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.
THE FIRST QUARTER 2025 GIVING FUND AMOUNT IS $1000!
After a review of year-end account balances, the FCN board has decided on a $1000 GIVING FUND AWARD for the first quarter of 2025. Members and donors are now invited to submit up to three choices as their choice as the non-profit recipient of this award. Choices should be non-profit organizations relevant to the growth of the LGBTQ+ community, be inclusive in their views, and provide services to that community. (some ideas have already been submitted) Your ideas will be accepted through February 5, the first Saturday of the month. From the submissions, the board will decide on the final recipient and announce them by March 20. Donaors then have a chance to match the award until March 31st. The final award amount will be presented at the April 5th First City Network social event.
A Three-Month Awards 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 separated from First City Network operating expenses. At the board meeting of the first month of the process, balances are reviewed, and an amount is announced. Then, members and donors can submit their suggestions for a non-profit award recipient. An award recipient is announced towards the end of the third month. These award amounts can range from $500 – $1.500. This amount will then be announced through the website, social media, and through email. See the following for more specifics of the process.
month 1 - list development
The quarterly grant amount decided upon is announced the day after the first month’s board meeting. Donors and members can then submit up to three suggestions for a non-profit to receive the award. There are links throughout the website to submit those suggestions, or you can provide them through social media. Preferably, these charities align with basic LGBTQ+ initiatives and perform a valuable service to the community. Suggestions are received until the first Saturday of the second month.
month 2 - Contacting the potential award recipients
In the second month, the board reviews all submitted suggestions by members and donors. If there are more than three suggestions, the board will choose the top three. Those top three non-profits are contacted and informed they’re in the running for the quarterly award. They then must submit, in 300 words or less, an application of why they think they should be chosen as the award recipient. The deadline for the application is the end of this second month.
month 3- application review and final decision
In the first week of the third month, the board reviews all 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 the month. An added 5 days are allowed for any possible fund matching to take place. The award recipient is announced at the end of the month. A check will then be presented to the award recipient soon after or at any upcoming social event.
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