The Chapters in Action (CIA) Funding Program replaces the previous matching grants program this year and has undergone some major changes that will encourage projects geared toward sustainability. Below is the outline for this year’s program with guidelines for project selection and the process for applying for funding.
Funding Amounts
The Board of Directors for Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites has allocated $100,000 in funding that will be evenly split over two funding cycles. The first cycle of $50,000 will be available beginning April 2 and the second cycle will be October 1. Application deadlines for these funding cycles will be May 1 and November 1 respectively.
Applications
Chapters may apply for funding provided they have substantially expended funds from any previous cycle (e.g. Matching Grants from 2011) and have submitted the appropriate report summarizing the prior project(s).
Chapters may only receive funds from one of the two funding cycles. For example, if a chapter applies for funds from the April cycle but is not approved, the chapter may resubmit the same application or a new application for the November cycle. However, if a chapter receives funds in the April cycle, they may not reapply until the following year. To download the application, click here.
Funding levels and matching funds
CIA Funding is available up to $5,000 per application. The minimum chapter match for funding is 1:4 (e.g. a chapter requesting funding of $4,000 must provide at least $1,000 in matching funds). However, chapters are strongly encouraged to match funds at a higher level. Matching funds can be from the chapter treasury, obtained through fundraising specific to the project, and/or may be made up of value in-kind donations. Chapters are required to document the matching fund source(s) within the application. Volunteer hours from the chapter may not be used to fund the match.
The amount and source of matching funds will be a factor in deciding which projects are funded. An application that provides funding from external sources (beyond the revenue sharing an VIP payments from Statewide Friends) will be judged more favorably.
Multi-cycle Funding for Larger Projects
Chapters are encouraged to select larger projects requiring more funding if they are capable. Chapters may apply for up to $10,000 to be paid at $5,000 per funding cycle. Matching requirements remain the same. Applications for multi-cycle funding must be received during the spring application cycle (April 2 to May 1). A maximum of three multi-cycle grants will be approved.
Project Selection
Funding proposals may “bundle” several projects together provided they all meet the criteria for funding. Site managers and chapters should select projects that increase the financial sustainability of the site. Projects should be focused on revenue generation, increased visitation or maintenance and repair. If the site’s D15 plan is available in time for the application process, chapters and site managers are encouraged to select a project that directly addresses goals or projects outlined in the plan.
Chapters and site managers will work together to select a project that must then be approved by the region manager prior to submission.
Once approved by the region manager, applications will be submitted to the Chapters in Action committee (made up of Statewide Friends board members and Division representatives) for selection.