tier 1 training - fairbanks, feb. 9, 2012
DESCRIPTION
A copy of the presentation given by Jeff Baird about changes and the outlook to Rasmuson Foundation's Tier 1 program.TRANSCRIPT
Rasmuson Foundation
Working as a catalyst to promote a better life for Alaskans.
Tier 1
Tier 2
Program Related Investments
Pre-Development Program
Art Acquisition Fund
Harper Arts Touring Fund
Arts in Education
Sabbatical
Individual Artist Awards
Grant Types
Tier 1 Grants
Up to $25,000
Awards made monthly
Capital, technology, capacity building, program expansion and creative works
• 90 Tier 1 grants awarded
• $1.6 million total ($17,777 average)
• 60% outside of Anchorage
Last Year
Goals for 2012Increase number of awards made by 25%
Increase total amount awarded to $2.23 million
Alaska-based 501(c)(3)s
Government agencies
Year-plus of financials
Who we fund
Who we don’t fundSchools and churches (generally)
Individuals (except for artists)
Organizations planning to redistribute funds
Politically-affiliated or discriminatory organizations
Government functions
Operating expenses
Deficits or debt reduction
Endowments, scholarships, events or sponsorships
Reimbursements for items already purchased;
Emerging technologies.
What we don’t fund
Evaluation CriteriaOrganizational track
record and capacity
An active board;
Community support and benefit;
Sources of financial support;
Project feasibility.
90 day turnaround
Only one open Tier 1 at a time
Easy reporting process
Repeat
How it works
Think about:
100% board giving
Community benefit
Funding diversity
Right request? Operating expense vs. capital project
Readiness
Q? Call first
Types of Grants: Capital Grants
Great way to start a relationship with the Foundation; 80% (65) of the 90 grants were for capital/renovations.
Open Arms Child Development Center
Project Budget: Rasmuson Foundation: $13,320 Zion Lutheran Church $21,000 Plambeck’s Flooring $4,160 Total Project $38,480
Project description: Funding for new carpeting
Application Strength:• Strong support – 65% of funds generated locally;• Well articulated need – Kids + Nasty Carpet =
BAD!
Tip: Have you asked business for a nonprofit discount?
Girdwood Nordic Ski Club
Girdwood 20/20Anchorage HLBIndividualsState of Alaska Parks & Rec Anchorage Parks & Rec National Park Service Moose’s Tooth Alpine Air Alaska
Trail construction • Secured funding: $351,929 • Rasmuson Contribution: $18,000
Application Strength• Work done prior to Rasmuson – Project was ready to
go;• Ferocious fundraiser – wasn’t afraid of being told “no”
Tip: Explain how you will maintain/sustain project.
Anchorage Trail CareAmerican Hiking Society Conoco Phillips GCI REI Atwood Foundation Wells Fargo U.S. Forest Service RAC
Funding Sources Contacted
Calypso Farm & Ecology Center
Project Budget:Rasmuson Foundation: $13,912Calypso (in-kind): $9,375Calypso (cash): $1,024 School District: $100Total Project $24,511
Patio construction and building renovation
Application Strengths:• Reputation of organization – “doing amazing
work”• Volunteer labor • Partnership with school;
Tip: Is there any way to partner on a project with another community organization?
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Renovation of Fireweed Diner’s kitchen
Application Strength:• Organization provides obvious benefits to Alaskans;• Long history with the Foundation. First grant made in1997 for $3,300.
Tip: $25,000 awards are the exception.
Project Budget:
Rasmuson Foundation: $25,000Total Project $112,000
1. Start by calling staff;
2. The Foundation will pay for technology consultant
3. Applicant can submit a request after technology strategy/plan adopted.
Technology Requests
Fairbanks Rescue Mission
Project Budget:
Rasmuson Foundation $18,819 Rescue Mission $20,315
Total Project $39,134
Technology upgrades
Application Strength:• Vetted technology list • Designated technology replacement fund • 3-year technology plan in place
Tip: Technology consulting takes time andresources. Do you have enough of both takeadvantage of it?
Capacity building
Funding to help organizations address critical internal issues. Examples include: Strategic/business planning, board development,
feasibility studies, audience development.
Alaska SeaLife CenterSupport to attend out-state conference
Application Strengths: Request contributed to ASC’s pursuit of field
accreditation. Had significant dollars designated for travel and personnel development.
Tip: Request should be part of a development strategy. We do not like “stand alone” requests.
Project Budget:Rasmuson Foundation $5,000SeaLife Center $3,339Total Project $8,339
Creative Works
Funding to support the creation and publication of films, documentaries, books, exhibits and other cultural works.
Strong Alaska-specific context
University of Alaska FoundationUniversity of Alaska Press
Expenses to publish book titled "My Wrangell Mountains”.
Application Strength: Unique subject matter
Tip: Requests commonly have an educational component
Project Budget:
Rasmuson Foundation: $25,000UA Press: $10,050Total Project $35,050
Program Expansion
Funds to support growth into areas related to expertise; Broad impact.
Anchorage MuseumFunding to support True North Art Exhibit
Application Strengths:• Natural fit with what museum is already doing• Sector leader
Tip: These should be initiated by established organization
Project Budget:Rasmuson Foundation: $19,000Alaska Air $4,000BP $10,000Alaska Design Forum $5,000Total Project $38,000
Connect with us
Summary
•
SHOW ME THE
APPLICATIONS!
Questions?
Call us: Jeff Baird, 297-2831
Copies of this presentation:
www.slideshare.net/rasmusonfoundation
JEFF BAIRD: [email protected]