Friday, 30 of July of 2010

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Criteria

HERE ARE THE CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR MICRO-GRANT FUNDING

1. Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grants may be used for the direct operation of, transportation to, and promotion of the green project.  Projects will be judged on benefit to the environment, impact on youth and the local community, effective use of budget, realistic timing, & creativity.  Projects that include reaching out to educate or involve the community will receive special consideration.

2. The applying group must have a nonprofit sponsoring organization and be able to show proof of nonprofit status.  If your group is not incorporated as a nonprofit organization, we will help you in locating a nonprofit host.  The nonprofit sponsoring organization must submit a copy of its most current annual financial statement, or a copy of most recent IRS Form 990. Public Schools are not required to show proof of nonprofit status or submit a financial statement.

3. To qualify for funding:

  • Youth (ages 18 and younger) must identify and address a community need for a green project that will take place in Clay Township or Carmel, Indiana. A green project is defined as a project that reduces pollution, conserves natural resources, and/or saves energy.
  • Project must be planned, developed, implemented and measured by a youth group, with adults serving as “guides on the side.”  Additional adult guidance may be necessary for the youngest volunteers (pre-school through grade 5).
  • Youth must volunteer their time and “own” the project and its outcomes.
  • Project must have specific start and completion dates in 2009 or 2010.
  • Ongoing service projects with sustained support from a sponsoring organization will also be considered.
  • Youth must track and measure success of project.  A report form will be provided.

4. The grant money may be used for the following:

  • Supplies and materials the youth will use in their project
  • Expenses involved in youth planning meetings
  • Transportation to project sites
  • Training directly related to the service project
  • Promotional items which serve to promote “going green” (such as t-shirts or flyers)

5. The grant money may not be used for the following:

  • Staff salaries or youth wages, including stipends
  • Major equipment purchases
  • The purchase of items to be resold
  • Religious instruction or worship services
  • Fund-raising or direct donations to other organizations
  • Scholarships or conferences
  • Enhancement of facilities or properties of for-profit organizations

6. The Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant Program strongly discourages projects that are solely self-serving  for sponsoring organizations.

PLEASE NOTE: Any application missing a completed Signature Verification Page or the necessary non-profit sponsor verification is incomplete and will not be considered for funding. Please plan ahead.

Grant selections will be made by the Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grants Committee composed of both teens and adults.  Once the completed applications have been received, your youth group will be asked to have an informal review meeting with our committee to answer any questions about your proposal. Approved projects for the September 12, 2010 fall grant cycle will receive funding by October 12, 2010. Groups are encouraged to consider projects which address October’s Energy Awareness Month and America Recycles Day, November 15, 2010.