grant Making Cycle

The FEMC will be awarding an estimated $57,000 in this year's competitive grant making cycle. 

This year the FEMC will be awarded $120,000.00  State legislation requires that 75% or $90,000 be awarded in grants and 25% or $30,000 be placed in permanent endowment.  The FEMC Board of Directors met in June and made financial awards to the three Mitchell County school districts and three "community based" day care centers. 

This year's minimum request is $500 and the maximum request is set at $5,000. 

Eligibility

The FEMC will award grants to non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as well as units of government organizations with 170(b) status. 

The FEMC looks for projects that address significant community issues; present innovative, creative, and practical proposals which build on community strengths; develop the leadership potential of the community; involve the people served in the planning and implementation of the program; provide a plan for sustainability beyond the funding period; and capital projects that impact a significant number of county residents.

The FEMC offers grants in the following areas:

Health & Fitness

Environmental Quality

Community Development

Life Learning

The FEMC will NOT fund the following types of projects:

Ongoing projects of support and operating support

Annual and Capital campaigns

Equipment (unless it is essential for the program)

Budget Deficit

Endowments

Individuals

Recurring Funds

Religious purposes (this does NOT exclude grants to religious organizations for non-religious purposes)

Deadlines

Aug. 1         Applications available online at www.mitchellcountyia.com

Sept. 15     FEMC Applications DUE by 4:00pm to the MCEDC Office

                   (509 State St.)

Oct. 30       FEMC awards made- 7:30am in Stacyville

Evaluation Criteria

The FEMC Board of Directors reviews the grant applications according to a predetermined schedule.  The FEMC Board of Directors submits their recommendations for funding to the Iowa Community Affiliate Network C/O the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Executive Committee for final action and disbursement of funds.

The FEMC Board of Directors evaluates on the following criteria:

*Benefit to residents of the county

*Number of residents who will be affected

*Limitation on use of funds for capital or program expenditures

*Completeness of application

*Identification of needs and how funds will address needs

*Collaborative relationships and matching funds (leverage)