501 Council Grants and Application Process

Each year, the 501 Council selects Greenlights' member organizations to receive capacity service grants (valued at $3,000 or more) that are awarded for Greenlights consulting services. The number of grants awarded is determined by the amount raised by the 501 Council.

The grant application deadline was November 30, 2011. Dependent upon the council meeting its membership goals, three grants will be awarded in early 2012.

Capacity service grants will be made in the following categories:

  • Board Excellence
    Boards that are composed of members who have talents and connections that are aligned with an organization’s needs, understand the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members, and are equipped to fulfill these responsibilities are key to nonprofit success.
    What a Board Excellence Grant looks like:
    • Survey full board
    • Interview 3 board members and Executive Director
    • Document review
    • Report with recommendations & templates
    • Customized board training or retreat
  • Fundraising
    Nonprofits are focused on accomplishing goals (i.e. solving social issues) that are frequently larger than their current resource base.  There are many ways to grow revenue, and the best strategy depends on the organization’s mission, current donor database, stage of development, and the local funding environment, among other things.
    What a Fundraising Grant looks like:
    • Assessment of current / prior development revenue data and documents
    • Provide recommendations on development strategy and infrastructure
    • Create and deliver a customized training and coaching to primary fundraiser
    • May include creation of annual calendar of fundraising activities / projected revenues
    • Presentation to client leadership
  • Strategic Planning
    How to best align resources and action to accomplish the organization’s mission is a question many nonprofit boards and executives do not have the time or capacity to address effectiveness without outside assistance. Greenlights helps our strategy and planning client’s thoughtfully analyze mission-related issues and define the right course for their organizations’ futures.
    What a Strategic Planning Grant looks like:
    • 12-point organizational checkup that identifies ways to increase revenue, decrease expenses and more effectively meet mission
    • Includes document review, interviews and recommendations
    • May included consulting / coaching to establish processes and structures

About the 501 Council Grants Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have to be a Greenlights member to apply?
A: Yes, you must be a current Greenlights member to apply. Click here for information about joining Greenlights.

Q: Will the grant cover the entire consulting project cost?
A: Yes, if you are selected for a 501 Council grant there will be no expense to your organization.

Q: What types of consulting opportunities are available?
A: See descriptions above.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Click on the link below to access the online application.

Q: What is the deadline for submission?
A: To be considered for a 2011-12 grant, applications must be submitted by November 30th, 2011.

Q: When will grant announcements be made?
A: Two finalists will be selected per category. Finalists will be notified in January and will be invited to make a presentation to the council (date and location TBA). Awardees will be selected and notified soon after.

Q: When will the consulting projects take place?
A: Selected consulting projects can begin as early as February, 2012.

Past grantees include:

2010

2009

Related Blog Posts

Last chance: Applications due November 30th for capacity service grants valued at $3,000 or more!
Giving Thanks to Greenlights Members
Strategic Planning: Tips from the Trenches
Giving Circles: Channel the Power of Collective Philanthropy