Grant Guidelines

This information details the Foundation's grants program. Please be aware that the Foundation receives many more worthy requests than it can support.


MACF Background
Martinsville Area Community Foundation (MACF) was established in 2005 and is a publicly-supported, 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization that holds, administers, invests and makes grants from both endowed and non-endowed funds established by individuals, families and others. MACF's service area is the city of Martinsville, Henry County and surrounding areas. It currently has assets of over $11 million in eighteen different endowed funds and also is affiliated with Foundation for Roanoke Valley, Inc., which has assets and estate commitments of over $110 million.

To date, MACF has distributed over $700,000 in grants to non-profit and charitable organizations and for educational scholarships. It operates under the auspices of a local Board of Directors, whose members are chosen for their knowledge of the community.


Application Process
MACF's grant program currently operates through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. There are two grant cycles each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Qualified organizations are required to submit proposals by the appropriate deadline. The Foundation will acknowledge receipt of the proposal. Organizations may submit one request per fund during each grant cycle. Proposals are initially screened for completeness and eligibility. Foundation staff will review proposals and conduct preliminary research, including site visits. Reports are prepared for the Board of Directors, who then determine final grant recommendations. All agencies that submit a proposal will be notified of an award or denial by letter. A general grant process timeline is provided below. Grantees are required to report on the funded project no later than one year from the date of the grant. Post-grant site visits and mid-year reporting may be required. Grantees may not reapply for funding without having completed a final report for the previous grant.


What We Look For
The Foundation looks for projects and programs where a moderate amount of grant money can produce a significant result. Proposals must fall within the purpose of the fund to which you are applying. We look for innovative but practical approaches to solving community problems, especially those not currently being met by an existing organization. Applicants should show a well-planned approach to address important community issues; a base of other support (financial, participatory and voluntary); efficient use of community resources; involvement of underserved constituencies; and coordination, cooperation and sharing among nonprofit organizations and elimination of project duplication. Organizations should demonstrate present and future sustainability and provide identifiable outcomes of the proposed project or program.


Funding Restrictions Foundation grants are usually awarded for the accomplishment of a definite purpose within a specified time period - normally not more than one year. Typically grants are not awarded to:

• Individuals
  
  
• Deficit financing
  
  
• Capital Campaigns
  
  
• Endowments
  
  
• Fundraising events
  
  
• Operating Support
  
  
• Programs that promote religious doctrin or instruction
  However, grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.