Self Development Fund: Application Information
Deadlines
The Self Development Fund Committee has suspended funding for SEED grants and Matching Funds grants at this time. Funds are available for Mini-Retreat Grants. Please e-mail sdf@cpcwnc.org for complete guidelines and application for a Mini-Retreat Grant.
Mini-Retreat Grants will be reviewed by the Review Committee on a quarterly cycle with deadlines on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. In most cases, applicants will receive a response from the Review Committee within a month of the deadline.
Mini-Retreat Grants
Purpose
CPC and the SDF Committee believe that the work of grassroots groups can only be sustained if the individuals who make up those groups are healthy, energized, and committed. Burnout and lack of self-care are all too prevalent among those engaged in the movement for social justice.
We want to model self-care and provide opportunities for retreat, rejuvenation, and re-commitment through a Mini-Retreat Grant. A retreat in this case is different from both a vacation and from professional development (such as a conference). The Committee’s intent in providing this grant is reflected in this quote from stone circles: “…a retreat is a period of time of committed engagement to the work of our inner lives.”
Use of Funds
Grants will provide up to $500 for the retreat. Funds could be used for mileage to a retreat center, lodging or donation at a center, registration for a facilitated retreat, or other related uses approved by the committee.
Either individuals or groups may apply. A group applicant must be a CPC grassroots partner group. An individual applicant must be working with a CPC grassroots partner group. If an individual applies, the application must be accompanied by a letter of support from the grassroots organization.
Restrictions
A group may receive only one Mini-Retreat Grant per year, whether for a group of people or an individual from that organization. Receiving a Mini-Retreat Grant does not prevent a group from receiving either a Seed Grant or a Matching Funds Grant from the Self Development Fund.
Process
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to call CPC to discuss their proposal with a staff member.
- Submit application and related materials (see page 2) by the deadline.
- Applications will be reviewed by the Review Committee. The Committee may ask the applicant for more information or clarification, or may give suggestions on how the applicant may improve their application.
- Applicants will be informed of the Committee’s decision, usually within a month. Eligible applicants who are not awarded grants may apply again at a later time. Applicants who are selected to receive a grant will receive more information about when and how funds will be awarded.
- Grantees submit a brief report three months after their retreat, reflecting on how the retreat has affected them and their work.
The Review Committee
The Self Development Fund is run by members of grassroots organizations, for the benefit of grassroots organizations. The Review Committee makes decisions about funding, and also gives the applicant feedback and suggestions for strengthening other grant proposals. Organizations that receive grants may eventually be asked to have a member serve on the Review Committee to help develop the Fund and make decisions about future applications.
Application Forms
The following forms can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format, or by request from any CPC staff member.