Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has given over $30 million to support community health programs
Technology Grants Program
Background
The past decade brought high technology to many nonprofit organizations. While some agencies have acquired high-powered computers and sophisticated communications capabilities, others struggle to cover basic operating expenses, with limited resources left for equipment upgrades. The WCHF Technology Grants Program is designed to help eligible nonprofit organizations pursue their missions more efficiently through the acquisition and effective use of new technology.
The Technology Grants Program will provide funding to past or current WCHF grant recipients in Williamsburg and surrounding counties to acquire technology aimed at improving productivity. A maximum of $20,000* will be awarded to successful applicants. The decision, notification, and check distribution will take 4-6 weeks from the time the application is submitted.
Eligibility
- To apply for funding, an organization must be a past or current WCHF grant recipient. A current copy of IRS letter certifying 501(c)(3) status must be on file with the Foundation.
- No more than one technology grant will be awarded per organization per year. However, funding for development of a technology plan may be requested prior to a request for technology equipment & associated needs in the same calendar year.
Proposal Guidelines
Funding preference will be given to applications that best demonstrate how new technology would improve overall agency productivity, efficiency, or service to clients. Practical and immediate applications have a better chance of receiving funding than those that are theoretical, long-range, or exotic. Technology utilized by staff will receive funding priority over technology used by clients.
In developing a funding proposal, agencies must give consideration to cost, installation, usage and maintenance, as well as training and day-to-day operations involving the technology.
Below are some examples of expenditures that would be eligible for funding consideration. However, please note that grants will not be limited to these purposes:
- Consulting fees for evaluation of system needs.
- Computers including monitor or upgrades for existing hardware.
- Printers.
- Fax machines and phone systems, including installation costs of dedicated lines.
- Modems, communications software and voice-mail systems.
- Software and software upgrades for accounting, word-processing, etc.
- Training in the use of particular hardware and/or software.
- Audio-visual equipment, such as LCD projectors and projection screens.
Some examples of expenditures
that are not eligible for funding consideration include:
- Monthly charges for phone bills or Internet access.
- Maintenance contracts.
- Agency staff time.
- Copy machines.
Required Documents To
Support Application
- A signed letter of support from the agency's governing board chair or other officer.
- A copy of the agency's current technology plan or audit by a certified technology consultant.
- A copy of the vendor's cost proposal for specific hardware, software, consulting services, and/or training services.
- A WCHF Capacity Building Budget Form
* All of the above documents must accompany the application, either as an online attachment or mailed to WCHF. Incomplete Applications will not be reviewed.
Selection Criteria
In evaluating proposals, the following criteria will be considered:
- Does the applicant have a good record of service to the community?
- Will the proposed project generate immediate and practical benefits?
- Has the organization made adequate provision for training in the use of the technology and for its maintenance?
- How will the expenditure of funds on technology save money, improve service, or increase productivity in the long run?
- Will there be a continuing need for funds once the WCHF grant is expended? If so, has the agency made adequate plans to provide for this?
*A final report is due to the Foundation once the funding has been expended according to the Grant Request. All receipts for indicated purchases must be attached to the final report.
*NOTE: Grant requests over $20,000 for technology projects can be submitted online in WCHF’s competitive grant cycle. However, if technology is integral to a new program that an agency is proposing during the competitive grant cycle, the technology should be included in the comprehensive grant request for program support.
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 14, 2008