The 2012 applications are in! Click here to find out what nonprofits have applied for funds.
Since 1983, the City of Thornton has provided grant funds to assist nonprofit organizations that help Thornton residents meet their basic needs and enhance their ability to be self-sufficient. Basic needs are identified as food, housing, health and medical, or human services, and will comprise 95% of the total funding allocation. The remaining 5% may be directed to programs that enhance Thornton residents’ ability to be self-sufficient beyond meeting their identified basic needs. City Council approved $70,000 for the 2012 Thornton Assistance Fund program. Nonprofits are required to meet the following criteria:
- The nonprofit must be certified tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)3 or has a fiscal agent.
- Funding requests must be in alignment with the purpose of the grant.
- The program or services must demonstrate a benefit to the Thornton community.
- Previous year awardees must have submitted a complete Colorado Common Grant Report (CGR) for the previous year's award.
Grant Application Process
The application process for the 2012 funding year will run from Monday, December 12, 2011 - Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Applications will only be accepted during that timeframe.
- The Thornton Assistance Committee, a group of Thornton residents appointed by Council, will review the applications. If you are interested in serving on this committee see below.
- Applicants will be invited to a short interview with this committee. Interviews are conducted February - April of 2012.
- The Committee will present their recommendation to Thornton City Council in May. Funding allocations will be approved via Resolution at a future City Council meeting.
- Funds will be distributed after Council approval and should be expended by December 31st of that funding year.
Interested in Serving on the Committee?
The Thornton Assistance Fund Committee on is a citizen advisory group that reviews the grant applications and provides funding recommendations to City Council. For more information on the committee duties and timelines, click here. Residents that are interested in serving on the committee can apply through the City Clerk's office.
Meetings are held Monday evenings in February, March and April and some Tuesday nights to present to Council.
History
In 2011, City Council approved $70,000 for the Thornton Assistance Fund program: 29 organizations were funded including local food banks, homeless shelters, health services and several child and senior programs. Grant amounts ranged from $500 - $8,000. Average grants are approximately $2,500.