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Planning Ahead for the Fall Mini-Grant Round

Fall Mini Grants
Jul 09 2020

Planning Ahead for the Fall Mini-Grant Round

The next Four Rivers Mini-Grant Round (for FY2021 grants) will be announced in late August, with this year’s criteria and application form, but you can plan for success by getting started NOW!

Things you need to know:

Eligibility (these criteria must be met):

  1. Are you applying as a non-profit organization or one of our local jurisdictions (City of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Town of Highland Beach)?
  2. Does all of the project activity or the majority of project activity take place within the boundaries of the heritage area?
  3.  Is your organization “In Good Standing” with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation? Note that if you are not, you may correct your status to become eligible.

Top Reasons for Lack of Success (Applies to any grant, not just Four Rivers or MHAA):

  • Reason for Decline #1: Mission or program fit isn’t evident
    Don’t guess at the best fit or proposal strategy—read the granting organization’s mission, grant parameters, and get a green light to apply (our program is focused on heritage tourism projects, or organizational capacity for heritage tourism entities).
  • Reason for Decline #2: Grant application doesn’t follow directions
    Don’t overlook basic application instructions. Don’t leave any questions blank.
  • Reason for Decline #3: Project timeline doesn’t match organization’s grant cycle
    Don’t disregard the organization’s funding timeline. In our program, all expenditures must fall after the date of grant award (this year that date is October 30, 2020)
  • Reason for Decline #4: Budget isn’t clear, correct—or even provided
    A successful proposal budget follows the organization’s required format, matches the application narrative, and establishes that your funding plan is sound and achievable. Our program requires estimates and a detailed breakdown (such as hourly rate x #of hours)
  • Reason for Decline #5: Competition is high, grant funding is limited
    Don’t let your expectations exceed your capacity or probability. Part of a smart grant seeking strategy is knowing the funding environment and making plans and projections accordingly.

If you would like to familiarize yourself with our materials, download last year’s Application and Guidelines: Four-Rivers-MINI-GRANT-Application and Guidelines-FALL 2019. The Application & Guidelines are revised each year. Please note that the maximum grant amount is $5,000 (required to be fully matched).

Please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you need assistance. Read materials carefully and do NOT submit an application from a previous year. All materials are to be submitted via e-mail, with ONE paper original to be sent via snail mail.

Questions? While our staff works primarily from home, send an e-mail to [email protected] to set up a call or ask a question. Thanks!