FAQs for Nonprofits

What type of organizations can apply?

–    The following types of organizations can apply for a grant from Lamar Gives 365:
–    501c3 nonprofit organization
–    Schools
–    Government entities
–    Higher Education Institutions
–    Religious Organizations may apply for non-sectarian community projects.
If an organization has received a grant from the Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation in the past, a final report for each grant must be on file to be eligible to apply.

How much should we ask for?

You should ask for the amount that you need for your program.  There is not a maximum grant amount for your request.  The total amount available for grantmaking varies from year to year, depending on the number of members.  This year, there will be approximately $28,000 available for grants.

Does Lamar Gives 365 fund grants for operating support?

Ongoing operational expenses are unlikely to be funded.

Our organization wants to apply, but we need help.  What should we do?

If you have questions about the application process, please call or email Darius Maynard at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia at 478-750-9338 or grants@cfcga.org.

What is the application process?

The application is available online at www.cfcga.org/webportal.  It includes typical attachments like a project budget and financial documents.  The deadline for applications is November 15th at 12:00pm (noon). The Lamar Gives 365 grant review team members will review all applications and narrow down the applicant pool to a group of finalists. The finalists will present brief two-minute presentations to the members at a grant finalist event in February. Members will then vote and grants will be announced.

What are our obligations if we are selected as a finalist or awarded a grant?

If your organization is selected as a finalist, a representative of your organization will be required to give a 2-minute presentation of the proposed project at the Lamar Gives 365 grant finalist event in February.  If your organization is awarded a grant, the Lamar Gives 365 membership may conduct an informal follow up during the grant period, and you will be required to submit a final report at the completion of the project.

I’m a member, but I work for a nonprofit that wants to submit an application.  Is that a conflict of interest?

Many of our members are already involved in local nonprofits, either through work, boards, volunteering, or general support. This is unavoidable when dealing with philanthropists who are trying to improve the community. We only request that members who might have significant conflicts of interest refrain from reviewing applications as part of the grant review teams. Once the team has narrowed the applicants down to the finalists, it is reasonable and expected that you will vote for your organization.

If our organization receives a Lamar Gives 365 grant this year, can we apply again next year?

Yes, you may apply again as long as you have submitted a final report for all previously awarded grants from the Lamar Gives 365 program.

Who chooses the grant recipients?

Lamar Gives 365 members will research the applicant organizations and listen to the two-minute presentations at a grant finalist event to be held in February.  Then, they will select the grant recipients.

I still have some questions.  Who should I contact?

The Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.  If you have questions about the Lamar Gives 365 Grant Program, please contact the Program Officer, Darius Maynard, at 478-750-9338 or grants@cfcga.org