Grants Overview
Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation 2012 Charitable Grants Program overview:
In 2007, the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation launched “Grizzlies TEAM UP,” a campaign to help increase the number of children in Memphis who have access to caring adult mentors. Since then, the campaign has evolved into a comprehensive, community-wide initiative which leverages the resources and assets of the Grizzlies organization and inspires and engages the entire community. The strategy has included the development of myriad partnerships with organizations to build quality, structured youth mentoring programs and to create pipelines for new volunteer mentors.
Beginning in 2012, the Grizzlies Foundation will focus all charitable donations on youth mentoring. All organizations, regardless of history of receiving grants from the Foundation, that wish to receive funding from the Grizzlies Foundation must apply and comply with all steps and requirements for reporting.
Areas of Focus:
A. Organizations that currently operate a youth mentoring program: Program must match adult volunteer mentors to youth in a strategic, structured program with the goal of achieving positive youth outcomes. Program must be a member and actively participate in the Grizzlies Mentoring Alliance and comply with “Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring.” Must serve youth who are economically disadvantaged (e.g. youth participate in free/ reduced lunch program at school), are between the ages of 9-18, and within the city of Memphis.
B. Organizations that contribute significantly to the recruitment and/ or retention of youth mentors. Youth mentoring must be relevant and integrated into organization mission and outreach. Specific mechanisms and activities that drive volunteer participation and foster partnerships must be implemented and demonstrated, and successful mentor recruitment and/or retention efforts must be evaluated and documented.
C. Organizations that are strategically aligned with mentoring programs by providing specialized and significant expertise and support in program development. This applies to program design, curriculum design and mentor training. Documentation must be provided that shows how support is fully integrated into program and critical to achieving program goals. One-off training events will not be considered. Private consultants will not be funded through this grants program.
For organizations interested in applying for funds:
Interested organizations must be registered 501c3 organizations that operate programs in the Memphis, Tennessee community. Organizations must have been in existence for at least one year.
Process:
1. Organization must submit a Letter of Intent to Apply (LOI) to the Grizzlies Foundation, Attn: 2012 Charitable Grants, 191 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103. Instructions for Letter of Intent to Apply are here. Deadline June 4, 2012.
2. LOIs are reviewed by the Grizzlies Foundation and after initial review, organizations that meet the above criteria will be invited to apply for funds.
3. Invited organizations submit full application and current IRS determination letter indicating 501c3 status. Applications are BY INVITATION ONLY. Deadline July 9, 2012.
4. Applicants may undergo site visit or be asked to submit additional information to supplement application.
5. Awards will be announced by October 2012. Successful applicants will be contacted by the Grizzlies Foundation.
More details may be found here.
Questions may be directed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).