Program Overview:

Q: What is the purpose of the Nonprofit Capacity Building program?

A: The purpose of the Nonprofit Capacity Building (NCB) program is to strengthen nonprofits serving our community by enhancing their core operations and improving infrastructure, providing support that will assist Gwinnett nonprofits in more effectively carrying out their missions – now and into the future.

Q: What does the Nonprofit Capacity Building program include?

A: This application cycle offers two tracks – capital support and operational support. The operational support program focuses on the provision of technical assistance and learning modules to grow the organization’s capacity. The capital support program provides nonprofits with project funding that will improve their overall capacity by fulfilling a capital need. You can learn more detailed information on these two programs in their respective sections below.

Q: Can organizations apply for both categories?

A: If a nonprofit organization meets the eligibility requirements for both the capital support and operational support tracks within the Nonprofit Capacity Building program, they can apply for both categories.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of applications my organization can submit?

A: Yes. With this program Gwinnett will strive to fund as many organizations as possible.  Therefore, eligible applicants are limited to submitting one application request per category (one for operational support and one for capital support).

Application Details:

Q: When does the grant application open and close?

A: This funding opportunity will open on Thursday, August 1, 2024 and close on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Q: How do I access the application?

A: The application is accessible on the County’s grants management platform, GovGrants.  You must be registered with the portal to access the application. Incomplete applications and those not submitted by the deadline will not be considered for funding.

Q: How do I complete registration with GovGrants?

A: To register as an organization on GovGrants, click the register button on the GovGrants main page. A step-by-step guide on the registration process can be found here.

Q: I went to GovGrants but have not obtained my credentials to use the portal. How do I get my credentials?

A: Within 48 hours of completing the registration, applicants will receive an email with their username and password. If it has been more than 48 hours, please reach out to GovGrantsSupport@GwinnettCounty.com.

Q: How can I get assistance with my application?

A: Gwinnett County will offer workshops to review the application process. If you still have questions after attending or accessing one of the workshops, you can call the Grants Management Division at 770.822.8860 or email us at Grants@GwinnettCounty.com.

Q: Can I apply another way?

A: No. Applications must be submitted online through the GovGrants portal.

Q: How should I enter my EIN in GovGrants?

A: Please enter your EIN with the dash in it.

Q: Will you be offering any workshops to learn more about this opportunity? If so, when, and where?

A: Yes. Workshops will be held in person and virtually, please see the schedule provided below.

Q: Do I have to enter my application all in one session?

A: The application can be saved and completed in multiple sessions. To save your process, click on the “Save” button towards the top of the screen. If you don’t, the information entered will not be saved. It’s recommended that you save regularly to ensure information is not lost.

Q: What supporting documents will be required to accompany the application?

A: The following documents are required when submitting the application.

• 501(c)(3) Letter
• Organizational Chart
• Conflict of Interest Statement
• Strategic Plan
• Board of Directors List
• Financial Management Procedures
• Board Resolution for Application Submission
• Audited Financial Statements
• Tax Form 990
• Organization By-Laws
• Primary Staff Job Description
• COVID-19 Impact Attestation Form

Q: Do you need the resumes of all my board members?

A: This is an optional attachment; it is not required. Resumes help staff review applications and better understand applicants’ current capacity, so they are recommended.

Q: What is a Financial Statement?

A: A financial statement shows you where a company’s money came from, where it went and where it is now and includes an Income Statement (aka Profit and Loss Statement), Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.

Q: Do I need to submit prior tax returns?

A: Yes, you will be required to submit a 990-tax form.

Q: We have a 990-tax form & budget, but not audited financial statements, can we still apply?

A: A 990-tax form and annual budget will satisfy the financial statement requirements. You can submit them both in lieu of the audited financial statements.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

A: This funding opportunity will open on Thursday, August 1, 2024 and close on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Q: What happens after I submit the application?

A: After your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. All applications will be evaluated for accuracy and eligibility.  This may involve communication from the Grants Management team to verify and/or gather additional information/documents for your application. After the review process, which could take up to 60 days, you will be notified of your approval (and for what amount) or that your application was denied (and the reason why).

