Chuck Strode was a highly respected Community Association Manager for over 30 years and was named the Central Florida Chapter CAI President Elect. In his honor, this Memorial Grant was established.
THE Central Florida CAI “CHUCK STRODE MEMORIAL GRANT” AND FUNDING GUIDELINES
Established: September 2022
I. OVERVIEW OF THE CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE (CFCAI) CHUCK STRODE GRANTS AND FUNDING COMMITTEE PROCESS.
The purpose of the CFCAI Grants and Funding Committee is to fund the association annually in the amount of up to $10,000, to go towards community projects and educational programs in the spirit of the CFCAI Mission.
CAI Central Florida Mission:
“Education, Advocacy, and Resources for Community Associations. At the Central Florida Chapter of CAI, our mission is simple: to inspire professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship – ideals reflected in associations that are preferred places to call home.”
The total dollar amount associated with the entire grants and funding process shall not exceed $10,000 annually. The ideal disbursement of funds would be up to $5,000 for the Chuck Strode Grant and up to $5,000 for the Educational Grant, however, the Board of Directors may disperse in any denomination.
The Grant and Funding process is divided into (3) three categories:
1) “The Chuck Strode Grant” - A formal, annual, competitive grant process for community organizations for funds distribution, once each fiscal year, with grants ranging within the allocated budgeted funds.
2) “The Educational Grant” - A formal, annual, competitive grant process for community organizations for educational purposes, as defined in the application process - requesting of funds for specific requirements associated with education classes in CAI national, Central Florida Chapter, or CAM ICB
3) “The Board of Directors Special Gift” - An Administrative Funding process, where a majority of the Board vote positively to distribute funds for specific projects or causes related to the CFCAI. The special gift may include a CAI Membership for one year to and LCAM with the requirement to attend a minimum of three CAI events per year. Vendors are eligible for this gift if they have been a prior member.
II. “THE ANNUAL CHUCK STRODE GRANT”
1) The CFCAI welcomes grant requests from otherwise eligible recipients. The primary focus of the CFCAI is to provide a resource for the needs of members and associations. Funding for organizations which do not benefit the CFCAI, or a Community Association member will generally not be awarded.
2) Proposals that address established areas of interest are given the highest priority by the CFCAI Board of Directors (BOD).
3) The CFCAI reserves the right to grant or deny all requests.
4) Grant funds are available once annually, unless otherwise determined by the CFCAI BOD.
5) Awards shall not surpass the budgeted and allocated maximum dollar amount detailed in the corresponding fiscal year CFCAI Budget.
6) The CFCAI accepts applications once per calendar year, per applicant. Grants are generally made on a one-time basis.
7) Grant eligibility for each successful grant award is limited to once every year. Organizations that have not received the CFCAI Grant may receive preferential priority over prior recipients of the CFCAI Grant award.
A. ELIGIBLE PROJECT GUIDELINES:
The following are mandatory requirements of the applicant. Failure to comply with individual item shall designate the non-profit ineligible. (a total of 7 points may be achieved)
1) Projects which provide a public benefit to the community as a whole (1 point)
2) Projects which have a long-term positive impact on the community (1 point)
3) Projects with goals which can be accomplished in 12 months or less (1 point)
4) The organization must have been organized for at least (1) one-year before applying for the grant (1 point)
5) 100% of funds must be spent within the geographic area of Central Florida (1 point)
6) If funds are to provide a positive impact to the community, the organization must have an educational component/program in place to support the initiative. (1 point)
7) Educational grants are on reimbursement only; proof of completion is required (receipt required within 30 days of completion)
8) The Association or LCAM must have an existing membership (1 point)
B. APPLICATION PROCESS
1) To make a formal application, complete the attached grant application and mail or email your completed application to:
a. Central Florida Community Association Institute, PO Box 941125, Maitland, Florida 32794
b. Email: exdir@caicf.org
2) Proposals are generally accepted during a specific time in the calendar year and are considered at subsequent Board Meetings after it is verified that all requested information has been provided. The Grant cycle will open in January and may be awarded once per year, as early as June and as late as October.
C. GRANT DECISION PROCESS
1) All requests will be screened by the CFCAI Grants and Funding Committee. This screening committee may decide to grant the request, deny the request, or refer the request to the full Board of Directors for review. This review process may take several months. Personal interviews and site visits may be scheduled with applicant organizations by the Foundation as appropriate.
2) A majority of the vote by CFCAI Board members is needed to approve the grant.
3) Each applicant will be notified in writing shortly after a decision on its proposal has been made.
4) Due to limited funds and/or funding percentage restrictions, many meritorious proposals cannot be approved.
5) Applicants should understand that the CFCAI decision not to make a grant does not necessarily reflect disapproval of the proposal.
D. FOLLOW-UP
1) Grant recipients will be requested to submit a brief progress report periodically and/or at the completion of a project describing what has been accomplished with the funds granted. In addition, written acknowledgement of any financial award is required within 7-days or receipt.
2) Documentation is required with the spending of funds to provide evidence of how the funds were appropriated.
3) It is important to remember that funds granted may only be expended for the purpose granted and that funds not so spent must be returned to the CFCAI, unless other arrangements have been approved by the CFCAI in advance.