Grants

GUIDELINES

• All proposed projects must be planned and led by a group of at least three unrelated Lithuanian community members or a Lithuanian community organization recognized by the Trustees. Ideally, at least one leader must live in greater Cleveland.
• Projects should make use of the strengths and assets that already exist in the community. These strengths and assets are shown through the dollar for dollar match in the budget. Strengths may include the commitment of the community, active networks and strategies already in place. Assets are institutions, organization and people whose resources, gifts and talents are used to make the project happen. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about community assets and how they can be used to accomplish projects.
• Grant recipients may be asked to secure a dollar-for-dollar match equal to or greater than the amount requested from the program. The match can be in the form of cash, volunteer labor or donated goods or services such as donated space, equipment, etc. (For purposes of the program, the value of volunteer labor is $12 per hour, unless it is specific talent which has a demonstrably higher professional rate.) The value of the community assets being utilized by a group is used as a match to the grant request.
• Grant applications should include letters of support from community partners whose cooperation or involvement is necessary to the project’s success. The letters should indicate their commitment to contribute in specific ways to the project. When appropriate, the value of the resource should be quoted in letters of support
• Grant duration is up to one year. A group may apply for only one grant at a time. Groups may receive only one grant within a one-year time period.
• Our application deadlines are the second Friday in February, May, August and November. Grants are awarded quarterly in March, June, September and December. For exact dates, check our website (www.pletrafund.org) or call (216) 692-1222. All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on the due date.
• Any Lithuanian group is eligible to apply, even if they are not an incorporated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Groups without official nonprofit status may need to partner with a 501(c)(3) group to serve as the fiscal agent (see below). Grant applicants that are 501(c)(3) organizations should include a copy of their IRS determination letter with their application.

Types of Grants

• Capital Grant – Grants for purposes of acquiring, repairing or otherwise being applied to a physical asset. Usually a “one time” grant. Dollar value limits of these grants may be high (i.e. $100,000 – 200,000). Match funding requirements by recipient may or may not be applied. Direct disbursals to the recipient of the grant are prohibited. Disbursals should be made by the Fund directly to seller of the fixed asset or service provider(s). Due diligence on the part of the Fund regarding the recipient of the grant and the purpose of the project must be rigorous and, among other things, will include detailed financial statements and project projections.
• Assistance Grant – Grants for covering various expenses incurred in connection with fulfilling a qualified and approved project. Project may be ongoing or recurrent. Match funding by recipient is required. “PLĖTRA” – CLEVELAND LITHUANIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND should not be the primary source of funding for such projects. Dollar limits for such Working Capital grants are $500 – 5,000. Disbursal may be made directly to the recipient so as to minimize bookkeeping.

A FISCAL AGENT MUST:

• Be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and in good standing with the IRS.
• Provide a letter indicating a willingness to function as a fiscal agent along with their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter

THE FUND DOES NOT MAKE GRANTS TO:

Endowment funds, for-profit entities, fundraising events, individuals, large non-profit organizations, political groups, government agencies or departments (includes public schools, public recreation centers, etc.), single businesses.

WHAT APPLICANTS SHOULD EXPECT

BEFORE APPLYING

Applicants should carefully read the information in this document. If there are questions regarding how this application is to be filled out or generally regarding the feasibility of the project, the applicant is invited to contact one of the Trustees.

AFTER APPLYING

After proposals have been submitted and read by the Trustees, groups may be invited to be interviewed. Groups invited to an interview will receive a call within four weeks of submitting their proposal. A total of four individuals may attend the interview. Participants are permitted to bring supporting materials to the interview. Graphics, including charts or materials produced, as well as program beneficiaries, are appropriate at these interviews.

AFTER SELECTIONS ARE MADE

Within a month after grant activities are completed, grant recipients will be expected to provide a report regarding outcomes and accomplishments. A small number of grants will be evaluated on an in-depth basis. If chosen for this assessment, a grant recipient will be expected to cooperate with all evaluation requests.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

Please download the grant application form using the link below, complete it as thoroughly as possible, and submit it, together with a current financial statement for your organization, to: Cleveland Lithuanian Development Fund, 880 E. 185 th St. Cleveland OH 44119 or by email: grantrequest@pletrafund.org

Click Here to Download the Grant Application Form

Completed application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the date proposals are due. Applications can be submitted before the deadline. We will provide you with confirmation that we have received your grant proposal.

Materials submitted with your proposal application will not be returned. Please do not submit cds/dvds, flashdrives.