Q: Is a match required?

A: No.

Q: Are there any other requirements related to this grant?

A: Adhere to the program’s terms and conditions, reporting requirements, record retention, and participation in Unite Us.

Eligibility:

Q: What types of organizations qualify for this opportunity?

A: Nonprofit organizations registered as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) with the IRS in operation for at least 12 months prior to the application submission deadline. Organizations must have a demonstrated history of serving residents of Gwinnett County and meet the defined eligibility requirements.

Q: Are there any prerequisites for this opportunity?

A: All applications requesting Capital or Operational Support within Gwinnett’s Nonprofit Capacity Building program must align with the County’s Human Services Strategic Plan. Funding will be awarded to organizations providing services within the following categories of need.

• Food Security
• Housing
• Health and Wellbeing
• Youth, Literacy, and Learning
• Cross-cutting Barriers to Access
  • Transportation
  • Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Services

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for organizations to receive a grant?

A: Eligible applicants:

• Must be a private nonprofit organization (NPO) registered as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organization with the IRS in operation for at least 12 months prior to application submission deadline.
• Must have a demonstrated history of serving residents of Gwinnett County.
• Must attest to negative economic impact due to COVID-19.
• Must be an active participant in the County’s coordinated care and referral system, Unite Us, before contracts can be awarded.
• (For Operational Support Applicants Only)
  • The organization’s annual operating budget must be equal to, or less than, $250,000.
  • Commitment to participation in all program components.

Q: How do I attest to my organization being negatively impacted by COVID-19?

A: COVID-19 affected nonprofit organizations in a myriad of both tangible and intangible ways. All applicants will be required to complete and upload a COVID-19 Impact Attestation Form with their application. Examples of how local NPOs were affected include: staffing and/or volunteer shortage, lost income/funding, a surge in requests for services/programs, and other (as defined).

Q: Are there any budget requirements?

A: Yes, but only for Operational Support. If your organization is applying for Operational Support, your annual operating budget must be equal to, or less than, $250,000.

Q: Does it matter how long I have been in business?

A: Yes, the organization should have been operating for at least 12 months prior to the application submission deadline.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of employees in my organization?

A: No.

Q: If my nonprofit organization is not located in Gwinnett County, can I apply?

A: This opportunity is for organizations that impact individuals in Gwinnett County. A physical location in Gwinnett County is not required.

Q: What if my organization serves residents in Gwinnett and other counties, can I apply?

A: You are eligible to apply if a portion of your clients are residents of Gwinnett County.

Q: Can I apply to the program without a UEI?

A: A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, which is typically required to receive federal funds, is not a requirement of this grant opportunity.

Q: Can a school system serve as an applicant’s fiscal agent?

A: No, they cannot. Because school systems are not eligible applicants, they are not eligible to serve as fiscal sponsors.

Q: Are for-profit organizations able to apply, if they are not charging fees for their services under this program?

A: No, for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Q: My organization is a faith-based organization that is not required to have a 501(c)(3) status from the IRS to be considered a charitable organization. What should I do?

A: Gwinnett County knows faith-based organizations have an exception from the IRS and staff will consider your application eligible for consideration if your organization meets the other eligibility criteria.

Q: Is a nonprofit that has a current Gwinnett County grant eligible to apply for this opportunity?

A: Yes.

Q: Are nonprofit organizations that previously received COVID-19 grant assistance eligible for this program?

A: Yes, but you must disclose those sources and amounts in your grant application and explain how the assistance was used. An NCB award may not be used to reimburse expenses already paid by previous grant money.

Q: What if I have received other grants?

A: Please provide information regarding other grants that have been received. Do not apply for funds that duplicate what is already being covered by another grant opportunity.

Q: If we need to hire a grant writer, can we get the costs for that grant writer reimbursed by these grant funds? Or only funds that start after the program launches?

A: Reimbursement to grant writers/consultants for the application preparation doesn’t align to the intended use of funds.

Q: Are applicants required to have a full-time paid employee within their organization? 

