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Clarkston CARES Grant

 

Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. Grant Program

The City of Clarkston is excited to announce the launch of the Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. (Community Assistance, Resources, Empowerment, and Support) Grant Program, a non-matching grant aimed at strengthening our community by supporting nonprofit organizations that make a direct, positive impact on local residents.

The Clarkston C.A.R.E.S. Grant is designed to fund initiatives that improve the well-being and quality of life of our community members while also promoting growth, sustainability, and resilience within the City of Clarkston.

Nonprofit organizations and community-focused entities are encouraged to apply!

Before starting the application process, we encourage all applicants to carefully review the information below, which includes essential details on grant criteria, the application process, and important dates.

Program Overview

  • Grant Type: Non-Matching Grant
  • Maximum Award: Up to $10,000 per grantee
  • Number of Awards: Five (5) grants per cycle
  • Grant Cycles: Two cycles annually
  • Purpose: To provide financial support for programs and services that directly assist/support residents of Clarkston.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

  1. Direct Service to Residents

    Services or programs must directly assist/support residents of Clarkston.

    Proof of residency (e.g., government-issued ID) is required for residents receiving services.

  2. Location of Services

    All training sessions, meetings, and events funded by this grant must be held within the City of Clarkston.

  3. Organizational Experience

    Applicants must have been actively operating as a business or service for at least three (3) consecutive years prior to application.

  4. Business Licensing

    Applicants must hold a valid business license or a certificate of authority to transact business in the State of Georgia.

  5. Nonprofit Status

    Applicants must provide verifiable proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

  6. Cost Transparency

    For all training sessions, meetings, or events, a detailed cost-per-person breakdown must be included with the application.

  7. Professional References

    Applicants are required to submit three (3) professional references who can verify the organization's impact and credibility.

Application Requirements

To ensure a transparent and equitable process, all applicants must comply with the following steps:

  1. Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting
    • All applicants are required to attend a pre-application meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Clarkston City Hall (3921 Church Street, Clarkston, Georgia 30021)
  2. Submission Guidelines
    • Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  3. Limitations
    • Each applicant is eligible to receive one (1) grant award per 12-month period.
    • Applicants who do not receive an award may reapply during future grant cycles.
  4. Review Committee
    • A ranking and review committee, consisting of non-City employees, will evaluate applications based on established criteria.

Grant Cycle #1 Timeline

  • Application Opens: January 7, 2025
  • Application Closes: February 10, 2025
  • Review Period: February 13–20, 2025
  • Notification of Results: February 21, 2025
  • Funding Period: March 1-September 30, 2025

Disclaimer

  • Fair and Impartial Review: No City of Clarkston employees serve on the ranking and review committee to ensure an unbiased selection process.
  • Grant Requirements: Only complete applications meeting all eligibility criteria will be reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for the grant if my organization is not based in Clarkston?
A: Yes, as long as your services are held in Clarkston and directly assist Clarkston residents, your organization is eligible to apply.

Q: What if I miss the pre-application meeting?
A: Attendance at the pre-application meeting is mandatory. Failure to attend will disqualify your application.

Q: Can I reapply if I don’t receive the grant?
A: Yes, organizations that do not receive a grant award in one cycle are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.

Q: How will I know if my application has been accepted?
A: Yes, all applicants will be notified of their status by February 21, 2025.

How to Apply

Applications will be available online starting January 8, 2025. Detailed instructions and a checklist of required documents will be included in the application packet below: 

 

APPLY HERE: CLARKSTON CARES GRANT APPLICATION

 

Required Documentation Checklist

Before submitting your application for the Clarkston C.A.R.E.S Grant Program. Here's a list of required documents you'll need:

The applicant’s State of Georgia Business License or Certificate of Authority to transact business in the State of Georgia
The applicant’s 501(c)(3) Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation
The applicant’s last two years of financial statements
Two letters of support, which clearly list names and titles of agencies or individuals
Three professional references
Funding commitment letters from all other funders of this program or activity

 

For questions or assistance, please contact Lolita Grant, Finance Director City of at lgrant@cityofclarkston.com.