LSAA Community Improvement Fund

The Leadership Stockton Alumni Association (LSAA) is pleased to invite eligible organizations to submit applications for grant funding from the LSAA Community Improvement Fund. Grants are available to fund projects and activities for nonprofit organizations based in San Joaquin County, providing direct services to people living in the City of Stockton, and directly align with this year’s area of focus: Education.

EDUCATION

The LSAA has selected to focus this grantmaking cycle on supporting Education. For purposes of this grant program, program, projects will be considered that support classroom enhancements to improve the distance learning experience, and projects that support distance learning needs outside of the classroom. Both public school and nonprofit organizations can apply to either of the below. Partnerships with a school(s) or school district is encouraged but not required.

In-Class: Technology enhancements for K-12 classrooms (preschool requests will be considered as well) to improve distance learning capabilities for single or multiple classrooms. Examples include, but are not limited to, costs associated with adding enhanced features for Zoom and Google Meet, additional equipment needs to improve the online classroom experience, bringing “field trips” and other educational activities into the classroom to enhance the distance learning
experience, purchase of science, technology and art-related kits that can be sent home to enhance distance learning, and the purchasing of books or magazine subscriptions to encourage reading on current events or science articles. Innovative projects focused on improving student test scores will also be considered.

Outside of Class: Technology enhancements to support K-12 students (preschool requests will be considered as well) in their distance learning needs outside of the classroom. Examples include, but are not limited to, costs associated with providing access for students to print homework and other required classroom materials, and/or providing technology access for students to upload homework and school assignments.

FUNDING FOR 2020

The LSAA Community Improvement Fund has committed a total of $5,000 for this grants program in 2020. The maximum grant amount an applicant may request under this program is $5,000, although applicants may request less than the maximum amount. Multiple organization’s may be awarded grants totaling up to $5,000.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Those organizations receiving grant awards may be required to submit a final report, as well as a financial report, at the discretion of the LSAA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Letters of interest will be accepted from the following type of organization:

• Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, classified as a public charity, not as a “private foundation” under section 509(a), and are designated a 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) organization; and
• Local public education agencies such as K-12 public schools districts (teachers must have approval to apply through their school district).   Preschool requests will be considered as well.

Organizations must be located in San Joaquin County. Proposed projects or activities must directly benefit people living in the City of Stockton.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

In order to be considered for grant funding, grant applications must be submitted online via this online grants portal by November 6, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Submissions will not be accepted after this deadline.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Grant requests will be accepted from eligible organizations that propose projects or activities
that directly align with the LSAA Community Improvement Fund’s current area of focus:
Education. Within this area, preference in the review process will be given to funding projects
or activities that demonstrate a commitment to:

SUSTAINABILITY

• • Having a lasting and measurable impact.

INNOVATION 

• • Programs where Fund’s resources have the potential for significant impact, or programs that are innovative and effective model with the potential for replication that can contribute to solutions to issues addressed by the Fund’s Field-of interest.

TARGET POPULATIONS

• • Serving underrepresented minorities, low-income individuals, and/or residents of rural areas.

PARTNERSHIPS

• • Working with other nonprofit organizations/local public agencies in the community to increase strategic impact

SELECTION REVIEW PROCESS

Grant proposals will be evaluated by the LSAA Advisory Committee. Grant funding
recommendations will be made by the LSAA Community Grants Committee. The Foundation’s
Board of Directors will make final funding determinations.

SUBMISSION REVIEW TIMELINE

Below are the approximate dates for submission, review, and award decisions. Applicants will
be contacted by email should the Advisory Committee have questions about an application.

• Approximate Grant Proposal Review – Wednesday, September 30 – Friday, November,
  6
• Approximate Award Announcement –Final grant awards will be announced the week of
  November 16, 2020
• Approximate Date Funds Available –Grant funding will be made available in November
  2020

REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Requests for technical assistance with submitting your letter of interest through our online grants portal, including any questions about the grants program, must be submitted in writing by e-mail to lponick@cfosj.org with the subject line LSAA Grant Help.

ABOUT THE LSSA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT FUND

The Leadership Stockton Alumni Association (LSAA) Community Improvement Fund was
established in 2019 by the Leadership Stockton Alumni Association. The Fund’s purpose is to
improve the quality of life for residents of the City of Stockton.