Deadline: October 31, 2014
ALL WAYS UP is accepting applications for the 2014 Bridging the Gap Awards. Launched in 2012, the ALL WAYS UP bridges the opportunity and support gaps for grass-roots non-profit organizations that are making a positive impact in low-income communities across the United States. The Awards provide one-time grants to small, but effective, community nonprofits and individuals dedicated to empowering the lives of promising youth and families individuals who are striving to improve their standard of living.
Through their partnership with these grass-roots charities, ALL WAYS UP has expanded its giving programs as well, through referrals of students for scholarships and other initiatives. ALL WAYS UP thoroughly researches each organization to ensure that their methods are not only innovative, but offer sound and effective ways to solve low-income community problems.
The Grant
The grant will provide up to $20,000 in matching funds to community based nonprofit organizations. The awards are designed as “matching grants” so that the organizations receive funds in direct proportion to their own fundraising efforts. Grantees will receive a one-time, minimally restricted, matching donation grant, to further their mission.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Bridging the Gap Award, organizations must:
- Be a charitable organization that is working to better the lives of those living in low-income communities
- Be a charitable organization which is exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Have a program model that can be implemented by other organizations
- Have a data tracking component that measures the success of the organization’s program(s)
- Have a budget of no less than $25,000 and no greater than $500,000 per fiscal year
- Must continually work with groups of 15 or more families or individuals
- Must be organized and operate in a state where the Bridging the Gap has a presence
- Applicants must operate in a state where the GHC Housing Partners and the All Ways Up Foundation has a presence: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
The following organizations are eligible for funding:
- College preparation organizations that focus on disadvantaged communities
- Organizations that support the elderly in low-income communities
- Organizations that feed low-income communities (food banks not eligible)
- Mentoring organizations
- Organizations that focus on foster youth and aged-out foster youth
- Family and parental development organizations
- Literacy organizations
- Youth leadership organizations
- Arts organizations that focus on bringing art to low-income communities
- Community beautification organizations*
Selected organizations will also become eligible for other ALL WAYS UP initiatives, such as nominating its participants for the ALL WAYS a Scholar program.
How to Apply
- Beginning September 17, 2014, log-in and create an online application.
- Make a video between 1-3 minutes video highlighting at least one individual your organization has impacted. (please see video guidelines below).
- Summit your application on or before October 31, 2014.
If your application is approved, you will then move on to the matching donation phase. To apply, download the application form.
For more information, read the FAQs and visit Bridging the Gap Awards.