Winter Garden introduces new grant program for nonprofits

The city of Winter Garden is rolling out a new grant program that will support local nonprofits that are focused on supporting initiatives for the good of the community.

The Nonprofit Grant Program, in partnership with the Central Florida Foundation, will issue grants to organizations that enhance community support and family stability, promote economic empowerment and sustainable development, and prioritize health and wellness support for residents.

According to the city, the grants will support the capability, programs or operations of nonprofits that are in Winter Garden or serve the city and its residents.

Marc Hutchinson, the city’s economic development director, said the city recently did a soft launch of the program with plans to fully launch in the fall.

“We’re using this time period as a buildup for the fall when the budget starts in the fall,” Hutchinson said. “We will try to extract lessons learned and refine the process.”

Central Florida Foundation, for more than 30 years, has been a steward of philanthropic dollars on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits and partners with people who are determined to make a difference in their community.

TWO TRACK OPTIONS

Two options are available, depending on the size and age of the nonprofit: a Letter of Inquiry and the Grant Application Process.

Hutchinson said the LOI process is for small grassroots organizations that have never received funding from the city and have never gone through the grant application process.

“If they have a brilliant idea … it allows them to get their footing and through CFF they come alongside them — kind of like training wheels — whether it’s a strategic plan or how to create a 501©3 organization.”

The second option is for more established organizations who have receiving funding in the past from the city “and are a little bit more mature in their life cycle,” Hutchinson said. “The Hope Center and the Dream Center would use that track.”

Groups will be invited to apply annually for grant monies as long as they fall under at least one of the three categories provided and can show expected outcomes and improvement: Community Support and Family, in which the nonprofit undergirds the family structure; Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Development, in which the group gives residents a hand up to change their lower economic situation; and Health and Wellness, in which the organization promotes the wellbeing of families or individuals.

“This is so we’re all kind of heading down the same stream,” Hutchinson said.

As part of the applicant requirements, 100% of the funds must be dedicated to Winter Garden residents. As well, applications must include the following: an explanation of how the program services align with the grant’s strategic priorities; a budget for funding, plus goals and expected outcomes; reporting of actual performance outcomes and impact; and other documentation that includes photographs, rosters, logs and curriculum.

JOINING THE DATABASE

By partnering with CFF, which has a large footprint for helping the nonprofit community, the city can use its branding to act as a gateway for obtaining larger dollars for the organizations.

Hutchinson said the application is powered by CFF, which also gives nonprofits access to other philanthropic opportunities.

“If they’re able to set up a profile in a database, if philanthropic organizations are looking for nonprofits, they can search the database and can locate nonprofits that (have specific needs),” Hutchinson said. “CFF has access to a network of funding opportunities.”

It is designed to help donors and community members alike easily find nonprofits and learn more about their efforts. Each profile provides in-depth information about a nonprofit’s management, governance, financial health and programs. The content in a profile can help inform strategic financial investments and educate about quality-of-life issues that impact the community.

An organization’s presence on the nonprofit search can act as a tool to market initiatives to a broader audience, potentially positioning itself for additional funding opportunities.

Hutchinson is excited about the new program and its potential.

“It’s good for the city of Winter Garden that there’s an economic end in mind,” he said. “An important pillar in the economic equation is quality of life.”

To access the online portal, visit bit.ly/3LpzFIP.

Nonprofits needing assistance with the applications can contact one of these Central Florida Foundation staff members: Alissa Mahadeo, [email protected], or Sandi Vidal, [email protected]. For a nonprofit search, contact Susan Ponce, [email protected].

Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.