We are looking for projects or programs that:

• Target underserved populations.
• Address an unmet need.
• Will use the funds for a new or expanded program (as opposed to general operating expenses).
• Define clear benefits for the target population.
• Plan to use the full $100,000 grant within three years.
• Meet all Inclusion Criteria noted below. 
• Comply with all Exclusion Criteria noted below. 

Organizations eligible for an Impact100 Garden State grant must:

• Be in operation as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity for a minimum of 24 months before they apply. 
• Submit the most recent IRS Form 990 including Schedule A (not applicable to faith-based organizations).
• Submit the two most recent audited or reviewed financial statements.
• Submit the most recent Balance Sheet, P&L, and Cash Flow Statement for the period beyond the most recent audited or review financial statement. 
• Request funding for a program related to our focus areas:  Arts & Culture; Children & Families; Education; Environment, Preservation & Recreation; or Health & Wellness. 
• Explain how all Impact100 Garden State funding will serve residents of Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and/or Union counties. (Headquarters can be located outside of these counties.)
• If your project or program requires cooperation from another organization, such as a school district or hospital, we ask you to identify the organization on your application. If your application advances for consideration as a finalist, we may require a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the organization. The MOU is a letter/memorandum indicating that the collaborating partner will fulfill the needs of the applicant. 
• If your project or program requires permissions, such as zoning approvals or variances, you should mention these requirements in your application. If your application advances for consideration as a finalist, we will ask for additional information.   

Impact100 Garden State encourages organizations to apply to share the $100,000 grant (Joint Grant) when:

• Two or more qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations will share Impact grant funds (in whatever portions required for the project) and share responsibility for managing or contributing to the proposed program or project.
• One partner is identified as the “lead”—the organization that will serve as fiscal agent, complete the grant application, and manage the grant funds. The designated lead must also demonstrate that it will monitor the contributions of the other partner(s). 
• All participating organizations satisfy the inclusion criteria. 
• If you have questions, write to grants@design-proposal.com.

We do not provide funding for: 

• Debt reduction or operational deficits.
• General operating expenses or overhead (except as a realistic, necessary component of a project budget).
• Endowment funding.
• Interim or bridge funding.
• Partisan, legislative, or political activity.
• Faith-based projects or programs that require beneficiaries to participate in activities of a particular faith, denomination, or religion.
• Capital campaigns.