A: No. Neither the Operational Support nor the Capital Support applications require that the NPO has a full-time paid employee within their organization.

Funding Details:

Q: How much funding is available for nonprofits?

A: The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners allocated $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support Nonprofit Capacity Building. There is $4,550,000 that will be awarded to nonprofit organizations through the capital support program. The remaining $450,000 is dedicated to the operational support program in which $400,000 will be distributed among the ten awarded nonprofits and the remaining $50,000 will be utilized to support the training and technical assistance costs of the program.

Q: How much funding can my nonprofit organization receive?

A: Eligible nonprofit organizations can receive only one capital support award. We anticipate capital support awards to range between $3,000 and $100,000 depending on the funded project. Beneficiaries of the operational support program will receive a $40,000 operational grant.

Q: Is there a minimum and maximum grant award? How much is available for each program category?

A: Nonprofits selected to participate in the Nonprofit Capacity Building Operational Support program will receive a $40,000 operating grant. We anticipate recipients of the Capital Support program receiving grant requests that may range from $3,000 - $100,000. We will evaluate the range of requests and determine the appropriate grant awards levels. All awardees must demonstrate the capacity to deliver the program and meet the reporting requirements for the grant period.

Q: Have any prioritizations for funding been established?

A: Yes, Gwinnett County is prioritizing funding awards to small nonprofits/grassroots organizations. Organizations not aligned with the criteria below will receive 0 points for that scoring element. See the chart below.

Q: What other factors will be considered when deciding which nonprofit organizations will be awarded?

A: Additional prioritizations for funding are identified below.

• 3 points to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Veteran, and other community-led organizations.
• 2 points for collaborative work with other local organizations.
• 1 point to organizations who provide complete demographic information on their staff and board of directors.
• 1 point for having a data collection system in place. Data collection does not mean the implementation of an extensive database. We essentially want to know if a nonprofit collects data and how they manage and maintain that process.

Q: How will award decisions be made?

A: The Scoring Committee will be made up of representatives from the Grants Management Division in Financial Services, Housing and Community Development Division in Planning & Development, and the Health and Human Services Division in Community Services. The committee will focus on a commitment to objective scoring based on the predetermined scoring matrix and will utilize smart form logic within the GovGrants portal to rate question responses where applicable.

Q: Can nonprofits use the grant award to reimburse a capital item already purchased? 

A: Yes, eligible capital costs can be incurred beginning March 3, 2021.  If you are seeking capital support for a completed project you must ensure your request fully defines the capital need and the measurable impact these funds had on your organization.

Post Award Details:

Q: How can I find out which nonprofit organizations were awarded Nonprofit Capacity Building program funding?

A: The award listing (anticipate publish at the end of October) will be accessible on the County’s ARPA grant webpage under the heading 2024 Cycle – Nonprofit Capacity Building: American Rescue Plan Act - Gwinnett | Gwinnett County.

Q: When can I expect to hear if my application was awarded?

A: By, or before, October 31, 2024.

Q: How will organizations be notified whether they have been awarded a grant?

A: Organizations will be notified by email on the acceptance or denial of their application by, or before, October 31, 2024.

Q: What if my application is denied?

A: An electronic Letter of Denial will be sent to the email address listed on your application. You have the right to review the decision and follow the Grievance Procedures included with your Letter of Denial to appeal the decision. You will have seven business days from the date the Letter of Denial email was sent to provide the required documentation for review. The following decisions are final and are NOT eligible for appeal: Funds depleted/Program end.

Q: Who will process the grants (send the funds out to the nonprofit organizations)?

A: Gwinnett County will manage the contracting and payment process for the Nonprofit Capacity Building program. All awarded agencies must have their legal representative execute the beneficiary agreement and attend the mandatory orientation to receive funding.

Q: Will our organization need to sign an Agreement?

A: Yes.

Q: What if we don’t have a Legal Representative?

