Chosen Valley Community Foundation

Promoting Generosity in Minnesota’s Chosen Valley

Community Grants

Chatfield, MinnesotaFall Community Grants

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation welcomes grant applications for amounts up to $5000 that serve the Chatfield community and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) has two grant opportunities:

1. Fall Grant Cycle
Grants are awarded annually as funding permits.

Timeline:

  • September – Applications Open
  • October 30 – Application Deadline
  • November – Applications reviewed
  • December – Grant checks issued

2. Opportunity Grant
This is a rolling grant application that falls outside the timeline of our General/Fall Grant Cycle. It is intended to fund projects that meet an unanticipated need or opportunity. Applications shall be considered on an individual basis during the year and will be reviewed during the next board meeting. Opportunity grants will be awarded depending on available funding.

All Grant Criteria:

  1. Organization serve in the ISD 227 School District.
  2. Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or a unit of government.
  3. Applicants that are not non-profits must apply through a suitable fiscal agent willing to accept responsibility for the project i.e. school district, municipality, or non-profit organization.
  4. Project must show a direct benefit to the Community of Chatfield and/or and residents of the ISD 227 School District.
  5. Project must show evidence of community support.
  6. Project must be sustainable and show reasonable potential of the organization to be able to maintain such a program or project, if applicable, into the future.
  7. Project must have a timeline and clearly stated, measurable goals and outcomes.
  8. Organization must complete final report within 30 days of the end of project. The final report form is available on the website.

In addition to the above criteria, preference is given to the following:

  1. Projects that have the greatest potential for long-term community benefits.
  2. Projects that meet community needs not currently being met.
  3. Projects that promote volunteer participation and citizen involvement in meeting community needs.
  4. Projects with a high potential for success, as demonstrated by the organization’s degree of commitment and the ability to obtain the resources needed to plan, organize, implement and complete the project with integrity.

Limitations and restrictions:
Applications will not be considered for:

  1. Religious purposes and activities
  2. For-profit businesses
  3. Debt retirement or deficit funding
  4. Multi-year requests
  5. Administrative budget for existing organizations
  6. Lobbying and political activities
  7. Programs or services mandated by law
  8. National fundraising campaigns
  9. Food, refreshments, transportation
  10. Ticket sales, raffles, or fundraising dinners
  11. Endowment drives
  12. Individuals
  13. Groups that have past-due final grant reports

*Exceptions may be made if proven to be an asset to the community, while falling within the defined criteria.
*If projects do not transpire, funds must be returned to the CVCF within 60 days of project cancellation.

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation will operate without discrimination and will award grants only to agencies and organizations that do not discriminate as to age, race, religion, disability, sex or national origin. All grants are awarded on the discretionary authority of the Board.