Guidelines for General Operating Grants

The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation awards Hampden County nonprofit organizations General Operating Grants and uses the following criteria to guide it s decision-making:

• Grants will be awarded in support of enhancing operations
• Grants are considered for organizations that are stable and in a situation where an unrestricted grant can enhance operations not resolve a crisis
• Organizations can apply for a General Operating Grant on an annual basis
• General Operating Grants generally cannot exceed 10% of the organization’s annual operating budget or a maximum of $25,000 annually
• Organizations are expected to develop performances objectives outlining how this type of grant support will enable them to strengthen their programs and/or organizational capacity.  These performance objectives should be aligned with your strategic plan and have specific assessment criteria focused on impact—what will change in your organization as a result of this type of funding?
• Priority for General Operating Grants will be given to organizations aligned with the Foundation’s initiatives in support of Early Childhood Programs, Education Grades K-12, and Out-of-School Time Programs and/or organizations that operate OST programs
• Grants are approved on an annual basis and cover no more than a 12-month timeframe
• Receipt of a General Operating Grant does not in any way guarantee future funding.  Each year grants are reviewed and assessed based on the current situation at an organization and the organization's success at accomplishing its performance objectives

How to Apply

• Please call Sylvia de Haas-Phillips @ the Davis Foundation @ 413-734-8336 and/or submit a Letter of Inquiry to discuss your interest in applying for a General Operating Grant before submitting an application
• Applications should include a copy of the organization’s strategic plan.  If an organization does not have a current strategic you can discuss this with Foundation staff in advance of applying for funding
• Applications should also include: the organization’s annual budget, the audit for the past three years, a current list of your board of directors, and an organizational chart
• Please refer to the Davis Foundation website for a list of all required application materials @ www.davisfdn.org

Restrictions

• General Operating Grants are not awarded to individuals
• Grants are not generally awarded to organizations operating outside of Hampden County
• Grants are not awarded for emergency purposes
• Grants are competitive and not all applications can be approved