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What are capital projects?
Capital project proposals seek funds to improve
the physical assets of an organization. (“Capital” campaigns
also frequently include a focus on endowments, which are not funded
through the Community Grants program.)
Typical capital projects include:
- building construction and renovation
- land acquisition
- technology (e.g., computerized membership or
ticket systems, audiovisual equipment)
- furnishings (e.g., classroom desks and chairs,
museum display cases)
- equipment (e.g., for laboratories, recreational
programs)
- vehicles (e.g., for food distribution, transportation
for the elderly or disabled, recreational programs)
What kinds of capital projects are eligible
for OCF support?
 Capital
grants are not a major focus of OCF funding. To be competitive,
capital proposals to OCF should clearly outline how the project
will enable the organization to carry out programs that would not
otherwise be possible, and how the quality of life in the community
will be improved as a result. Guidelines state that lower priority
is given to “general support of capital campaigns” and
“capital projects that will not clearly advance the organization’s
mission, or change or enhance the community it serves.”
Questions to Consider in Drafting Capital Grant
Proposals
Construction and renovation proposals
- Do you own the building? If not, why should
OCF invest in improvement of a another landowner’s property?
- Is ownership of a building critical to your
mission?
- Could new facilities be leased rather than built?
What are the comparative advantages of owning and leasing?
- Would it be better to raise capital for endowment
or annual funds for programs than to invest in a structure?
- Are all necessary permits and licenses in hand?
If not, why not?
- Can some of the costs be covered through in-kind
donations? Is there an opportunity for greater community involvement
through in-kind contributions?
Land acquisitions
- What is the plan and timetable for developing
land?
- What are the restrictions on the use of the
land?
Technology
- What new advantages will technological investment
provide?
- How will you measure the impact of new technology?
- What have you done to explore donation of equipment
from tech companies or other corporations that are upgrading,
moving, or going out of business?
- What kind of technical support will you have
available to ensure the equipment has the greatest impact?
Furnishings and Equipment
- How will new furnishings or equipment change
or enhance existing programs?
- Will the changes be cosmetic or substantive?
- Have suitable in-kind donations been solicited?
Vehicles
- What specific kind of vehicle is requested,
and why?
- How will a new vehicle change your programs?
- How will it affect operating costs?
- What will be the change in the quality of life
of those being served by your organization?
- Have local car dealerships or other businesses
or individuals been contacted for in-kind donations?
General
- What are the costs of maintenance of the new
capital assets?
- Does the project reduce or increase annual expenses?
Does the future budget provide for them? Do you have the capacity
to raise additional funds?
- Is the project actually a maintenance effort,
e.g., roof repair, plumbing upgrades, or replacement of furniture?
Should this project and similar ones be provided for in annual
budgets?
- Are the proposed changes mandated by the Americans
with Disabilities Act or other legislation?
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