Grant Application
Thank you for your interest in the RMHC of WNY
Community Grants Program!
Click here for a Grant Application
These Guidelines are provided to help your organization prepare a successful grant application. Please review this carefully and include with your proposal all of the information requested. Due to the number of grant requests we receive, incomplete proposals cannot be reviewed by the R.M.H.C. Grant Review Committee. Also, although your organization may send a completed application, R.M.H.C. cannot fund all programs.
Grants awarded target three specific areas:
1. Civic and Social Services
2. Education and the Arts
3. Health Care and Medical Research
Funding Considerations:
To be considered for funding, an organization must submit an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, a letter from their school superintendent or other documentation proving their not-for-profit, tax-exempt status.
The R.M.H.C. Grant Review Committee is most interested in organizations that have:
A program that directly benefits children
Consistent and effective management
Clear goals and objectives
A broad base of funding support
A demonstrated ability to respond to the needs of specific groups of children in a manner that yields measurable results
Requested funds for clearly defined, specific program support
R.M.H.C. does fund specific programs and appropriate capital projects, such as:
1. Advertising or fundraising drives
2. Partisan, political or denominational programs, although sectarian organizations may apply if the program is open to all children
3. General and administrative costs
4. Intermediary funding agencies
5. Endowment campaigns
6. Salaries or travel expenses
The following counties are served by RMHC of WNY:
In New York – Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany, parts of Steuben
In Pennsylvania – McKean, Potter
Application and Review Process:
Preparation and Submission…
Your grant proposal must be submitted using the R.M.H.C. Grant Application Form which can be obtained from the Grant Review Committee at the address given below. Please follow the format of this application, using single-spaced, single-sided pages only. Feel free to include a video tape, or any other item that describes your organization or program, but realize that no items will be returned.
Review Process…
The RMHC Grant Review Committee is comprised of RMHC Board members, staff, McDonald’s Owners/Operators and community volunteers.
The Grant Review Committee meets on a regular basis to review and select grant requests to not-for-profit organizations which have demonstrated an ability to respond to the needs of specific groups of children to yield measurable results. The Committee makes recommendations to the RMHC Board of Directors for final approval. While no maximum amount has been set for a single grant, past grants awarded have not exceeded $10,000. If a larger amount is requested, RMHC may seek additional matching funds from the national office of RMHC.
The Grant Review Committee may contact you requesting an appointment for a site visit, and may call to ask for additional information.
All grant decisions are reported by mail, generally within twenty working days of the RMHC Board meeting.
If your grant request is approved, your organization will receive a Letter of Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the grant. This letter must be signed by an authorized organization official and returned to RMHC of Western New York. This letter will also detail arrangements for awarding of the grant.
Responsibility of the Recipient…
The recipient of any grant from RMHC must use the funds awarded for the specific purpose detailed in the grant application. RMHC requires the recipient to submit a written Grant Evaluation and Follow-up Report within thirty days after the program or project is completed or one year from funding, whichever comes first.
Upcoming Application Submission Deadlines:
Application submission deadlines for 2011 are February 15th and August 15th.
To request or submit an application, please direct all communications to:
Grant Review Committee
Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY, Inc.
780 West Ferry Street
Buffalo, NY 14222-1617
Phone (716) 883-1177 Fax (716) 881-9312
Requests for electronic applications may also be made from mwopperer@rmhcwny.org
Frequently Asked Questions:
• Can I include the cost for salaries to my grant request?
No. General ongoing administrative costs cannot be included in your request.
• I don’t have my organization’s most current tax return yet. Can I send in my last one?
Yes, provided that the latest version arrives in our office no later than 60 days prior to the Board Meeting at which your grant will be reviewed.
• My organization doesn’t have its 501(c)(3) letter yet but we have applied for it. Can we still be reviewed?
When you send in your letter of inquiry, please send copies of your application for a 501(c)(3) with it as well.
• My organization received a grant from you last year. Can I apply for a new grant?
Yes, but preference may be given to other first-time applicants. However, you cannot apply in the same year during which you already received funding.
• Part of my organization’s program serves adults. Would you still fund the costs?
RMHC does not fund programs benefiting adults. If your program is considered for funding, the portion of the program which focuses on the needs of children would be broken out and only that portion would be addressed.
• How can RMHC help my group’s project?
If you are a not-for-profit organization planning a community volunteer project benefiting children, you may qualify for funding from a Local Chapter of RMHC.
• What type of programs might qualify for funding?
Local Chapters of RMHC fund a wide variety of children’s programs throughout the communities they serve. Examples include, camps for underprivileged children or those suffering from illness/disability, after school programs, sports programs targeting underserved children, playgrounds (especially those for the disabled).
• When could my organization expect funding to arrive from a Chapter?
Within 90 days of application submission deadline date.
• Is funding for my project guaranteed from RMHC if it is for children?
No. Each Local Chapter of RMHC is run by an independent board of directors made up of business people, medical representatives, McDonald’s franchisees and others who decide the merits of each grant when it is reviewed.
• When do you require application submission?
Currently, February 15th and August 15th 2011.