Revised 10/2/17
Mini-Grant Guidelines and Application Form
Overview & Purpose
Columbia College Foundation grants are made to Columbia College departments, faculty, staff, students, and
community members, whose proposed projects support the Foundation’s mission: “Our mission is to promote
student success by providing community resources that support and expand educational opportunities for
Columbia College's students.”
Examples of activities that meet the Foundation’s mission include, but are not limited to:
Instructional or extracurricular equipment, technology, or supplies
Student/staff travel to a conference, training or extracurricular activity
(Student needs and activities will be given priority over staff development requests.)
Special events that enrich campus life, such as guest speakers
Publication of student or faculty work
Examples of ineligible requests include, but are not limited to:
Items or activities that provide more of a personal, rather than professional or academic, benefit
Individual scholarships (the Foundation and Scholarships Office have other mechanisms for providing
student scholarships; please check the website for more information)
Activities or items that are not directly related to Columbia College students, faculty, staff, or
potential/future students, such as a dinner/dance benefit for a church group.
The minimum grant request is $100. While there is no established maximum grant request, the Foundation
anticipates making approximately 15 awards in the range of $200 to $2,000. Future grant funding cannot be
guaranteed, applicants should consider requests as one-time funding; longer-term or larger requests should be
directed through the College’s integrated planning process.
Selection Process
Proposals will be reviewed and selected by a committee of the Foundation Board of Directors (voting members
only). The Grants Subcommittee will not include any College or District retiree who serves on the Foundation
Board. The Director of Development may request additional information from an applicant if needed by the
Grants Subcommittee to complete its review.
Timelines
There will be two annual cycles of mini-grant awards, as outlined below.
Fall Cycle
Spring Cycle
Application due date
October 24 March 6
Notification of Award
November 30
April 17
Funds available
January 1 Dec 31
July 1 June 30
Revised 10/2/17
Funds must be spent within 12 months of award. In the case of extenuating circumstances, requests for
extensions must be submitted in writing to the Foundation Office and will be considered on a case-by-case
basis by the Grants Subcommittee.
Successful applicants will be asked to provide a short written summary of the benefits/outcomes of receiving
the funding after their project or idea is complete. Photographs may be arranged and stories may be featured
on the Foundation’s website and/or other materials.
Revised 10/2/17
Mini-Grant Application Form
Applicant Name (include department or organization, if applicable):
Primary Contact Email and Telephone Number:
Amount requested: $
(Minimum request: $100 -- attach price information for purchases)
1. Please describe your idea, program, event or project. Describe how the Foundation’s funding will be used,
who will benefit (inlcude number of students if appropriate) and expected results/outcomes. (limit 300 words):
2. How does your request support the Foundation’s mission? Your project must meet this criteria in order to
be eligible for funding (limit 200 words):
Revised 10/2/17
3. Have you researched/considered other funding sources for your request? Please explain (limit 150 words):
4. If your project entails ongoing costs, how do you plan to sustain it? (limit 150 words)
5. If your project is connected to a campus program review priority, please provide a brief explanation.
Please note this is for informational purposes only, and is not a requirement for funding (limit 150 words):
Revised 10/2/17
6. If your project impacts other departments (such as facilities, technology, or security), have you consulted
with them? Please explain (limit 150 words):
Submitted By:
I have been notified of this mini-grant idea/concept:
Primary Contact Person
Department Manager or Dean
Signature required. Signature required.
Please submit this application to Amy Nilson, Director of Development via email (nilsona@yosemite.edu) or mail
to 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora, CA 95370 (on campus departments may use the Foundation’s IMC
mailbox). Applicable deadlines are noted in the Grant Guidelines.
To be completed by the Foundation Office/Grants Committee only
Date Received: _________
Date Reviewed by Grants Committee: __________
Ranking by Dean/VP: ________________________