Gannett Foundation community grants
The News-Press Round 1 2018 – Gannett Community Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the following Gannett Community grant recipients!
Blessings in a Backpack, Inc. - $5,000
- Attending: Cecilia St. Arnold
- Project: Feeding children at Mirror Lakes Elementary in Lehigh Acres; breakfast and lunch for 200 children.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee - $4,257
- Attending: Amy Singer
- Project: Contributing to the overall efforts of the organization (part of donation to the 2017 campaign promise)
The Music Foundation of SWFL - $5,000
- Attending: Ruth Christman and Dorothy Rodwell
- Project: Traveling music program instrument replacement fund. Serves over 4,000 students over the course of a year.
Florida Tri-County Challenged Athletes - $3,000
- Attending: John Story, Linda Story, Joey Story, Kathy Samson, John Samson
- Project: Volunteer organization for mentally and physically challenged adults to participate in team sports adapted to their various disabilities. Funds will go towards uniform replacements.
Heights Charter School - $2,000
- Attending: Melissa Barlow
- Project: Lending library for 150 students enrolled in the school.
How to get started
Each year, The News-Press Media Group makes two sets of contributions to help support nonprofit organizations based here in Southwest Florida.
Disbursements, which typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, are made through the Gannett Foundation Grant Program. Gannett is the parent company of The News-Press, Naples Daily News and more than 100 media organizations across the U.S.
"The Gannett Company has built its franchise around the success of local communities, and The News-Press is honored to provide grants to local nonprofits that make a difference in Southwest Florida," said Bill Barker, president of The News-Press Media Group. "Qualifying charitable organizations are encouraged to apply in the spring or fall, and we look forward to hearing from you."
Seven Priorities
Organizations interested in the Gannett Foundation grant program should frame their request with seven priorities in mind:
- Must have a direct impact on our local community.
- Self-sustained non-profit with a clear mission and outcome for grants.
- Community problem-solving.
- Youth development and education.
- Economic development and neighborhood improvement.
- Environmental conservation.
- Cultural enrichment.
LINK: G annett Foundation
Application Process
Prospective applicants must submit several items to be considered for a Gannett Foundation grant, including:
(1) Application form: A PDF of the one-page Gannett Foundation grant application form is downloadable here: Grant Application.
(2) IRS document: A copy of your organization's IRS letter of determination to determine 501(c)(3) tax exemption status.
(3) Project budget: A one-page description of the project or proposal's budget.
(4) Organizational budget: A one-page summary of your nonprofit's annual budget.
(5) Project proposal: A complete project proposal of three pages or less must include: (1) A needs statement; (2) Objectives of the project to be funded; (3) Whether the project is new or ongoing; (4) Constituency to be served; (5) Community and volunteer involvement; (6) Sustainability statement; (7) Your organization's qualifications to carry out the project; (8) How the project will be evaluated; (9) Plans for continued funding of the project, if applicable; (10) List of other funding sources, committed and applied for; (11) Any pertinent recent publications may also be included.
Mailing address
Send the application form, your completed proposal and any attachments to:
The News-Press
Attn: Tara Zajas
2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Application submissions must be submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the deadlines listed below.
Dates to Know
The News-Press considers grants twice a year. The deadline for Round 1 is Feb. 16, 2018, while the deadline for Round 2 is Aug. 17, 2018.
The Gannett Foundation Committee will review all proposals within one month of each deadline, and applicants will be notified of final decisions approximately 90 to 120 days after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Our program is national in scope, but our offices are in a Gannett community. Are we eligible?
A. Not usually. We fund no national or regional organizations at the community grant level. If your organization has a program or project that benefits only the local community, feel free to inquire.
Q. Does the Foundation fund events?
A. Occasionally, yes. Community festivals, parades, etc. are part of the fabric of our communities, and local newspapers like to participate. Fundraising events are a separate issue. Rather than contribute funds to support event costs, the Foundation prefers to make contributions that provide direct program support. There are also private foundation limitations regarding full tax deductibility and acceptance of free tickets, discounted admissions and the like that provide a tangible benefit to our employees and/or the company. These benefits generally cannot be accepted.
Q. Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
A. No. As a private foundation, we must make all grants to IRS code 501(c)(3) public charities.
Q. When does The News-Press review grants?
A. Twice a year. February and August.
Q. Do we need to submit our IRS exemption letter?
A. Yes, the 501(c)(3) letter.
Q. If we apply, when can we expect an answer?
A. 90 to 120 days after final approval by the Foundation.
Q. Do you accept applications online?
A. No, not at this time.
Q. Who do we contact for additional information or special inquiries?
A. For additional information, please contact Tara Zajas at The News-Press at tzajas@gannett.com.
Q. What is the average grant amount?
A. Our grants average from $1,000-$10,000
Q. Do you give multiyear grants?
A. No, we do not award multi-year grants. In fact, grants are given to organizations every other year. If you receive a grant, you are not qualified to apply the next year and must wait to apply.
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