IYD: Compassion Capital Fund Program

Programs: CCF

Description of Compassion Capital Fund Initiative

The Institute for Youth Development (IYD) was awarded a grant from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to assist faith-and community- based organizations in competing for federal grants. This goal will be achieved by conducting approximately 20 regional workshops per year for three years, providing information on appropriate grant opportunities, providing technical assistance in the preparation of grant applications, and conducting a federal-style sub-grants competition for participants. Substantial cash awards shall be given to the winners. IYD will award between 55 and 95 grants per year for three years with the average award amount being approximately $30,000.

Eligibility is limited to faith-and community-based organizations that have never been awarded a federal grant. All participants applying for a sub-grant must also agree to apply for an appropriate federal grant of their own choosing.

The regional workshops will accommodate up to 125 individuals. Participating organizations may send more than one individual if space permits. The workshops will be of 1 and ½ day’s duration. Technical assistance will be ongoing and provided by IYD professional staff. IYD has assembled a team of experienced grant writers and former federal competitive and formula grants program managers who will conduct the workshops and provide ongoing support and advice while organizations prepare for the two grant competitions. IYD will also work in cooperation with federal agencies and may have presenters representing them.

The ultimate goal is to help participating organizations build capacity to identify federal grant opportunities and to prepare highly competitive applications for federal assistance.

While the primary focus is on faith-and community-based organizations, participants may include partners for collaboration in their social service or educational activities for which they are seeking funding. However the faith-and community-based organization must be the fiscal agent as well as the lead partner. Examples of such partners include but are not limited to institutions of higher learning, state and local education agencies, private industry and other faith-and community-based groups.

For further information contact IYD at assistance@youthdevelopment.org.