Empowering Change Through Giving
Join us in making a difference by supporting the First City Network’s Giving Fund, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equality. Your donations to First City Network now helps promote real change.
A Three Month Grant Process – How it Works Each Quarter
The existing FCN savings account has now been earmarked as the FCN Giving Fund with that original savings balance acting as a monetary seed amount. This way funds are totally seperated from First City Network operating expenses. At the first board meeting of the month balances are reviewed and a grant amount will be announced. These can range from $500 – $1.500. This amount will then be announced through the website, social media and through email.
month 1 - list development
The quarterly grant amount decided upon is announced the day after the first month’s board meeting. Donors and members then initiate a list of possible recipients by submitting their own suggestions. There are links throughout the website to submit those suggestions, or you can provide them through social media. Preferably, these are charities that align with basic LGBTQ+ initiatives and perform a valuable service to the community. Suggestions are received until the end of the month.
month 2 -invitations and decision making
This second month marks a pivotal moment in our grant process as we extend invitations to submit a grant application to the top 5 nonprofits ; each suggested by members and donors. Each grant submission represents a unique opportunity to make an impact in our community. We encourage all invited organizations to embrace this chance to showcase their vision by submitting their application by the end of this second month. Grants should be no more than three pages and a list of qustions requiring responses will be supplied to each organization.
month 3- submission review and final decision
Again, from the day they are invited applicants will have until the end of the second month to complete the grant applications and submit them to the board. The first week of the third month the board begins the process of reviewing all grant applications. If any clarifications are required from an applicant they need to be submitted within 72 hours. The final recipient of the grant is then announced between the 17th and 20th of he month. Fund matching can then take place until month’s end.
A charity does not have to be suggested by a member or donor.
They may submit there own names for consideration. Also, they do not have to be an entity normally recognized as being a benefactor to the LGBTQ+ community. HOWEVER, if they are chosen to be under consideration, they need to be in the process of initiating a new outreach progam especially geared to benefit the LGBTQ+ community. That new program must be fully outlined in the grant application.
Finally, in an effort to assist as many charities as possible any non-profit can be an FCN grant recipient only once in a 12 month period
Fund Matching
We realize that in some cases some philanthropic donors may want to “match” one of the quarterly donations. The process allows for this high level of generosity for an additional 10 days after the non-profit recipient is announced. Once we are contacted regading that intention to match the grant donation we will then make a special announment of the “matched funds” during a grant presentation which will then take place near the end of the third month.
Become an FCN Board Member!
Become a member of the FCN board and make a significant impact. Being part of the First City Network board involves more than just overseeing the Giving Fund; it includes crafting innovative outreach initiatives and organizing ongoing events that are vital to our mission. Our ability to drive change hinges on the number of dedicated board members we have. If you are truly passionate about creating positive change, we encourage you to reach out to us or join our board gatherings on the first Monday of each month, with locations shared on our website and social media channels. Together, we can amplify our voices and strengthen our community. Your unique perspective and skills can help us navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Join us in this rewarding journey and be a catalyst for transformation. Let’s work hand in hand to uplift those in need and foster a more inclusive society.
Gerry Nelms First City Network – chair