INFORMATION SHEET

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund is to support activities and projects in the greater Dudley area that build, strengthen, and support families.

FUNDING PRIORITIES:

The Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund will give high priority to projects and activities which focus on:

• mending the social fabric of the neighborhood;

• building, strengthening, and supporting personal and family development;

• broadening the horizons of individuals and families;

• removing barriers to employment;

• increasing parental involvement;

• beautifying outdoor spaces.

EXAMPLES OF FAMILY STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES:

Strategies might include:

• gap time activities for youth and with seniors involved;

• parenting seminars;

• life skills workshops (cooking, sewing, etc.);

• support groups and services for single parents;

• community support for reintegrating residents from situations such as recovery, incarceration, etc.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Small Grants Fund will provide funding to proposals that are developed and carried out by resident volunteers who live in the Greater Dudley area of Roxbury and Dorchester, Massachusetts. In addition to resident volunteers, volunteer-run neighborhood groups and associations in the Greater Dudley area are also eligible. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is not required. Service agencies, community-based organizations, and for-profit entities ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

Anticipated funding will be in the range of $500 - $5,000 per grant. All grants are expected to be completed within a 12-month period from the date of receipt. If there is a problem with regard to the completion of the grant in a timely manner, please contact this office.

Prior grantees cannot reapply until they have completed the prior activity/program/project. Once the prior grant is completed, a final report on the use of the grant funds must be submitted. Without this report on file, any subsequent grant requests will be denied.

If an applicant is submitting a grant request to continue a previously supported activity/program/project by the Small Grants Fund, a RE-Application Form must be filled out and must clearly state how the activity/program/project succeeded or failed and how additional funding will advance or improve the activity/program/project.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN GRANT PREPARATION:

A simple application form will be required. Groups can also request technical assistance in the planning and preparation of the grant application. The technical support person will not write the grant application but will advise the group in answering questions on the application and in developing the budget.

FISCAL AGENT:

If an organization is using more than two (2) stores/vendors for their program/project, the applicant must use a fiscal agent (a non-profit organization that will take responsibility for the disbursement of grant funds).

APPLICATION DEADLINES for 2008:

Monday, April 28

Monday, June 30

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Completed applications should be mailed to:

Ms. Nancy A. Saunders
Administrative Manager
The Riley Foundation
f/b/o Small Grants Fund
77 Summer Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02110

For additional information or if technical assistance is required, please call: (617) 399-1850.