The Kohl’s Cares program is a philanthropic initiative of Kohl’s Department Stores, aimed at supporting communities nationwide. But what is the Kohl’s Cares program specifically when it comes to grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations? This article will delve into the details of the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program, a grant program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible nonprofits making a difference in their local areas. Understanding the intricacies of this program, from application to grant distribution, is crucial for any nonprofit seeking funding to bolster their community initiatives.
Understanding the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program
The Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program is a grant initiative that offers financial support to tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These grants are intended to empower organizations that are actively working to improve their communities across various sectors. The program focuses on providing funding within specific categories, ensuring that diverse community needs are addressed.
Program Overview and Mission
The core mission of the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program is to strengthen local communities by investing in the organizations that serve them directly. This program recognizes the vital role nonprofits play in addressing critical issues and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By providing grants, Kohl’s Cares aims to amplify the impact of these organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and deepen their positive influence. The program operates within defined grant application periods and categories, ensuring a structured and fair distribution of funds.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving grant, organizations must meet specific criteria. The primary requirement is that the applicant organization must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity. During the initial registration process on the program website, organizations are required to provide their Employer Identification Number (EIN) to verify their 501(c)(3) status.
Furthermore, the application must be submitted by an authorized representative of the organization – the Application Contact. This individual must be administrative personnel with supervisory responsibility over organizational policy matters. This ensures that the application is submitted with the full knowledge and consent of the organization’s leadership. It is important to note that only one application per organization will be reviewed; if multiple applications are submitted for the same organization, only the first one received will be considered.
Applying for a Kohl’s Cares Grant: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program is conducted entirely online through the program website, www.KohlsCaresHometownGiving.com. The application period is announced in advance, and all applications must be submitted within this timeframe. Late submissions are not considered. The application is structured in several key sections, each requiring specific information from the applying organization.
Organization Registration
The first step in applying is Organization Registration. This involves navigating to the program website and clicking the “Register Now” button. The registration process includes:
- Eligibility Questionnaire: Organizations must complete an eligibility questionnaire, which includes providing their EIN. Successful verification of 501(c)(3) status is necessary to proceed.
- Application Contact Information: Detailed contact information for the authorized Application Contact is required, including name, title, email address, phone number, and the organization’s website URL. The Application Contact will also need to create a password to manage their application.
- Agreement to Official Rules and Privacy Policy: Applicants must carefully review and agree to the Official Rules and Privacy Policy of the program by checking the designated boxes. This agreement includes confirming the Application Contact’s authority to submit the application and the accuracy of the information provided. Failure to agree to these terms will prevent the organization from proceeding with the application.
Grant Request: Description and Budget
Once the organization registration is complete, applicants can move on to the Grant Request section. This section is critical as it details how the grant funds will be used if awarded. It is divided into two key parts: Description and Budget.
- Grant Request: Description: This section requires a detailed description of the program or project for which the grant funds are being requested. Applicants need to specify:
- The issue(s) the program will address in the community.
- The population that will benefit from the program.
- The metrics and analytics that will be used to measure the program’s success and impact.
- Grant Request: Budget: This section focuses on the financial aspects of the grant request. Applicants must provide:
- The organization’s 2023 Annual Revenue.
- The names and grant amounts of the Organization’s Top 3 Donors from 2023.
- The Requested Grant Amount: Organizations can apply for a grant between $5,000 and $25,000.
- A detailed budget outlining specific, good faith estimates of how the grant money will be spent. It is crucial to note that requests for unrestricted funds will not be considered. The budget must demonstrate that the funds will be used for a specific program or project.
- Disclosure of any co-funding from other sources for the proposed program.
Additional Information (Optional)
The application also includes an optional “Additional Information” section. While completing this section is not mandatory and does not affect the scoring of the application, organizations may use this space to provide any extra details they believe would strengthen their application.
Completing all sections of the Organization Registration, Grant Request Description, Budget, and Additional Information constitutes a complete Grant Application. It is imperative that the entire Grant Application is submitted by the specified deadline.