A: All nonprofit organizations should have established legal representatives who are invested with the authority to sign contracts and enter into agreements between the organization and other entities. These positions are usually identified in an organization’s bylaws and are typically board officers such as the Board Chair/President/CEO and the Secretary. In nonprofits, boards will also sometimes authorize the executive director to be a legal representative of the organization, typically with some restrictions. To execute a contract with Gwinnett County, an organization must have the contract approved by the Board of Directors, and it must be signed by authorized representatives of the organization.

Q: How/when will I receive the funds awarded to my nonprofit organization?

A: All awarded agencies must be a registered vendor with Gwinnett County. For recipients of operational support, Gwinnett County will pay out $10,000 installments at the end of each quarter in 2025 – contingent upon their engagement with the required program components. For capital support, Gwinnett County will advance awarded funds to beneficiaries upon the review and approval of the appropriate support documentation identifying the cost details for the capital item being purchased.  Payment for advanced funds will be released within 1-2 weeks from the approval date.

Q: How do I become a registered vendor with Gwinnett County?

A: You can register as a vendor with the county by visiting the Vendor Login/Registration page on the Gwinnett County website.

Q: What supporting documents will be required?

A: For capital support, identified costs should be supported by a purchase order (PO), contract, sales agreement, etc., that defines the planned use for the eligible cost. Each program’s reporting will require support documentation be maintained. This will be covered in more detail at the orientation workshop.

Q: How long will I need to retain records pertaining to this grant?

A: 5 years.

Program Overview:

Q: What are the goals of this funding opportunity?

A: The goals of this funding opportunity are:

1. Identify nonprofit organizations that have limited capacity but are doing impactful activities for Gwinnett County residents most in need.
2. Support nonprofit organizations with nonprofit capacity building by facilitating nonprofit workshops and offering personalized one-on-one technical assistance over a 12-month period.
3. Foster sustainability of local nonprofit organizations so they become more competitive for local, federal, state, and philanthropic funding.
4. Encourage collaboration among nonprofit organizations to increase efficiency and reduce duplicity in local programs.

Application Details:

Q: I need some help with general expenses and/or sustainability, which program should I apply for?

A: NCB – Operational Support.

Q: How much money can I possibly get?

A: Beneficiaries of the operational support program will receive a $40,000 operational grant.

Q: Are there restrictions on what the $40,000 funding can go toward?

A: Funding received should be utilized to support operational or programmatic goals that align with your organization’s mission. For example, this funding could be used for staffing, operational costs (i.e., insurance, rent, utilities, etc.), subscriptions, program materials, communications, etc. At the end of the program, a final report will define how the $40,000 was spent and how it impacted overall operations and capacity building.

Q: Can I submit multiple applications if I need more support?

A: There is a limit of one application request per nonprofit organization per funding category (operational support and capital support).

Q: Do I need to provide a budget for the $40,000 operational support grant at the time of the application?

A: You should define your intended use at the time of application. Your final report submission will capture the impact of the investment.

Eligibility:

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for organizations to receive operational support?

A: Eligible applicants:

• Must be a private nonprofit organization (NPO) registered as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organization with the IRS in operation for at least 12 months prior to application submission deadline.
• Must have a demonstrated history of serving residents of Gwinnett County.
• Must attest to negative economic impact due to COVID-19.
• Must be an active participant in the County’s coordinated care and referral system, Unite Us, before contracts can be awarded.
• Must have an annual operating budget equal to, or less than, $250,000.
• Must attest to the organization’s commitment to participation in all program components.

Q: What if our annual operating budget is over $250,000?

A: Unfortunately, if your annual operating budget is over $250,000 then your organization will not be eligible for the Nonprofit Capacity Building Operational Support program. You are eligible to apply for Capital Support.

Q: What if our program is part of a larger entity whose budget exceeds $250,000, but our stand-alone program (with our own budget, staffing, etc.) is at or below the threshold?

A: Stand-along programs (with its own program budget, staff, and advisory board) will not be eligible if it is part of a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organization that has an annual budget of more than $250,000.

Q: My aspirational budget is higher than the current funding I have, which budget should I provide?

A: You should submit your current operating budget, even if your nonprofit organization has not currently received the revenue budget needed to sustain it.

