National Freedom of Information Coalition

Grant Procedures and Application

Grant deadline is October 15, 2008

The National Freedom of Information Coalition protects the public's right to oversee its government.

Toward that end, NFOIC offers some $220,000 annually in pass-through grants to NFOIC members who have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to:

  • foster the creation and growth of state FOI coalitions;
  • assist with projects furthering public access to government records and meetings; and
  • ensure the public's right to oversee its government.

For assistance in formulating ideas for the grant, please contact Charles Davis at 573.882.5736 or daviscn@missouri.edu. You can read about members' recent efforts here.

The grant application deadline has passed.

Two (2) complete applications—one hard copy and one electronic—must be submitted to NFOIC. The electronic application, including the document and all attachments, can be sent via email or CD-ROM. Physical and virtual addresses are listed on the last page of the application.

You must complete the grant application in full, which includes a SUBCONTRACT INFORMATION SHEET and the PROJECT FUNDING INFORMATION with the following attachments: an Invoice (Attachment A), an IRS Letter (Attachment B), a Form 990 (Attachment C), and a Cover Letter (Attachment D).

For specific questions regarding the completion of the application, please contact Denise Meyers at 573.882.4856 or meyersd@missouri.edu.

Grant Application Examples

Example of an invoice
Example of a cover letter
For information regarding 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, you can visit the Internal Revenue Service's site and read Publication 4220 (PDF/Adobe Acrobat File).

NFOIC Grant Guidelines

Who's eligible?

Active NFOIC members who have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

What can be funded?

Projects will be evaluated upon their creativity and educational value, as well as on the project's potential to strengthen access in the state. A preference will be given to projects that are educational and enlightening in the area of First Amendment rights, the public's right to know and freedom of information.

While the NFOIC will not define what projects may be funded because of its inability to know all the possibilities, here are some successful project characteristics:

  • Presents new ideas: is creative and has educational value
  • Increases FOI educational outreach
  • Promises sustainability
  • Can be easily reproduced in other states
  • Will raise the group's profile in the community
  • Will bring in new members
  • Has matching or additional funds
  • Is partnered with another viable organization

Some new categories we now will fund include:

  • General operating funds (to be used for startups, and to encourage growth and expansion)
  • Production costs of films, videos or television programs
  • Web projects
  • Advocacy efforts

NFOIC prefers not to fund but still will consider:

  • Advertising
  • Research for books
  • Conferences

What cannot be funded?

NFOIC will not fund:

  • Operating deficits
  • Lobbying efforts
  • Fundraising campaigns or dinners
  • Honorariums/Memorials
  • Travel (unless associated with a project)

How do I apply?

Complete the grant application in full, which includes a SUBCONTRACT INFORMATION SHEET and the PROJECT FUNDING INFORMATION with the following attachments: an Invoice (Attachment A), an IRS Letter (Attachment B), a Form 990 (Attachment C), and a Cover Letter (Attachment D).

How will the results of the project be measured?

In order to receive project funding, a detailed process for measuring the results must accompany the funding application. The application should clearly answer the following questions:
  • Who will be responsible for the success of the project? The NFOIC will require that one person be accountable for the success of the project.
  • When can I ask for funding for our project? There are two project funding cycles per year, typically in the fall and mid-spring. Notification of project funding will be given within a month of funding decisions.

Grant Documents (Word)

Grant Application

Grant Application Examples

For information regarding 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, you can visit the Internal Revenue Service's site and read Publication 4220 (PDF/Adobe Acrobat File).

For more information about the application process, please contact:

NFOIC
Missouri School of Journalism
133 Neff Annex
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone -- 573.882.5736
meyersd@missouri.edu