A new, online application system promises to make it easier for non-profits to apply for grants through the Coquille Tribal Community Fund. The new system will be available to applicants beginning Sept. 1, 2015 with a new application deadline of Nov. 30, 2015. According to Community Fund Administrator Rachele Lyon, the Tribe will do its part to help applicants work through the transition. “This is the biggest change in our grant application process since we created our website in 2006,” Lyon said. “We invite past and present non-profits to apply for funding with our new system. This will be a transition for everyone, so as you begin to use the new system, please feel free to call with any questions.” Organizations can begin the process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry by Oct. 31. This allows staff to review the project to be sure it meets the Community Fund’s criteria. Once approved, applicants have until Nov. 30 to submit their full applications. The grant program is open to non-profit organizations and public agencies. To be eligible for grant funding, projects must be in the Tribe’s five-county service area – Coos, Curry, Lane, Douglas and Jackson Counties – and must be in the areas of education, health, public safety, problem gaming, environmental issues, arts and culture or historic preservation. In last year’s funding cycle, the Tribe provided over $408,000 to 65 community and civic organizations. Grant-seekers can go to www.coquilletribalfund.org to get information on the grant program and begin the application process by following the link to the new system. The site includes steps to create a username, password and profile. The system allows applicants who apply each year to log in and see their past information. Information also may be obtained by calling the Tribal Community Fund Administrators at (541) 756-0904, or by sending an e-mail to info@coquilletribalfund.org.
