State Councils Capacity-Building Grant

Application Details

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) invites each State Council to submit a proposal for a grant under the 2023–2024 CIC Capacity-Building Grant Program for projects to be implemented and completed by October 31, 2024. This initiative, now in its twelfth year, was created to address the pressing need identified by state executives for seed money to undertake organizational and staff development projects that strengthen the organization’s capacity to raise gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, and individuals.

The Opportunity

CIC Capacity-Building Grants may be requested in amounts of $2,500 to $10,000 by individual State Councils, with grants to be awarded through a competitive review process. Grants may not be used to cover currently budgeted items; instead, the goal is to provide State Councils with special funding to do something new that will strengthen the State Council’s fundraising capacity for this year and beyond. Examples of projects that are consistent with the program objectives include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) support of a grant writer; (b) professional design and printing of new fundraising materials or reports that make the case for your association and its members; (c) revamping a website to be more effective as a promotional and fundraising tool; (d) upgrading an out-of-date donor database; (e) hiring a consultant for the development program; (f) building board capacity and engagement in fundraising; and (g) expanding prospect research capabilities.

Because the selection committee is interested in a demonstrable return on investment from these grants, proposals that are well aligned with organizational development plans, are clear in intent, and, most importantly, have the greatest potential for strengthening the fundraising capacity of the State Council will be favored. Funding requests for the purchase of equipment only may be considered if proposed as part of a project with well-defined outcomes and a rationale on why the equipment is essential to the project’s success. The qualifications of consultants or other third-party project partners will be considered as part of the grant proposal.

Eligibility and Reporting Requirements

Proposals will be accepted only from State Councils that are in good standing. The grant proposal should be submitted as one package online on or before April 8, 2024. Decisions will be announced by April 22, 2024.

Capacity-Building grant projects must be completed within six months following notification of the award by CIC. A final narrative and financial report about the project from the State Council to CIC will be due within one month after the project has been completed.

Expectations of Grant Recipients

If awarded a CIC Capacity-Building Grant, the State Council will agree to:

• Submit a final written report to CIC no later than one month after the project has been
• completed;
• Meet the required deadlines for project completion;
• Permit the inclusion of information about its Capacity-Building Grant in CIC publications;
• Identify the funded activities as supported by CIC in all project materials and publicity; and
• Maintain membership in CIC throughout the grant period.

Application Guidelines

1. Include a one page cover letter, addressed to Sherita Ashmon at CIC on the State Council’s letterhead.
   
2. Include a proposal attachment with the following components:
   • Applicant (name, title, State Council, address, phone number, fax number, email)
   • Project Title
   • Project Description
   1. Briefly describe your initiative—what do you intend to do? And when?;
   2. Describe what makes this initiative “new” to your program and how this set of activities will leverage new support or build capacity;
   3. Describe how this initiative will be a building block for future fundraising, and how you will maintain the momentum generated from this funding; and
   4. Propose a budget for the use of the requested funds.
      • Statement of Goals. Quantify the expected results from the funded activities, clearly stating the potential impact of your initiative.
      • Third-party Qualifications. Provide complete qualifications of any consultants or firms that will work on the project.
        
3. Include a project budget (using the CIC template).
   
4. Submit your application as a single package online. Only applications submitted electronically as a PDF will be considered.
   
5. Reporting Guidelines
   The State Council is expected to provide a brief final report on the project by November 29, 2024. Reports should include the following:
   • A summary of how the program was implemented and the timeline;
   • Results of the initiative, comparing results to original goals;
   • Lessons learned from the project; and
   • A summary of financial expenditures for the project, in relation to the approved budget.

Applications for the current round of grants are due by April 8, 2024.