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 Common Questions
Can an individual receive money from the Neighborhood Connections program?
Individuals are not eligible to receive grants from the program. However, a small neighborhood group with a history of accomplishment may be able to receive funds provided they identify a nonprofit organization willing to serve as their fiscal agent.
Is there any policy which prevents members of the Grant Making Committee from reviewing proposals from groups that either they or their family members are involved with?
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Yes, the Grant Making Committee created and approved a policy which prevents each member from directly reviewing (including rating and discussing) proposals from groups that they and their family members are affiliated with.
Will each of the neighborhoods receive at least one grant and will grant dollars be distributed evenly?
When possible, the grantmaking and monitoring committee attempts to provide an equitable share of funding to each neighborhood. However, all grant applications will be reviewed on their merits and some neighborhoods receive a larger share of the money in any one funding round.
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How were the members of the Grant Making and Monitoring Committee chosen?
Originally, The Cleveland Foundation solicited nominations from over 700 neighborhood groups and small nonprofit organizations within the City of Cleveland. Over 100 individuals were nominated. The final 18 committee members were chosen for their history of commitment to neighborhood concerns. Currently there are 25 members on the Grant Making and Monitoring Committee. They represent the diverse skills and knowledge of the city.
Now, at the end of each year, the Grantmaking Committee of the program selects additional alternates to the Committee. These alternates eventually become full committee members. Nominations are requested from all Cleveland neighborhood groups.
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What is the function of the Grant Making and Monitoring Committee?
The committee reviews all grant applications and makes decisions as to which applications are funded and at what amount.
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How long do Grant Making and Monitoring Committee members serve?
Each member was appointed to a three-year term. When Committee members resign before their term is completed, they are replaced by an alternate Committee member.
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How can I become a member of the Grant Making and Monitoring Committee?
On an annual basis, Neighborhood Connections seeks nominations for new committee members. Those selected will first serve as alternates in order to be trained and then will assume positions on the Committee. Cleveland community groups are asked for nominations each time new members are sought.
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Is Neighborhood Connections a permanent program?
The Cleveland Foundation has established Neighborhood Connections as a three-year program. The program has currently been funded through 2011. The Foundation's Board of Directors will determine to review the program and make decisions about its future.
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How much money will Neighborhood Connections provide to neighborhood projects?
Each year the program has $650,000 to distribute in two separate rounds. (February and August deadlines).
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What is the size of the grants available?
Grants range from $500 to $5,000. All projects require a dollar-for-dollar match in the form of cash, in-kind donated services, or the contribution of materials, supplies, and other program-related donations.
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Are there any conditions on grants?
Organizations will be required to match the grant dollars either in outside funding or in-kind services and to complete assesssments and evaluation forms as requested by the program.
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What are the deadlines for submitting a proposal?
Grant applications will be accepted twice a year, in February and August. For a complete schedule, visit the Schedule section in Applying for a Grant.
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How long does it take once a proposal is submitted to go through the approval process and for us to receive funding?
Proposals that are awarded funding will be notified approximately eight weeks after proposal submission. Organizations awarded grants will be required to attend a grant recipient orientation session where they will receive further information regarding grant implementation.
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If I have questions or need help before submitting my proposal, whom should I call?
Call Neighborhood Connections program at 216.393.4640.
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Can I get help in putting together a grant application?
Neighborhood Connections will host grantseeker orientation sessions before each grant cycle to review how to complete application forms and answer questions. For a schedule of sessions, please see the schedule.
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If I am preparing a proposal to send to the Neighborhood Connections program, what must I do?
You must fill out and submit a grant application, along with five copies of your proposal. You can call us at 216.393.4640 to obtain the forms and ask for Neighborhood Connections. Or you may download them from our Web site.
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To whom do I send a proposal?
Neighborhood Connections
1422 Euclid Avenue
Suite 1510
Cleveland, OH 44115
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Can you refer me to anyone else for funding?
The Neighborhood Connections website lists other funding opportunities for grassroots organizations. A good resource for both individuals and organizations is The Foundation Center. They do not provide funding themselves, but are well equipped to provide online resources to help grantseekers identify appropriate funders and develop targeted proposals. The Cleveland telephone number is 216.861.1933. Visit The Foundation Center Web site,
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