Less Paperwork, More Impact

As local nonprofits face growing needs and uncertain federal support, the Community Foundation is simplifying how organizations apply for funding.

Starting in Fall 2025, The Community Foundation is moving from a two-grant annual cycle to a once-a-year grant cycle—satisfying a goal set in its 2022 strategic plan that aims to make it easier for nonprofits to plan, while reducing time spent on applications.

“It’s simply a streamlining of the process so that we can be more responsive,” said Lutonya Russell- Humes, Vice President, Grants & Programs. “Donors should be assured their investments will be even more targeted towards the organizations having the greatest impact, as we will have greater capacity to partner with our grantees and understand the needs of the community and their work more deeply.”

Importantly, this change does not mean the Community Foundation will distribute less money in the community. Instead, it allows for more substantial investments to build and sustain momentum for projects and causes.

By cutting back on paperwork and administrative tasks, the Community Foundation is better positioned to be flexible in responding to a turbulent time.

“The fact that the safety net is rapidly eroding means more people are in need,” Russell-Humes said. “This spring, we experienced one of the largest application pools we’ve ever seen.”

While most grants will now be awarded annually, the move also frees up resources for emergency funding and nonprofit capacity building.

“With our new approach nonprofits don’t have to choose between using funding for programming or capacity building,” Russell-Humes said.

Donate to the Community Impact Fund: FCCFoundation.org/CIF