Community Resource Connections: Who We Are

Community Resource Connections is a capacity-building program for “one stop shops” serving people seeking basic human services.

We have already selected our participants for the 2010 capacity building program. Check back in early 2011 for information about future Community Resource Connection awards.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build capacity in faith and community based organizations in Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap counties; by offering a series of training workshops, one-on-one technical assistance and mentoring to those who qualify. In addition, we will award a total of $184,000 to participating organizations; congregations and nonprofit organizations ranging $5,000-$20,000 for capacity building measures.

Twelve to twenty recipients will be awarded participation in this capacity building program. Through training and technical assistance our partners will increase their knowledge and skills in key development areas; improve scale and effectiveness and the quality of life for service recipients in their communities.

Do You Meet the Following Criteria?

Faith-based and community-based organizations that meet the following minimum requirements will be invited to apply for sub-award funding:

• Located in and serve Pierce, Thurston, or Kitsap Counties;

• Priority will be given to programs that provide critical services to lower income individuals and families;

• Both faith and community-based organizations are eligible to apply. Religious affiliation (or lack of any religious affiliation) will not be a factor in determining which organizations will be awarded funding;

• Applicants are not required to be 501(c) (3) organizations to be eligible for funding, nor are they required to use a fiscal agent. However, successful applicants must be incorporated before any funds are disbursed to them;

• Applicant organizations must have annual operating budgets under $500,000. If the organization is a worshipping community the human services budget must have annual budget under $300,000;

• Must be willing to attend and participate in all training workshops; actively engage in and seek the most from technical assistance while providing timely, regular program and financial reports;

• Utilize sub-award grant dollars for capacity building only.

A few items you could be getting together as you anticipate the release of the application are:

• Copy of your current incorporation certificate

• Current board member list

• Organization’s operating budget for current fiscal year

• Fiscal agent agreement (if applicable)

• 501(c) 3 status letter (if applicable)

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity Building is the internal work and planning an organization does that results in making an organization stronger, more effective and accountable, and more sustainable. This Community Resource Connections award allows an organization and its leaders to do significant planning, training, development and implementation work.

A program of Associated Ministries

1224 S. I Street, Tacoma, WA  98405 Contact Heidi at (253) 383-3056, ext. 139, or e-mail: heidic@associatedministries.org