GRANTS

Application Instructions

Crape Myrtle Festival, Inc. (CMF) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that makes annual grants to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.  Through its granting process, CMF is committed to promoting the development of services and programs for HIV/AIDS service organizations and organizations serving the lesbian, gay, bi and transgender (LGBT) communities in the Triangle area.  When making granting decisions CMF gives special attention to organizations that:

• Generally do not have access to government, university, or other large donor funding sources
• Are providing a wide range of services, networking opportunities, and outlets to the LGBT communities
• Are working with other organizations to network, share efficiencies, and build coalitions
• Have a proven track record as an established organization within the community, or can show through its work and key alliances that the organization is valued within the community (new organizations may be asked to provide letters of recommendation)
• Provide services to under-represented populations (women, people of color, economically challenged, etc.)
• Through outreach and education programs, focus on “healthy living” and prevention messages (for STD/HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, etc.), rather than only focusing on "treatment" and/or "case management."
• Propose ways and becomes active in promoting and supporting Crape Myrtle fundraising events.

CMF generally awards one or two large grants per year, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.  Most other grants range from $500 to $5,000.  CMF encourages organizations not to consider CMF a long-term funding source.  Organizations applying for CMF grants are required to have 501(c)3 status.

Organizations can submit their application online OR download, complete and mail the application:

• Complete CMF grant application online
• Download CMF grant application (Word)
• Download CMF grant application (PDF)

Mail completed paper applications to:

Crape Myrtle Festival, Inc.
PO Box 12201
Raleigh, NC 27605

Online Applications must be received by midnight on March 31, 2010. Mail applications should be postmarked by March 31.

NEW SELECTION PROCESS! Schedule of the grant application process:

• Grant applications accepted March 1 - 31, 2010
• CMF Board will review applications April 1 - 7, 2010
• Selected 2010 Grant Recipients will be contacted April 8, 2010
• Grant recipients for the 2010 year will be announced at the CMF Host Party on Saturday, April 10, 2010
• Grant recipients are encouraged to promote and participate in CMF fundraising events, including the 30th Anniversary CMF Gala on July 31, 2010. The success of CMF events will directly impact the amount of the 2010 Grant awards.
• Grant funds will be distributed to the selected grant recipients between July 31 and October 31.

Selected grant recipients must provide:

• Copy of the organization’s non-discrimination policy
• IRS 501(c)3 determination letter
• State of NC registration letter
• Most recent 990 form

Any questions regarding eligibility, preparation of the application, or the funding process, should direct questions to: info@crapemyrtlefest.org. Please include a contact name and telephone number(s) with all email correspondence.