The Brushy Fork Institute is accepting applications for the next round of Flex-E-Grants. Here's what they have to say:
The Flex-E-Grant program was designed by the ARC to provide small investments in short-term projects that will build community capacity to mobilize local resources, gain leadership experience and strengthen community institutions and networks. These funds are only available to distressed counties as classified by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Flex-E-Grant proposals are due into the Brushy Fork Institute by Wednesday, May 9, 2012. The main purpose of these grants is to build capacity within your community. These grants are for a maximum $10,000 with a 20% total match and to be completed in a 6 month timeline.
Two workshops will be held for those having questions or needing assistance with the Flex-E-Grant proposals.
April 17 – 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Berea College (location to be announced)
April 26- 1:00 -3:00 p.m. at the Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg, KY
Read on for guidelines and contact information.
Brushy Fork Institute/Appalachian Regional Commission
Guidelines for the Flex-E-Grant
June-November 2012 Grant Cycle
I. Background and Overview
Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College has entered into a partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Kentucky Department for Local Government, Brushy Fork Institute will provide training for community leaders and administer $380,000 dollars in Flex-E-Grants for Kentucky’s distressed Appalachian counties.
The Flex-E-Grant program was designed by the ARC to provide small investments in short-term projects that will build community capacity to mobilize local resources, gain leadership experience and strengthen community institutions and networks. These funds are only available to distressed counties as classified by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Please see the list of eligible counties for Fiscal Year 2011 in the section called “Who Can Apply.”
Who Can Apply?
This round of funding is open to all of Kentucky’s 2011 ARC distressed counties. Qualified applicants may request up to $10,000 for a community capacity building project.
The List of ARC-Designated Distressed Counties in Kentucky are:
Adair, Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe.
II. Project Guidelines and Design
Brushy Fork is committed to working with community teams to help them develop proposals that will be fundable under the program guidelines. This will involve designing projects that meet the criteria for Flex-E-Grant funding, including the 6-month timeline; developing proposals consistent with the guidelines in the RFP and ARC requirements; and carrying out projects in a timely manner that meet the performance measures identified in the proposal. All Flex-E-Grant recipients are required to report on their projects. Flex-E-Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Final payment will not be made until the project is completed and a report detailing activities, performance measures and financial expenditures is submitted to Brushy Fork Institute.
A. Criteria for the June 2012 proposals:
· A proposal form must be completed and approved by the review committee.
· Projects must be designed on a six-month timeline.
· Projects must follow all ARC Flex-E-Grant guidelines.
· Proposals must define the community and demonstrate how the project will benefit the community.
· Each project must demonstrate civic engagement or a strong community involvement component.
· The project must be linked to building community capacity.
· Proposals must identify project outputs, outcomes and performances measure to be used.
· The request must not exceed $10,000.
· Applicants must have a minimum of 20 percent match of the total project costs (either in cash and /or in-kind goods or services.)
B. Required Match and Financial Information
· Flex-E-Grants are limited to $10,000.
· Applicants must provide and document a minimum of 20 percent of the total project cost (either in cash and/or in-kind goods or services) as non-ARC match.
Example: Flex-E-Grant $10,000
Match $2,500
Total project $12,500
· The funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis.
· Partial payment may be disbursed in the course of the project. Partial payments will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
· The final payment will not be disbursed until all the final report and financial documentation are received and approved by Brushy Fork Institute.
C. What expenses are not eligible?
Flex-E-Grant funds cannot be used for the following: equipment purchase, construction costs,and administrative expenses. Minor repairs or other improvements to community facilities are appropriate only if the project results from a community organizing process, and if the project clearly impacts local economic development.
D. Timeline for Proposal Process
· The proposal form should be completed as soon as possible and must be received by Brushy Fork Institute no later than Wednesday, May 9, to allow time for feedback and final approval.
· Approved projects will be announced in June, 2012.
· The project will begin June 1, 2012, and be completed by November 30, 2012.
· Projects should be designed to begin immediately upon notification of funding.
· Projects must conclude within 6 months.
For more information and an application form, contact Jane Higgins at 859-985-3436 or Jane_Higgins@berea.edu.
