Grant Guidelines

Eligible Projects or Programs

The JCFF board has adopted a grant program focused on adult and community college education that improves student persistence to completion of certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Eligible strategies include academic and engagement programs or activities such as student orientation, advising, counseling, career planning, cohort scheduling, at-risk student support, learning communities, supplemental instruction, curriculum or course development, common read programs, and others.

Qualifying Non-Profit Organizations

The JCFF currently makes grants ONLY to foundations that exist solely to support a public or nonprofit two-year college in the designated service region. Priority is given to foundations that are associated with a college of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Eligible foundations must be recognized as tax-exempt public or supporting charities (Type I, Type II, or functionally integrated Type III) under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

Grantee Requirements

Proposal Timeline and Submission

The JCFF Board of Directors will determine grant amounts and will select and approve successful proposals. Grants are made annually. The JCFF has recently changed its grant schedule.

Annual Award Timelines:

Proposal forms are generally available by December 1. Email jcfamfd@gmail.com to receive a proposal form and guidelines.
Proposals are due on February 20.
An acknowledgement of receipt will be emailed to requester within 48 hours.
Funding decisions will normally be made by the board of directors by March 30.
Awarded funds are expected to be distributed by April 20 once a commitment letter has been signed.

The grantee agency must agree to:
Complete grant activities within one academic year of receiving funds unless extension is granted.
Request approval from JCFF if any substantial changes to use of funds or project goals or timeline are anticipated.
Keep records of receipts and expenditures and make records available to the JCFF board on request.
Submit to the JCFF a mid-year update and an annual report on outcomes.
Work with JCFF to report award of grant to media, if desired, and to document results on the JCFF website.
Not use any of the funds on non-allowed purposes, including:
- Influence legislation,
- Influence the outcome of elections,
- Carry on voter registration drives,
- Award scholarships (Grantee may provide resources to individuals for activities related to project goals.),
- Provide funds to individuals or organizations for purposes other than pursuing educational goals, or
- Undertake any activity that is not specifically proposed by the grantee or that carries out any purpose other than an educational purpose.
Repay any awarded funds not used for the stated purposes of the grant.

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals for funding will be evaluated on evidence that:

The requested funds will be used to aid students’ persistence and/or completion of credentials.
The project or activity directly assists a significant number of students and/or has the potential for long-term benefit to students.
The organization has the capacity to carry out the expected activities.
The proposed project or activity has reasonable goals that meet the mission of the requesting agency and the JCFF.
The organization has identified methods of evaluation that include data-based evidence.
The project or activity can achieve measurable, positive impact.