[SEMCO] RFP: Community Fisheries Project

[Sheri D. Derosa]

Community Foundation of Cape Cod
Request For Proposals
"Community Fisheries Project"

-------------------------------------------------------------

The Community Foundation of Cape Cod has joined with community
foundations from around the Gulf of Maine to offer small grants for
projects serving coastal fishing communities.  We are seeking proposals
for community-based initiatives that address the ecological, economic
and social impacts of the continued decline of commercially important
fish and marine species in coastal communities of the Gulf of Maine.
Collaborative approaches to local and regional fishery issues and
cross-community strategies are of particular interest.

Grants are being offered as part of a two-year small grants and
technical assistance program.  Approximately $17,500 is available for
2000.  Grantees will have the opportunity to participate in learning
institutes designed to serve their organizational needs and facilitate
networking, peer learning and cooperative strategies across the region.
Grantees will also have an opportunity to receive on-site technical
assistance in internet technology to assist them in developing regional
approaches and networks.  Regional projects promoting cooperation on
Gulf-wide fisheries issues will also be supported.  Proposals are
requested that:

* Promote sustainable fisheries and ecological management or restoration
of marine resources.  This may include restoration of shellfish habitat,
community-based planning and management strategies for coastal and
marine resources, or developing policies for sustainable fisheries
management.

* Increase community self-reliance while working towards relief of the
social impacts of the fishery crisis.  Possible approaches include:
community discussions with various stakeholders concerned about
sustainable resource use and appropriate economic development in fishing
communities, or developing shared goals and future plans.

* Promote sustainable development of marine resources.  Projects may
include feasibility studies or demonstration projects for alternative
fishery resources, peer-to-peer exchanges that promote technology and
information transfer among fishermen and local organizations.

* Provide organizational development and leadership training assistance
for civic and social organizations serving fishing communities.
Requests for organizational development training will be considered
since successful community programs require strong leadership and
organizational skills.

* Increase public awareness about fishing communities in the Gulf of
Maine and their maritime heritage through educational programs and
cultural events.  Eligible projects include cultural events celebrating
coastal community heritage, educational programs such as oral history
projects, or efforts to promote collective action on behalf of Gulf of
Maine fishery resources.

* Use internet technology for improved communications and networking,
outreach and education.  Grants may be used for developing web pages,
discussion groups or related technology efforts.

This grants program is a project of The Collaboration of Community
Foundations for the Gulf of Maine (CCF).  CCF supports local efforts
that contribute to the ecological integrity of the Gulf of Maine
ecosystem and enhance the economic sustainability of coastal communities
dependent upon the Gulf’s natural resources.

In general, proposals will be favored that are collaborative, encourage
new alliances and build non-traditional partnerships, strengthen local
leadership, build on a community’s strengths and assets, encourage
volunteer participation and citizen involvement and include fishermen
and their families in planning and design of projects.

Activities that are not eligible include:

* grants or scholarships to individuals
* capital projects (boat buy-backs, fishing gear or equipment purchases,
etc.)
* operating support or funding for ongoing or annual programs
* deficit reduction or activities which have already been completed

Who may apply:

Applicants may be local non-profit organizations, community associations
or civic groups.  For example, fishermen’s wives organizations, a town
or community, a fisherman’s group, a community organization or civic
group may apply.  Groups without 501 (c) (3) status may contact the
Foundation for guidance.

Reporting Requirements and Evaluation:

Final reports will be required one year from the award date.  Grant
reports should describe activities undertaken, results achieved, lessons
learned, challenges, and a budget report.



How to apply:

You may use the Common Proposal Format or include the following
information in your Application for Funding.  Please be strategic and
concise in your application.  Your proposal should not exceed two pages
excluding the attachments.  The proposals should be submitted on white
paper (no binders or covers) and stapled in the upper left corner.
Submit ten copies of your proposal and one copy of attachments.

PROPOSAL:

1.   Profile of your organization:
* General Background on your organization
* Mission of organization
* A brief description of programs and population served
* Identify the total number of paid staff (both full and part-time) and
the total number of volunteers who regularly give time to your
organization

 2.   Profile of your request:
* Please indicate the specific amount of funding requested and how it
will be spent
* Describe the project for which you are seeking funds
* Project timetable, workplan and explanation of the intended benefits
and how these benefits will be measured
* Explain why this project is important to your organization and the
community
* Indicate how you will inform the community about this project
* If matching or on-going funding are needed, indicate plans for
securing such support
* Project budget and brief statement of organization’s budget

ATTACHMENTS:

* List of Board of Directors and their professional or civic
affiliations
* Copy of organization’s certification of 501(c)(3) status by the IRS,
or evidence of monitoring by a qualified fiscal agent if appropriate
* Financial information, including: copy of the current annual operating
budget with line item expenses and sources of operating revenue
* Budget for proposed project with line item expenses and sources of
project income
* Letter from collaborating agencies if appropriate
* Cover letter signed by the Board President or Chairperson authorizing
the grant

Deadlines:

The deadline is March 31, 2000.   The applications must be postmarked or
delivered to The Community Foundation office by the deadline.  No faxes
will be accepted.

For more information, please contact:

Community Foundation of Cape Cod
P. O. Box 406
Yarmouthport, MA.  02675
1-800-947-2322
Web site:  www.capecodfoundation.com