Workforce Development Grant
Application Guidelines
We are pleased to announce our Workforce Development Grant. This award’s beneficiary(ies) will have a deserving project(s) located or serving in Machias Savings Bank’s primary lending area, as defined in our CRA Public File. Our primary lending area shall, at a minimum, include all areas where a Machias Savings Bank location is present.
The total amount awarded will be $50,000 in three denominations – $25,000, $15,000, & $10,000.
Machias Savings Bank’s goal is to fund projects supporting workforce development. Ideally, awards will be made to programs or services that support job training programs, educate individuals with new skills to earn a more livable wage, or provide hands-on training to improve workforce skills.
Application deadline: November 22nd
All applications are to be submitted through our website. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Application Notification
The grant committee will select the top 10 applications from the written portion by December 1st. These chosen applicants will then move on to the virtual portion of the application process. The week of December 9th, if chosen, you will receive an invitation to a Teams meeting. You will have 5 minutes to pitch your project, followed by 5 minutes of a Q&A from the judging panel. The final award recipients will be notified by phone by December 16th.
Selection Criteria
The organization needs to provide proof of 501c3 status and demonstrate the ability to carry out the goals and objectives cited in the grant application. It should also provide financials to ensure a reasonable level of financial stability and evidence of experienced leadership and effective programming that supports workforce development.
The following requests will not be considered:
- Travel expenses.
- Graduation parties.
- Competition or athletic events.
- Video or film productions, book, or publication projects.
- Organizations whose policies encourage discrimination.
- Academic research, fellowship, or publications.
- Any projects or organizations deemed controversial by Machias Savings Bank.
Additionally, proceeds from the grant funds may not be used for the following:
- Bad debts or bonuses
- Commissions
- Contributions or donations
- Lobbying
- Incorporation costs
- Medical Bills
- Fines or penalty fees
Applications should include the following:
- Project narrative (maximum of 3 pages)
- Grant Budget
- Financials of the organization
- Copy of 501c3 status from the IRS
- 3 Letters of support
Scoring guidelines (written portion)
- Narrative (30 points) No more than 3 pages
- Description of Organization.
- Details of the project and how it supports workforce development.
- Who will be the primary beneficiary of the programming?
- How will you gauge the project’s level of success?
- If the programming is ongoing, how will you secure funding in the future?
- f. Collaboration & community resources utilized in your work.
- Number of Individuals Impacted (25 points)
- 1-25 (5 points)
- 25-50 (10 points)
- 50-100 (15 points)
- 100 or more (25 points)
- Grant Budget (10 Points)
- Ability to leverage funds (10 Points)
- The organization’s ability to use grant money as leverage for other grant funding is preferred.
- Benefit to low-to-moderate-income individuals (10 Points)
- Years Organization has been in existence (10 points)
- 3 Letters of Support (5 points)