UNSOLICITED SMALL GRANT REQUESTS POLICY AND PROCEDURES What is an unsolicited small grant request? An unsolicited small grant request is a proposal for Council funding that is submitted outside of the Council' process for issuing Requests for Proposals.  Typically, small grant requests are made for one-time-only projects or activities of a limited duration.  Small grant awards are $2,500 or less. What is the purpose of Council grants? The purpose of Council grants is to promote systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy for services and supports that encourage the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the life of the community. Small grants should have a broad impact on people with developmental disabilities and their families living in Maryland's  communities. What types of small grant activities will the Council fund? At its discretion, the Council will select proposals that encourage the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in and  contributions to Maryland's schools, communities, and work places.  Examples of small grant proposals include but are not limited to: Costs of attending conferences and other trainings with the intention of sharing information learned others Self-advocacy and other advocacy activities Speaker honorariums Projects that increase positive and valued images of people with developmental disabilities Other projects that advance the empowerment of people with developmental disabilities The Council typically does not fund equipment.  The Council will not fund attendance at conferences or workshops that are intended  to design treatment for specific individuals. Who can submit a proposal? Individuals with disabilities, any public or private nonprofit entity or for-profit organization may submit a small grant request. What is the application process? Small grant requests should be submitted well in advance of the starting date of the proposed activity.  Requests for funds should be submitted at least 45 days in advance of conferences or the projected start date of an activity.  Grant requests should contain 1) a letter explaining the project or activity, and 2) a complete proposed budget.  The letter should describe the: Purpose of the project or activity Date(s) and timeframe of the project or activity  Target audience - number, age group, relationship to persons with developmental disabilities, etc. Project activities, including specific activities for which Council funds are requested. A brochure, agenda or other printed  materials describing a conference or event should be included where applicable. Outcomes expected - How will the project be evaluated?  If funds are requested for a conference, there must be a plan of how  results will be shared with the others. Rationale for Council funding. Efforts to obtain funding from sources other than or in addition to the Council. The budget should be submitted on the Council's Proposed Budget form.  Please note that the form asks for the 9-digit federal employer identification number or an individual's  social security number. What is expected of applicants? Match.  Small grants should be matched by at least 25% of total project costs unless projects target people with developmental disabilities and their families who live in urban or rural poverty areas, in which case grants should provide a least a 10% match.  The Council will not award funds to be used as a substitute for other available funds and encourages those making proposals to show significant effort in seeking funds from other sources.  With respect to any proposal, the Council will use its discretion in awarding part or all of the total request. Consumer Participation.  The Council places a priority on funding participation of people with developmental disabilities and their family members. The Council does not assume that people with disabilities have an inability to pay but rather seeks to support them in exercising economic  independence.  Sponsors of activities requesting funds to support the participation of people with disabilities should show that affordable fees have been set and that steps have been taken to assure that  individuals are financially supported only as needed. Innovation.  Small grants will reward innovation and projects that respond to Council  priorities.  To better respond to its priorities, the Council may recommend adjustments in proposed activities. Small grants will not necessarily be awarded repeatedly for annual conventions or ongoing organizational activities. How does the Council decide on unsolicited small grant requests? Process.  The Council sets aside an annual amount to spend on unsolicited small grant  requests.  Unsolicited grant requests are referred initially to the Council's Executive Committee which approves awards of $1,000 and below; awards over $1,000 must receive full Council approval. The Executive Committee's decision not to fund a grant request is final. Council Timeframe.  The Council will consider small grant requests of $1,000 and under within 45 days.  Grant requests over $1,000 will take longer.  Please contact the Council Office for the timeframe. How will you be notified about the Council's decision? Applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of final funding decisions. What happens after the Council awards a small grant? Payment Authorization.  The Deputy Director of the Council will determine when payment will be  authorized with the grant project applicant.  Payment will be received approximately 4-5 weeks after it is authorized.  It is the responsibility of the project applicant to initiate contact for the purpose of determining a payment authorization date. Council Recognition.  When Council grants are awarded for conferences, events, printed  materials or any project that involves publicity, the Council requires that its support be acknowledged in a prominent manner. Council Participation.  A member or staff of the Council may attend all or part of an event the Council is supporting and will not pay a registration fee. Final Report.  Within three weeks after the end of the project, all grant recipients are expected to submit a written report on the activity funded and the benefits of the activity to people with developmental disabilities, and a final expenditure report. Where should small grant requests be sent? Address inquiries and proposals to: Executive Director Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council 217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300 Baltimore, Maryland 21202       Adopted: May 1990 Revised:  February 2003 Revised:  May 2003