Posted on August 22, 2012
Deadline: September 14, 2012

Intermountain West Funder Network Launches Small Grant Program to Support Innovative Community Problem-Solving Efforts

Created in 2009 by the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities and other supporting organizations, the Intermountain West Funder Network works to inspire philanthropic leadership and funding to engage people in strengthening communities and serving as good stewards of natural resources.

IMWFN has announced the launch of a small grants program for locally based nonprofits in the eight-state region of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, and the eastern regions of Washington, Oregon, and California.

The primary focus of the program is to identify and fund examples of innovations that can help expand thinking about how a community or region can engage its constituents to create innovative solutions to a variety of topical issues, including sustainable land use, water, public lands, etc. IMWFN intends for these grants to support authentic community engagement that leads to environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and economically prosperous regions and communities.

Projects will be selected for funding on the basis of a range of criteria, including demonstration of innovation and application of creative ideas in local problem-solving; collaboration between two or more diverse stakeholders who are engaging their communities to create a shared vision and implement a plan relating to land use, growth, and development; the potential to create long-lasting impact with an effective problem-solving model that could be adapted and/or scaled up to other areas of the region; impact in multiple issue areas (land use and development, civic engagement in planning process, creating alliances among disparate stakeholders); and leadership by and/or significant partnership with organizations serving populations most affected and/or disadvantaged by land-use issues.

Locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in IMWFN's geographic focus area are eligible to apply. Smaller organizations with budgets under $500,000 and projects with matching funding from one or more local philanthropic sources in place will receive preference.

Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $15,000.

Complete program information, guidelines, and the application form are available at the IWFN Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Community Improvement/Development
Geographic Funding Area: National

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