The purpose of the MFBCMG program is to provide nonprofit and neighborhood organizations with resources to implement projects they typically would not able to fund. Therefore, funds from the MFBCMG are not permitted to be used to supplant the nonprofit organization or neighborhood organization’s operating budget. Any equipment purchased through the MFBCMG program must be stored in a public location and be accessible to members of the neighborhood organization through the life of the equipment. Upon completion of the project, the nonprofit organization must publicize the times of availability, location, and individuals (i.e. nonprofit organization staff or representative) who can access the equipment for continued use by the residents of the neighborhood.

STEP ONE:
Select a community building program or project that positively impacts the community and neighborhood through youth programming in crime prevention and anti-violence.
Choose a program or project that will generate as much community support as possible and that addresses a known problem, concern, or opportunity for making positive change.

STEP TWO:
Determine Resources Needed
Determine all the resources that will be required, such as professional services, equipment, materials, supplies, volunteers, and services. Get at least three (3) estimates to ensure all prices are fair for the services rendered. Consider the quality of product or service and the scope of the project.

STEP FOUR:
Develop a Project Budget
After you list the needed resources, begin to estimate costs in order to do a budget. Get cost estimates for each budget item from more than one reliable source. Keep careful notes of all conversations with vendors or contractors that involve estimates.

STEP FIVE:
Determine the Match
Identify all possible match resources (cash, volunteer labor, and/or in-kind goods or services) and follow the Mayor’s Faith Based and Community Matching Grant guidelines for matching funds requested from the City of Orlando.

It is essential that nonprofit organizations properly plan and budget. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs and the MFBCMG selection committee will look for a clear, justifiable relationship between the proposed project plan and the requested budget. The purposes of these tools are defined as follows:

• The purpose of a Project Plan is to identify the tasks and resources necessary to successfully complete a Mayor’s Faith Based and Community Matching Grant project. When completed, the Project Plan serves both as a tool to help manage the project, and a tool for the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs to monitor the progress of the project.

• The purpose of a budget is to estimate the cost of a project or program. It should accurately depict revenues, expenses, the nonprofit organization’s match, and sufficiently justify the amount of grant funds being requested. At least three (3) written estimates from established vendors must be submitted with the grant application for any expenses of $250 or more as documentation for the proposed budget.

A sample project plan and budget is provided in the instructions to assist you. If you need further assistance, please attend one or more application workshop, or contact the City of Orlando’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-3787.

To qualify for the Mayor’s Faith Based and Community Matching Grants program, the value of the nonprofit organization’s contribution must equal the total amount being requested from the City of Orlando. The grant match is generated by a combination of cash, volunteer labor and/or in-kind goods or services as noted in the table below.

In-kind or cash donations from City of Orlando services, staff, or elected officials cannot be counted as match. In addition, professional services and labor must be furnished by established service providers, skilled professionals, laborers and/or businesses in order to be counted as match.