1. Please read the entire application carefully and then take and submit the Eligibility Test. This must be approved by staff before you can continue to the next steps of the application.
2. Due to a large and growing number of applications received, we must strictly enforce the following format rules: application responses must be typed into the ZoomGrants system. You can cut and paste text into the answer boxes to make it easier. Please do not create your own document as we will not be accepting paper/emailed applications. Applications not using ZoomGrants will not be reviewed. Edit your answers so they are as clear and concise as possible. Reviewers have only a few weeks to read a great number of applications, so they appreciate it when applicants make it easier for them to find needed information.
3. The application must be certified by a member of the applicant’s board or its executive director using the Certification Form in the 'Documents' tab and uploaded into your application.
4. Upload three Recommendation Surveys from stakeholders directly involved with the community needs your project is responding to using the Certification Form in the 'Documents' tab. One of these must be from a partner in county or local government.
5. Applicants should also upload the following using the "Documents" Tab:
*The most recent annual report or publication describing your organization.
*A current, board-approved financial statement or most recent audit report prepared, compiled or reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant independent of the applicant’s organization (must include a balance sheet).
*If you have not already submitted a “LEED Certification Declaration” to us, please download and include one with your application. You are required to fill this out regardless of whether you are seeking a LEED certification exemption.
*Brief documentation of all individual sources of funding over $10,000. *Proof of current registration as a Washington state nonprofit. *A W-9 form from the IRS (which lists your taxpayer identification number).
*The most current completed copy of IRS form 990.
*Proof of site control - a property title/deed or an executed purchase and sale or lease agreement. Joint operating agreements are discouraged, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. See Section 1.4 on Page 6 in the 2023-2025 BCF Grant Guidelines.
*If the project is a partnership, upload a copy of an executed agreement that defines the relationship between the parties. See Section 1.4 on Page 7 in the 2023-2025 BCF Grant Guidelines for information that must be included.
6. Applicants may also upload a copy of the following (in the 'Documents tab' of ZoomGrants) if available:
*A prepared fundraising feasibility plan;
*A prepared project feasibility study; and
*A prepared operations (business) plan.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS:
*Be sure to read the 2023-2025 BCF Grant Guidelines before you start filling out the application. Please keep your application simple and focus on the fundamentals;
*Be concise but fully responsive to all questions; *You must answer all questions. If the question(s) do not apply please select N/A or type Not Applicable and provide an explanation as to why that question does not apply;
*Whenever possible ground your arguments in facts and data; *Make sure all of your numbers are correct (in some cases the application will do the math for you) and that they are adequately labeled;
*Answer the questions accurately and honestly; *Please follow the instructions. For example, if the question asks you to describe the scope of your project, don’t emphasize why it is needed (another question addresses that topic);
*Your project’s scope of work cannot be significantly changed once we receive your application. If you apply for and receive a construction grant you cannot change this to an acquisition grant. This is one of a number of reasons why you may consider waiting until the next grant funding cycle (2025-2027 Biennium) if your project is currently at an early stage of development;
*We will be contacting you via email from the address "notices@zoomgrants.com" so please make sure this address does not get caught in your spam filter;
*When in doubt, ask us questions! The ideal time to begin talking to us is before you start writing your application. Please call our staff at (360) 725-3075, or email us at capprograms@commerce.wa.gov with any program questions you may have. Also, we strongly encourage you to attend or view an online BCF Workshop.
*For technical assistance with the ZoomGrants application (uploading documents, etc.) please contact Questions@ZoomGrants.com or call 866-323-5404 x2. Thanks for reading and good luck!