How to Handle Project Grant Requests and Agreements

 

Below are FAQs from funders on working with CNDC and projects.

 

How do we know if a group is a project of CNDC?

With each project grant application, CNDC submits a letter stating that CNDC sponsors the project and accepts corporate and legal responsibility for the project.

 

Who should sign grant agreements?

Most funders want a corporate officer to sign grant agreements as well as the staff person who is in charge of implementing the program. For that reason, it is customary for CNDC’s president to sign the grant agreement along with the project’s executive director.

 

Does CNDC do grant reporting?

CNDC tracks when grant reports are due and sends reminders to projects as deadlines approach. However, CNDC does not complete reports for projects.

 

Does CNDC write grants for projects or decide where projects apply for funding?

CNDC does not write grants for projects, but projects have the option of having CNDC review grant proposals and provide advice and guidance on where to apply. However, CNDC does not prevent a project from applying to funders who may not be a fit, nor does CNDC stop them from submitting a less than effective grant proposal. Sometimes projects, like all nonprofits, need to learn that funders are very selective and grant funding is very competitive.

 

What if a funder does not fund fiscally sponsored groups?

After review of the comprehensive nature of CNDC’s fiscal sponsorship, most funders in Colorado have determined that CNDC’s projects are an exception to their rule of not considering fiscally sponsored groups. CNDC would welcome the opportunity to discuss how it manages project funds and practices fiscal sponsorship. Contact Jill Barwig or Melinda Higgs for more information.

 

What if more than one project applies to a funder?

In recognition of CNDC’s unique role in the Colorado nonprofit sector, most funders have made an exception for CNDC’s projects in terms of how many applications they will review per year per 501(c)(3). This allows more than one project to apply to and receive funding from the same funder. CNDC and most funders believe that it is in the best interest of the sector and creates less work for funders to make this exception for CNDC projects.

 

Who has funded CNDC projects?

See current list of funders.