HOW WE OPERATE

Each member makes a yearly tax-deductible contribution of $1,100. Of this amount $1,000 is used for grants directly -- we do no additional fundraising! Only $100 is set aside for administration and operating expenses. Each member makes the same yearly contribution and each member has an equal vote in the grant awards.

100% of the $1000 contribution goes to our grantees!

Our operating year is from November - April. We have two general meetings, one each planned in the Fall and in the Spring. All our members vote electronically on the slate of grantees proposed. We have six standing committees: Membership, Program, Grant Research, Grant Evaluation, Grant Monitoring and Communications. Committee meetings and social activities are scheduled as desired and needed. A member may be as active as she wishes.

We give grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose programs promote self-sufficiency for disadvantaged women of all ages and their families in Lee and Collier Counties. Hands-on involvement in every aspect of grant-making provides opportunities for our members to learn about the needs of our community, develop relationships with those on the front line of addressing these needs, and meet and become friends with other women with similar interests.

GRANT PROCESS

Nonprofit organizations that have been vetted by the Community Foundations of Lee and Collier, and by our Grant Research committee, are selected to submit a grant application by a specific date in November. The Grant Evaluation committee reviews the applications, conducts an interview session of chosen applicants, and analyzes these potential grantees. A site visit will be conducted before completing the evaluation. The Committee presents their findings and recommendations to the entire membership in early April, when votes are electronically tallied and awards determined. A mid-grant review conducted by the Grant Monitoring committee assures that the grant money is being used as outlined in the grantee's application. A final report is submitted by each grantee after completion of the program, reviewing the activities performed, how the original goals were achieved, and noting any obstacles that were encountered.