Funding Details:

Q: How and when will I receive the money, if awarded?

A: For recipients of operational support, Gwinnett County will pay out $10,000 installments at the end of each quarter in 2025 – contingent upon their engagement with the required program components.

Post Award Details:

Q: What courses will my organization be required to participate in?

A: Six learning modules focused on best practices on Nonprofit Organization management and operations:

• Board Governance and Financial Management
• Strategic Planning
• Program Design and Evaluation
• Program Management
• Staff & Volunteer Management
• Resource Development (Fundraising and Grant Writing)

In addition to these courses, you will also:

• Conduct a self-assessment of current organizational capacity and needs.
• Receive personalized technical assistance to address specific organizational needs.
• Participate in networking opportunities with other local nonprofits supporting Gwinnett County residents.
• Conduct a capacity building project.
• Receive a $40,000 operational grant.

Q: How much time is required to take the courses?

A: Anticipate each module to be four to six hours to include content and then case studies. 

Q: Where will the courses be held?

A: The Conference Center at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. 

Q: What if I don’t pass the course?

A: There is no exam to pass or fail for this course, but focused participation is required.

Q: What if I don’t complete all the courses?

A: Per the Terms and Conditions of the signed agreement, if you do not participate in all 6 modules and/or complete the capacity building project, your nonprofit organization will not receive the full operating support ($40,000) as installments are paid out following quarterly participation and your nonprofit organization will not be eligible for consideration for future Gwinnett County funding for a period of up to 3 years.

Q: Will I get any one-on-one assistance to enhance my organization’s operational capacity?

A: All recipients of operational support will receive personalized technical assistance to address specific organizational needs.

Q: How long will I have to utilize the operational support award?

A: 15 months. The first 12 months will include the instructional support and the final 3 months will include the presentation of each organization’s nonprofit capacity building project.

Q: Are there are any reporting requirements?

A: At the end of the program, participating nonprofit organizations will be asked to report generally how they spent the $40,000 and define the impact of this funding on the nonprofit organization’s operations and capacity building.

Program Overview:

Q: What are the goals of this funding opportunity?

A: The goals of this funding opportunity are:

1. To increase the effectiveness of local nonprofits we will strive to fund as many organizations as possible with the funding available.
2. Identify nonprofit organizations that have limited capacity but are doing impactful activities for Gwinnett County residents most in need.
3. Support nonprofit organizations with capital funding that will sustain or enhance their organizational capacity to meet community needs.

Application Details:

Q: I need a new piece of equipment for my nonprofit, which category of the Nonprofit Capacity Building program should I apply for?

A: NCB – Capital Support.

Q: How much money can I possibly get?

A: Eligible nonprofit organizations can receive only one capital support award. We anticipate capital support awards to range between $3,000 and $100,000 depending on the funded project. Beneficiaries of the operational support program will receive a $40,000 operational grant.

Q: Can I submit multiple applications if I have more than one capital support need?

A: There is a limit of one application request per nonprofit organization per funding category (operational support and capital support).

Funding Details:

Q: How and when will I receive the money, if awarded?

A: For capital support, Gwinnett County will advance awarded funds to beneficiaries upon the review and approval of the appropriate support documentation identifying the cost details for the capital item being purchased. Payment for advanced funds will be released within 1-2 weeks from the approval date.

Post Award Details:

Q: Do I need to purchase the equipment first and then be reimbursed?

A: No, please see response above in the Funding Details section.

Q: What appropriate support documentation should my organization use to identify the costs details for the capital item being purchased?

A: Identified costs should be supported by a purchase order (PO), contract, sales agreement, etc., that defines the planned use for the eligible cost.

Q: Can Gwinnett County make a payment to the vendor on my nonprofit organization’s behalf instead of advancing funds to our organization?

A: No. Gwinnett County is entering into a beneficiary agreement with the awarded nonprofit organization and can only release payment to contracted entities.

Q: How long do I have to utilize the award?

A: 12 months.

Q: Are there any reporting requirements?

A: There are no monthly reporting requirements, but you will need to prepare a report that captures the impact of the investment.