Strengthening Communities Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions
If your organization has questions that are not addressed below, please email Erik Torch, Grant Program Manager, or call the Northland Foundation at (218) 723-4040 or (800) 433-4045.
How many organizations will be selected to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Approximately 40 organizations will be selected to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative. A total of 18 organizations were selected to participate in Cohort I. Cohort II applications were due August 13, 2010 with notice of selection made in mid-October.
Is there an advantage to applying for Cohort I rather than Cohort II?
There is no advantage to applying to either cohort. Resources for technical assistance and competitive financial awards will be distributed equitably.
If an eligible organization applies for and is denied in Cohort I, is that same organization able to submit an application in Cohort II?
Organizations that applied for Cohort I but were not selected can reapply for Cohort II. The Northland Foundation encourages organizations interested in reapplying to call and discuss their application prior to submission.
Is my organization restricted to the capacity-building areas and activities that we list in our application?
Not necessarily. We understand that an organization’s capacity-building needs and focus may have to change after their participation in the Initiative begins. We will try to be flexible and responsive to your needs. However, organizations must work in at least three of the five capacity-building areas.
If my organization is already participating in another capacity-building program in the region, can we still apply for participation in the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Yes, participation in another federally-funded capacity building effort does not disqualify any organization from applying to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative.
Can a new organization apply to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Yes, new organizations that are a nonprofit are eligible to apply, provided they meet all of the eligibility guidelines.
Can a collaborative apply to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Collaborations, defined as a partnership of two or more agencies agreeing to work together on a critical human or broad economic recovery need, are eligible to apply to the Strengthening Communities Initiative. One organization must be designated as the lead organization of the collaboration.
If my organization is a health care organization, can I apply to receive technical assistance through the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Yes. Health care organizations that meet the criteria of the Strengthening Communities Initiative are eligible to receive technical assistance. However, federal guidelines exclude health care organizations from receiving a competitive financial award.
Does participating in a collaborative that applies to the Strengthening Communities Initiative preclude my own organization to apply on its own?
Partners in a collaborative are still eligible to apply as individual organizations to the Strengthening Communities Initiative. However, if a collaborative is selected to participate in the Initiative and then decides to apply for a competitive financial award, one partner must be designated to serve as the fiscal agent. This fiscal agent would not be eligible to receive an additional financial award for their own organization. Through this Initiative, participating organizations can only receive one financial award during the two-year project period.
Can I apply for a Financial Award if I am not selected to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
No, only organizations selected to participate in the Strengthening Communities Initiative will have the opportunity to apply for competitive financial awards.
What are the allowable uses of competitive financial award funding?
Participating organizations are eligible to apply for competitive financial awards to further their capacity-building work (refer to Critical Capacity Building Areas, Appendix C on pages 18-20 of the RFP packet). Examples of uses of financial awards include but are not limited to:
• Additional capacity building work with consultants
• Registration fees and travel costs for training and conferences
• Technology and equipment purchases (computers, software, copiers, etc.)
• Materials or supplies that build an organization’s capacity in one of the five
critical areas.
• Wages and salaries for time spent on capacity building activities.
Financial awards cannot be used for direct fundraising or direct services. For additional information, please refer to Appendix E, Direct Fundraising vs. Capacity Building, on pages 22-23 and Appendix F, Direct Services vs. Capacity Building on pages 24-25 of the RFP packet.
Does my organization need to provide any type of cash match?
No cash match is required for participation in any aspect of the Strengthening Communities Initiative.
How and where will the technical assistance be provided through the Strengthening Communities Initiative?
Technical assistance is individualized to each participating organization. In most cases technical assistance will take place on site at the organization. In some instances, technical assistance may be offered in a small group/peer learning settings at a conference facility or the Northland Foundation office.
Who can participate in the five training sessions that are being offered as part of the Strengthening Communities Initiative? Where will the trainings be held?
Through the Strengthening Communities Initiative, the Northland Foundation will be providing five training sessions over the course of the next two years. These training sessions are open to all organizations in the region, regardless if they are selected to receive technical assistance through the application process. However, space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The five training sessions will be held in Duluth. Information about upcoming training opportunities offered through the Strengthening Communities Initiative will be highlighted on the Foundation’s website.
What is the relationship between the Strengthening Communities Initiative and the Northland Foundation’s Grant Program?
The Strengthening Communities Initiative is a Federally funded program. Participation in the Strengthening Communities Initiative does not prevent an organization from applying for funding through the Northland Foundation’s Grant Program. Organizations interested in applying for funding through the Northland Foundation Grant Program are strongly encouraged to email Erik Torch, Grant Program Manager, or call (218) 723-4040 or (800) 433-4045.
