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APPLY FOR A GRANT

WHO CAN APPLY

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, (preschool through college), and all units of government which provide programs or services for women and/or girls in Emmet and Charlevoix County.  If your group does not have tax exempt status, you must have a fiduciary which does. Applicants must be current with their tax status and, if applicable, their registration to solicit charitable donations in Michigan;

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WHAT WE FUND

Programs consistent with Hestia’s mission to promote the economic self-sufficiency and well-being of women and girls.  To meet our mission, we support programs that serve women and girls in Emmet and Charlevoix counties.

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In addition to funding well-established organizations, we are especially interested in supporting new, innovative programs with the potential to provide unique services.  Start-up programs need to have a financial fiduciary if they don't have their own tax-exempt status.

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Hestia grants generally are in the $1,000 - $4,000 range.  We are not likely to fund the full cost of your project; we expect that you will have other funding sources.

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A new application is required each year, but returning applicants do not have to create a new program or service each year.  If your organization is providing effective programming that meets an ongoing need, Hestia will consider repeat funding.

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WHAT WE USUALLY DON'T FUND

Political campaigns, projects that are religious in content (though religious organizations are welcome to apply for non-religious programs which serve participants without discrimination), loan payments or deficit spending, services normally supported by tax dollars, fundraising events, or grants to individuals.

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WHEN TO APPLY

Applications are due on May 1.  If you have questions about your organization’s eligibility or whether your program is a good fit for Hestia, please feel free to email us at INFO@hestiacircle.org in advance of applying.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU ARE FUNDED

  • You'll be expected to maintain your status as a tax-exempt, charitable organization and to use the grant for the purpose stated in your grant application.  If there are major changes, please call us.

  • You will receive your check at the annual reception in June.  We ask that one or more representatives of your organization attend the reception and give a short presentation about the project we are funding.  Photographs are taken at the event and may be used on our website or in our newsletters.

  • We ask that you credit the contribution from the Hestia Women's Giving Circle in news media, printed materials, your website, and social media as a supporter of the project.

  • If appropriate, share opportunities for Hestia members to attend, participate, or visit to learn more about program and organization.

  • A Final Report is due by April 15 of the following year, before the next grant cycle.  File the report using the Final Report Form available from this link: 
     

  •  The report should refer to the goals identified in your proposal, project outcomes, and include public relations efforts.  We also require a budget report which will include your actual income and expenses in comparison to those proposed in your application.

  • Hestia may include information about this grant in public reports, newsletters, donor reports, on our website, or through social media postings.  This includes grantee final reports, photographs, logos, and other materials about the grantee organization.

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