APPLYING FOR A PCF GRANT

The PCF seeks to increase awareness of the significant needs of the population of North Mecklenburg County, and to raise money to distribute to those local charities that best address the un-met needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly and/or handicapped in our community. We carefully evaluate both the needs of the community and the effectiveness of local charities in determining which organizations get funded by the PCF. Priority is given to those charities that most effectively use PCF donations to achieve tangible, quantifiable results. Additionally, we work closely with our charities to assist them in their own efforts to increase fundraising, enhance volunteer recruitment, expand their presence in the local community, and improve their strategic planning and corporate governance. 

Following are the criteria set forth by the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Community Foundation for consideration of funding by the PCF: 

• The Organization must primarily serve the needs of the local Community, defined as the towns of Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville. This policy would not prevent the Foundation from supporting activities of an organization outside the Community where it was clear that the Foundation’s support would directly benefit individuals within the Community. 

• The Foundation should not support organizations primarily supported with federal, state or local taxes. This policy would not prevent the Foundation from supporting a community activity that was also supported by such an organization, such as, the police department raising funds to help families at Christmas. 

• The Foundation does not provide support to organizations whose sole purpose is to “re-gift” the funds received. 

• The Foundation does not provide support to organizations that are affiliated with a particular religious organization unless the funds are directed to a significant project that is nonsectarian and benefits a broad base in the community. 

• The Foundation does not support organizations whose activities are not primarily charitable, that is, meeting the needs of poor, distressed, elderly and handicapped. 

• The Foundation should not provide seed money to organizations that are not yet formed or do not have a proven “operating model” to deliver services or do not have their 501(c)3 tax exempt status. 

• The Foundation provides support for specific projects or programs with specified objectives. 

• The Foundation’s strong preference is to support efforts that assist larger numbers of people. 

• For scholarships supported or provided by the Foundation, the primary emphasis will be on financial need and merit. The Foundation prefers to have the school or a school organization, such as PTA, select the students for scholarships in order to avoid any possible conflict situations.

The Grant Committee reviews each application and makes recommendations to the Board. The Board awards grants twice per year, typically in May and December.

The Peninsula Community Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.