Vanderbilt University is excited to announce a significant enhancement to the application process for the Community Impact Fund. Effective June 2024, all funding requests should be submitted through our new online portal. This streamlined approach aims to provide a more efficient and accessible experience for our dedicated local nonprofit partners.
Overview
The Community Impact Fund is designed to strategically contribute to and partner with local organizations making a positive difference in our local community. By making contributions to area nonprofits, the university seeks to promote the strengths and resources of the nonprofit sector to foster social impact and improve the well-being of our community. The Community Impact Fund provides financial and in-kind contributions for special programs and events and provides seed funding for important community projects. Priority areas of focus for the fund are outlined on our website.
Key Updates
Application Openings
The Community Impact Fund will now have two application openings:
- Fall Application: Opens in early June for funding requests pertaining to event sponsorship and/or programmatic opportunities scheduled between July 1 and December 31, 2024.
- Spring Application: Opens mid-December 2024 for funding requests related to event sponsorship and/or programmatic opportunities occurring between January 1 and June 30, 2025.
If your organization would like to apply for funding for multiple events or programs that take place throughout the year, please apply for all requests during the fall application window. This gives our team a full picture of your requests for the year, and in the event we cannot fund all requests, we may be able to connect you with other funding programs.
Online Application Portal
All funding requests must now be submitted through the new online portal. This platform allows you to create a login, save your progress, and return to complete your application later if needed. Additionally, you will be required to upload your organization's IRS tax determination letter demonstrating your 501(c)3 status.
Application Details
You can now submit applications for either event sponsorship, programmatic opportunities, or both. When applying for sponsorship, you are asked to provide a sponsorship document outlining the benefits at all levels. For programmatic opportunities, you will be prompted to provide a detailed description of the program.
As part of the application process, Vanderbilt will inquire about any existing affiliations between your organization and the university. This information will assist in facilitating further connections. It's important to note that funding is not dependent on these relationships.
Streamlining Support for Our Community Partners
These updates to our application process aim to provide more efficient support and enable us to better serve the needs of our community. We believe these changes will empower you to focus on the important work you do, while we work collaboratively to create positive impact.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting your valuable efforts in our community.