Grant applications are reviewed quarterly.
Deadlines for receipt of completed applications are
Jan. 1, April 1, August 1 and October 1.
Applications and grant decisions will be acknowledged. The Foundation receives many more worthy applications that it can possibly fund and the fact that a request is not approved should not be construed as disapproval of the submitting organization.
Grant requests are reviewed in the spirit of the Foundation’s goal of supporting the public well-being and improving the quality of life in the Westfield community. All proposals that show promise of making a significant contribution to the welfare of the community and its citizens are given careful consideration. Because funds available for distribution are limited, the Foundation favors making grants for community needs not capable of being met from other sources.
The Foundation favors grants for programs or projects that:
• focus primarily on the community of Westfield, or groups serving the Westfield community;
• provide innovative responses to recognized community needs;
• focus primarily upon education; the arts and other cultural activities; civic, health and human services; community development; and the conservation and preservation of historic resources;
• enable agencies/institutions to improve their services to Westfield;
• improve the managerial and fund raising capability of an agency including increasing volunteer involvement; and address positive community change in a constructive way.
In addition to adherence to the Foundation’s grant criteria, grant requests are evaluated on the soundness of their plans for implementation. Because the Foundation does not generally fund repetitive or ongoing programs, it looks favorably upon organizations that seek funding from other sources and demonstrate long-range planning for the continuation of projects.
It is a general policy of the Foundation not to make grants for:
- Operating support such as rent, salaries or any expense that is repetitive or continuing
- Financing deficits
- Hospitals, except for programs with a strong Westfield orientation
- Travel
- Private of parochial schools
- Replacement of government funding or city- or state-provided services
- Reimbursement or retro-funding for projects substantially or already completed, or to replenish agency resources used to pay for such purposes.
No grants are made to individuals, or to religious organizations for religious activities, or to other organizations for legislative activities or political campaigns.
Foundation grants are available for definite programs and for projects covering a specified period of time. Grantees are expected to adhere closely to the stipulated terms of the grant and at the conclusion of the grants period to submit an accounting of all disbursements and a narrative report comparing accomplishments with objectives. Any unexpended funds must be returned to the Foundation.
Programs receiving Foundation funding are expected to publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s contribution in any publicity or printed material generated.
