PRINCETON AREA: Foundation offers guidelines for nonprofits seeking grants

The Princeton Area Community Foundation has announced a change in its grant guidelines designed to respond to the increased need for flexible support of nonprofits working with low income people.
    Using a significant portion of its community grantmaking dollars, the Community Foundation will offer general operating grants, often the most difficult kind of support to find, to help nonprofits deliver services as efficiently as possible during the current recession.
    The Community Foundation has also increased its maximum grant size to $25,000 and is asking tougher questions on its application forms. Frequently asked questions:
    1. How can I learn more about getting a grant from the Princeton Area Community Foundation?
    Visit the Community Foundation’s Web site at www.pacf.org for complete guidelines, application instructions, and forms.
    Attend a Grant Information Session at the Community Foundation’s offices on March 5, 20 or 31. Grant Information Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and last 90 minutes. Attendance is complementary, but registration is required.
    2. What qualifies an organization for program support?
    Nonprofits with programs that support low-income people and have the greatest potential to make a sustained difference in their lives.
    3. What qualifies an organization for operating support?
    Organizations that serve low-income people, and demonstrate solid management and keen strategic thinking about their capacity.
    4. What qualifies an organization for a “Building Community Within and Among Municipalities” grant?
    Nonprofits that are engaged in community-wide efforts to address a shared problem or take advantage of a shared opportunity among multiple municipalities or within a single borough, city, or township are eligible in this category.
    5. What size grants does the Community Foundation offer?
    Program and operating grants are generally up to $15,000, but may be as much as $25,000.
    Building Community grants range from $10,000 to $35,000, but may be as much as $50,000.
    6. How often can a nonprofit apply for a grant?
    Once per calendar year.
    7. We do not have tax exempt status yet. Can we get a grant?
    No. Grants can only be made to organizations that have tax-exempt status (501(c)3) from the IRS and are registered with the State of NJ, unless exempt.
    The Princeton Area Community Foundation promotes philanthropy and builds community across Mercer County and central New Jersey. It provides charitable giving expertise to individuals, nonprofits and corporations, and makes grants to nonprofit organizations. Since its founding in 1991, the Community Foundation has granted over $25 million back into the community. For more information please contact the Community Foundation at 609-219-1800 or online at www.pacf.org.