Request For Proposal
Small Grants Division
2016.5 – Open Topic
Seeking great projects that will make a lasting difference.
There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out!
Old Russian Proverb
Envisioned Goal: Trinity recognizes there are great needs in many areas relating to
the health of our region. For this reason, we are leaving one of our topics “open” for
those of you with a passion to serve the health needs of our community in ways that
your experience guides. In responding to this “Open Topic”, remember our mission:
Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee extends the healing ministry of Jesus
by improving the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our community.
We seek great partners to enable transformational projects that become a catalyst
for good health in our community. Areas not addressed by our four other topics
would be possibilities in this initiative including, but not limited to: elderly care,
refugees, illiteracy, care for the disabled, cancer support groups and health
information exchange.
Background: Trinity Health Foundation wants to continue to keep our arms and
minds open to any ideas that might be valuable to the health of our
community. While we have selected four health initiatives for 2015, we did not
want to overlook a great opportunity that did not fit into our selected health
initiatives – hence this “open” topic.
We will favor those proposals that are in keeping with our mission and we will only
review opportunities that originate and serve our nine-county region (Knox and the
contiguous counties of Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Loudon, Roane, Sevier
and Union.) Priority will also be given to those proposed projects that pursue clear
metrics for determining success and that provide a plan for sustainability beyond
the Trinity grant. The Trinity Phase I grant (Small Grants Division up to $5,000 and
and three months) is intended to provide funds to study programs that are viable in
other regions while creating an implementable plan that encourages collaboration
and matching funds for implementation. The Phase II grants (Small Grants Division
up to $50,000 and one year) will be selected from the Phase I recipients whose
implementation plans are deemed most impactful for the community in a
sustainable manner beyond the Trinity funding period.
General Granting Philosophy for TRINITY Phase I Grants:
TRINITY requires all lead proposing organizations to have a 501(c)(3) or equivalent
status. While certain tasks within a project can be subcontracted to for-profit
entities, their participation must be under the supervision of the 501(c)(3) bidder.
A single organization can only submit one Phase I grant to Trinity each year, but
organizations are encouraged to partner in supporting roles on as many proposals
as they desire. Phase I grants are for planning and prototyping activities and can
include funds for labor, consultants, travel, overhead and minimal materials if
needed for initial demonstration. Trinity encourages proposals that:
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find successful projects in other regions and bring them to our community,
display a clear knowledge of services in our region and avoid duplication by
intentional collaboration,
reveal a distinct pathway to sustainability and have a matching or in-kind
collaborative approach,
provide definitive metrics for the measurement of success,
implement documented best practices toward goals,
are locally based and serve Knoxville and surrounding contiguous counties
(Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Loudon, Roane, Sevier and Union),
serve a broad demographic in race, gender, age and physical location, and
include a component of faith in their purpose
At the end of the 90 day planning period, a final Phase I report will be due. If
grantee wishes to continue with the Phase II proposal process, a completed Phase II
application will also be due at this time. Only successful Phase I grantees will be
eligible to submit a proposal for Phase II.
Phase II grants are for implementation and can be used for a broad range of
activities beyond the Phase I including, but not limited to, capital facilities,
equipment, training courses, etc. TRINITY strongly suggests, but does not require,
matching funds and/or in-kind support (volunteer labor, use of facilities,
infrastructure development like software, databases, products and websites,
promotion, etc.) for proposed efforts, particularly in Phase II. TRINITY is a faithbased organization, but will consider proposals from non-faith based entities as long
as there is not a conflict with our mission.
Phase I Proposal Outline:
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COVER PAGE (organization info submission at www.TrinityFound.org)
PROPOSAL CONTENT (uploaded electronically as either Word or PDF
document at www.TrinityFound.org)
1) ABSTRACT (250 words or less)
2) NEED/PROBLEM STATEMENT & TARGET
3) MEASURABLE IMPACT
Phase I Proposal Details:
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Cover Page Information submitted online
Body of Proposal (MAXIMUM OF 2 PAGES UPLOADED ELECTRONICALLY)
1) Abstract
 In a 250 word or less abstract/summary, clearly define issue to be
addressed and proposed solution(s). Include a summary of the problem
addressed, the target community/demographic, the expected measurable
impact if successful, any collaborators that you might reach out to in
order to execute the project (local or from other areas) and any
preliminary thoughts on how this project would be financially sustained.
2) Need/Problem Statement and Target
 What is the purpose of the project and who is it expected to benefit?
Describe the specific community problem or need targeted by the
project. Describe the specific population (who and how many) and
geographical area that will be targeted by the project. Describe best
practices being used locally or elsewhere to address this problem
revealing an understanding of the background of related efforts
3) Measurable impact
 How would you measure successful impact? Describe how your project
would impact the target audience and how you would gather information
on progress toward desired goals.
Proposals must be received online at
www.trinityfound.org
by 5:00 p.m. on March 29, 2016.