Grant Process

Purpose

Purpose
Each year, through the Grant Allocations program, Denton Benefit League (DBL) disburses all funds raised the previous fiscal year.

It is the intent of DBL to fund not-for-profit organizations that are exempt from federal taxes and that are non-political and non-sectarian. (Specific qualifications are noted below).

Preference is given to community based organizations that are locally governed. DBL’s commitment to its donors is to return funds (in the form of grants) to the geographical areas and communities where support for DBL fundraising and membership is primarily obtained. Grants are provided to organizations benefiting Denton County north of Lake Lewisville, primarily Denton and contiguous communities.

Grant Criteria

Grants are awarded to local organizations dedicated to
1. Community quality of life and social services;
2. Educational services and programs;
3. Cultural and arts programs; or
4. Historical programs and historic preservation.

Grant Recipient Qualifications
• Community-based and the requested funds must benefit Denton and/or contiguous communities;
• Non-profit with federal tax-exempt documentation dated at least three (3) years prior to the grant application;
• Locally governed (i.e. a governing board or advisory board/committee with local representation);
• Three years continuous service in the local community;
• Non-political and non-sectarian;
• Grant application must be submitted by an organization for the benefit of (only) itself; no sub-grants, re-grants or secondary applications;
• All requesting agencies must have attended a DBL Grant Training Workshop within the last three (3) years (i.e. 2006 or later).

Types of Grants

DBL accepts grant applications for:
• Capital expenditures (preferred type of grant)– equipment, furniture/fixtures and other office/program improvements;
• Operating support, except salaries/wages; requests for rent subsidy must be exceptional circumstances and may not be for successive years;
• Program support – funds needed to support critical services & special projects/programs, including subsidy for low-income/disabled/disadvantaged clients.

DBL does not provide grants for:
• Underwriting for entertainment venues/events, or for an organization’s fundraiser;
• Initial (start-up) funding for any type of building fund, endowment, trust or special fund;
• Projects involving construction not yet underway;
• In support of another organization’s grant/allocation or scholarship program;
• Research programs or projects;
• Booster clubs or other DISD school programs (except through the DISD Foundation);
• Sub-grants, re-grants or secondary applications. An organization may not apply for funds to be re-distributed to other organizations or individuals. An organization may not apply for a grant on behalf of another organization.

The current year’s grant process begins August, 2008

Application Process

  • Starting August 11, 2008, written (e-mail) requests for an application may be submitted to Bette Sherman, Chairman, DBL Grant Allocations Committee.
  • Former recipients: all receipts from your previous grant MUST be received prior to requesting a new application; and/or unused funds MUST have been returned to DBL. Refer to your Memorandum of Understanding.
  • New applicants: your written request should contain a brief description of your agency, indicating that you meet the Grant Recipient Qualifications noted above; and an indication of whom you serve.
  • The last date to request (in writing/e-mail) an application is September 19, 2008.
  • You must have attended a DBL Grant Training Workshop in 2006 or later.
  • Former recipients: you may be requested to re-train at DBL’s discretion. You are welcome to attend a 2008 training session. Several major revisions have been made to the Grant Policies and to the Application.
  • New applicants: you must attend 2008 training to receive your application.
  • Completed applications are due NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM on September 30, 2008 at 3411 Shadow Brook Court, Denton. No exceptions are made.
  • All DBL Grant Policies, which accompany the application, must be adhered to without exception.
  • Interviews will be held during the week of November 3, 2008, at Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home - Board Room.
  • The Grant Allocations Committee will present its recommendations to the DBL Board of Directors and to the DBL active membership for approval during November.
  • Applicants are notified of the results in December.
  • Grant funds will be distributed at the January, 2009, DBL general membership meeting.
  • Grant funds must be used by July 31, 2009, and documentation must be returned to DBL by the deadline of July 31, 2009.

Training dates/location:

  1. Monday, September 8, 2008 – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
  2. Wednesday, September 17, 2008 – 9:00 am to 11:00 am
  3. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 – 9:00 am to 11:00 am

All training is held at Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home - Board Room, 1304 Bernard Street, Denton.
Space in training sessions is limited. Please indicate your 1st and 2nd choice when requesting an application. Session assignments will be made on a “first come” basis.

To submit an application request (in writing) or for further information:
Contact:
Bette Sherman, Chairman
DBL Grant Allocations Committee
3411 Shadow Brook Court, Denton 76210
(940) 380-0929
(940) 380-0931 fax
shermanbb@verizon.net

Please note that contacting DBL (or a DBL member) with inquiries does NOT constitute a grant request or a request for an application. Only formal requests (in writing) for an application followed by a completed DBL Application for Funds will be considered.

DBL grant applications may not be duplicated for distribution to another organization. Only applications obtained from the DBL Grant Allocations Chairman will be considered.

Revised June 18, 2008