The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is soliciting grant applications for its FY 2016 Sustainability and Organizational Development Program. The Program is based on an approach to capacity building that emphasizes agency effectiveness and impact and seeks to enhance the ability of organizations to achieve their missions. Qualified community-based organizations that want to improve agency infrastructure in order to achieve organizational goals are encouraged to apply.

Micro-grants are made possible by funding from the WellCare Innovation Institute. AFC, in partnership with WellCare Innovation Institute, will support HIV direct service organizations by assessing agency infrastructure and addressing specific capacity building needs. The purpose of the non-monetary grant is to strengthen local organizations and assist them in maximizing organizational effectiveness. This opportunity is intended for AFC Challenge Grantees that provide direct services to vulnerable populations. 

Awardees will be paired with a consultant who will work with the agency to address identified needs. Consultants will assist organizations in one of the areas outlined below. The following capacity-building activities are eligible for support and include the assessment and planning for:

  • Strategic Planning and Leadership Development
  • Fundraising and Financial Management
  • Mergers and Strategic Alliances
  • Communications and Advocacy

Through the WellCare Innovation Institute Application process, AFC will award up to 5 grants for up to $1,500 each in non-monetary, capacity building consulting time. 

The proposal deadline is February 19, 2016 at 5 p.m.

Applications must be submitted through WellCare Innovation Institute’s online application website at:

http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission

Award Notification Date: By March 15, 2016

Project Period: March 15, 2016, through June 15, 2016

Amount Available: A total of $7,500 in non-monetary grant awards are available, ranging from $500 to $1,500 each.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Is a current AFC Challenge Grant recipient
  • Total organization budget between $50,000 and $1 million

Selected awardees will be required to complete the AFC Nonprofit Organizational Assessment and Readiness Assessment.

Outcomes: The organization will determine the outcomes to be achieved. Outcomes may include but are not limited to:

  • Cultivate a strong sense of leadership vision, mission, style and values
  • Identification and framework for financial and fiscal management
  • Initiate creative communication projects that align with organization priorities and promote community mobilization, engagement and increased partnerships  
  • Identification and increased knowledge of financial management and how to best optimize funding streams
  • Support agencies in analyzing and building a strong framework for organizational partnerships, mergers or dissolution

Application: Access the RFA and application for these Micro-Grants at http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission

Deadline for submission: Friday, February 19, 2016, 5 p.m.

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Cynthia Tucker, Vice President of Prevention and Community Partnerships

312-334-0965 or [email protected]