Century Fund

The Century Fund provides the opportunity for GLCF to provide significant funding for a transformational project in our region through an annual grant of $100,000. 

A transformational project is one that:  

• Fundamentally changes how a non-profit functions
• Nets positive results for the nonprofit and those it serves
• Results in positive, innovative, and significant change for the organization and our community
• Significantly improves or creates a new service, facility, or program of the organization
• Creates new opportunities or resources for many people in our community
• Is a significant step forward for the nonprofit organization, while remaining within the scope of their mission

 

Eligibility:

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving the city of Lynchburg and/or the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell that are organized and operated for charitable purposes and recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt public charities under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Public educational institutions without an IRS determination letter may also be eligible to receive grants.

 

• The Century Fund grant is $100,000, which is awarded to one organization for one project. 

 

• Organizations applying for a Century Fund grant should: 
  • Demonstrate that the project is a strong fit with their organization’s mission and is aligned with a board-adopted strategic plan
  • Have a track record of providing effective programs to their target population
  • Have a history of strong financial management
  • Have a structured business plan for ongoing financial and community support to ensure continuation of the program or construction project
  • Include clearly stated goals, timeline, skill and/or behavioral outcomes
  • Be able to measure the program or project’s effectiveness in achieving its stated objective(s) and commit to reporting that to the GLCF
  • Demonstrate efforts to creatively collaborate with other organizations or agencies

   

•  Applications are accepted via our online portal between February 1 - February 28. The Century Fund grant, if awarded, will be announced by the end of June each year.

 

• The grant may be for programs or projects, including "bricks and mortar."

 

• The Century Fund grant must be a significant portion of the total amount needed to complete the project or program.

 

• The Century Fund grant may or may not be awarded in a given year if, in the judgment of GLCF, no applications meet the criteria for granting. 

 

• Applicants will be required to answer questions that demonstrate the transformative nature of the project. Questions on the application will include: 

This project/program will benefit residents of...*
(choose all that apply – only projects benefitting these areas are eligible)
Amherst County
Appomattox County
Bedford County
Campbell County
Lynchburg

Project's Start Date (estimated)*
Project's End Date (estimated)*
Project Category Choose one primary category for this project.
Arts
Education
Environment
Healthy & Independent Living
Historical Preservation
People in Crisis
Strengthening Families
Successful Children

Number of people who will be impacted by this project?

Brief Description of Project in 1-2 sentences.

What will be the impact of the project?

What are the expected outcomes?

How does the project/program address critical needs in the community?

Objectives for this project/program?

Results of this program (if it has been in existence previously)?

Please describe how your organization will use this grant.

Please describe the disposition of funds (items that will be purchased, expenses that will be paid, etc.) using this grant.

Describe other efforts you have made or will make to secure funding for this project.

Current Board of Directors

Annual Percentage of Board Support/Participation in Giving

Attachments Required:

• Audit: Most recent audit available. If your organization does not have an audit, please submit
• Form 990 if you have one (not required if you are submitting a recent audit)
• Fiscal Year End Financial Statement (Including income, expenses, and a year-end balance sheet.)
• Year-to-Date Financial Statement* Including income, expenses, and a year-to-date balance sheet.
• Project Budget: Please provide the budget for the specific project/program, not the entire organization.
  Optional: Any additional supplemental information. Applicants are encouraged to provide any additional items that may help support the application. Examples include marketing materials, pictures, videos, etc.

• Please submit all applications via our online portal between February 1 - February 28.