Grant Review and Selection Process
After the Grant Application Period closes, all submitted applications undergo a thorough review process conducted by the Administrator and/or Sponsor. The approval process is competitive and based on a set of predefined criteria. The review is conducted in two phases to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Review Criteria
The evaluation of Grant Applications is based on how well they address specific questions, each aligned with key criteria. The primary criteria for evaluating applications are outlined in the following table:
| Scored Grant Application Questions | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Describe how this Kohl’s Cares grant will be used to support programming at your organization. | The organization clearly outlines a program/project that Kohl’s Cares grant would support–including a description of how the grant will be used, and the intended impact of the program/project for the community. |
| What is the anticipated demographic and geographic reach of this Kohl’s Cares grant? | The requested funding directly makes an impact on the community and the organization is able to measure a quantifiable reach. |
| Please describe how this Kohl’s Cares grant would actively foster diversity, equity, & inclusion among the impacted community | Organization and/or proposed program clearly addresses disparities in diversity and inclusions both within the organization and the populations served. |
| Describe 2-3 specific outcomes/successes your organization will achieve through this Kohl’s Cares grant. | The organization clearly states 2-3 ways in which they will be able to quantify and report outcomes/ success of Kohl’s Cares funding. |
These criteria emphasize the clarity of the proposed program, its community impact, its reach, its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the organization’s ability to measure and report on outcomes. Meeting these criteria effectively is essential for a successful application.
Notification and Grant Distribution
Organizations will be notified of their grant application status via email on or around October 7, 2024. This notification will be sent to the Application Contact’s registered email address.
- Grant Approval: If an application is approved, the Application Contact may be required to complete, sign, and return a Grant Acceptance Form within a specified timeframe. This form may include an Affidavit of Compliance and other documentation to substantiate that the grant funds will be used for eligible expenses as outlined in the application.
- Grant Rejection: If an application is not approved, the notification email will inform the organization of this decision.
Grant monies are distributed as checks made out to the awarded organizations. Distribution is anticipated to occur in late October or early November 2024. Organizations will receive an email notification when their check is mailed. It is important to note that grant recipients are responsible for any costs exceeding the grant amount and for complying with all tax and reporting requirements related to the grant funds.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Understanding the program timeline is crucial for timely application and follow-up. Key dates for the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program include:
- Grant Application Period: Begins on or after 12:00 am C.T. on August 12, 2024, and ends at 5:00 pm C.T. on August 23, 2024.
- Grant Application Status Notification: On or about October 7, 2024.
- Grant Acceptance Form Deadline: Friday, October 18, 2024.
- Grant Confirmation Email: By Friday, October 18, 2024.
- Grant Distribution: Anticipated in late October/early November 2024.
Important Terms and Conditions
Participating in the Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program involves agreeing to certain terms and conditions. These include:
- Application Restrictions: Kohl’s and the Administrator are not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, or misdirected applications. All application materials become the property of Kohl’s and will not be returned.
- Indemnification: By applying, organizations agree to indemnify and hold harmless Kohl’s, the Administrator, and their affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from participation in the program.
- License to Use Organization Information: Organizations grant Kohl’s a perpetual license to use their name, logo, and publicly available information for promotional purposes.
- Program Modification or Termination: Kohl’s reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the program if unforeseen circumstances arise.
- Disputes: Any disputes related to the program will be resolved in Wisconsin courts and are subject to Wisconsin law.
- Privacy Policy: Applicant information is subject to Kohl’s Privacy Policy, available on their website.
Conclusion
The Kohl’s Cares Hometown Giving Program represents a significant opportunity for nonprofit organizations to secure funding for vital community programs. What is the Kohl’s Cares program in essence? It is a commitment by Kohl’s to give back to the communities they serve by supporting the dedicated work of local nonprofits. By understanding the program’s guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application process, eligible organizations can effectively apply for a grant and potentially enhance their ability to make a positive impact. Nonprofits are encouraged to visit the official program website, www.KohlsCaresHometownGiving.com, for complete details and to begin the application process during the open application period.
