Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership

Nonprofit organizations that support the efforts of these community leaders are frequently undercapitalized and often lack the financial resources or the human capital – but not the potential – to build truly great institutions and communities. This Fund has been created to both recognize their good works and to provide incentive to achieve the fullest community potential.

Mission and Grant Areas: Economic Development and Community Leadership

• Grants will provide support to organizations that contribute to building workforce skills, encouraging entrepreneurship or enhancing the environment for business development in Coles County.
• Grants will build organizational strength and leadership capacity through projects focused on building skill and knowledge in the following areas: Fundraising, Organizational Development and Governance, Finance and Management, Marketing and Communications and Technology.
  
• Grants may support diverse activities such as training opportunities for specific organizations, grants that enhance communications infrastructure among and between organizations or the nonprofit sector; research into nonprofit issues; grants that enhance the effectiveness or the efficiency of the sector through innovation or re-organization; and speakers.
  
• Grants may be provided directly to organizations seeking development or to organizations developing programs on behalf of others.
  

Requirements

To be considered for a grant from the Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Organization must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under certain circumstances, applications from public entities such as school districts, municipalities or unincorporated groups or associations may be considered;
2. Organizations must operate or serve individuals within Coles County;
   
3. Grant requests must fit within the field of interest outlined above;
   
4. In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose. Please contact our program staff if you have questions regarding eligibility;
   

Selection Criteria

• Proposal strength: 40 pts
• Impact/Results: 50 pts
  
• Budget: 10 pts