How to Apply

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Please note - we are currently not accepting new LOIs but hope to have an update by the end of February, 2010. Please check back for updates.

Nonprofit organizations seeking to start or implement a community enterprise utilizing technology to achieve economic empowerment and/or increase civic engagement in underserved communities are invited to apply for a Pipeline Investment by sending a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

ZeroDivide has no set deadlines for submitting materials. Given the nature of our funding process we receive and review applications on a rolling basis and award grants throughout the year. Upon receipt of an LOI we will contact you within 6 weeks with the status of your request.  

Each Pipeline LOI will be reviewed for a match to the ZeroDivide investment goals.

Those determined to have the best match will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Eligible organizations seeking an investment from ZeroDivide must be prepared to track and report enterprise outcomes as well as specific results that demonstrate measurable social impact. In the application, organizations must indicate the targeted outcomes and what results, as specified on the application, the organization will measure.

Pipeline LOI’s must address the following areas, in no more than 2-3 pages. Please be succinct. If you are invited to submit a full proposal, you will have an opportunity to more fully describe your community enterprise.

Please note the the LOI application process contains two parts.

1. You must first register on our website (LINK CURRENTLY DISABLED SINCE WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME). You will then be sent an email with instructions and a link to a web form cover sheet to complete and a Word document template to fill out with the narrative portion of your proposal.
2. The narrative portion will need to be submitted as an attachment to grants@zerodivide.org. Your application will not be considered complete until both portions have been received.

Please indicate the following:

• Contact Name (person(s) submitting the LOI)
• Organization name
• Address, phone, fax, email
• Website
• Indicate your non profit status:
  • tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization and not a private foundation under section 509(a);
  • not a 501(c)(3), but have a fiscal sponsor (please name fiscal sponsor and contact information)

Community Enterprise Description (not to exceed 1 page)

• What is the compelling community enterprise opportunity? Why is it uniquely needed?
• Who and where is your target market/audience? (ie community, population, demographic, geography)
• Please describe how your community enterprise matches the goals of ZeroDivide’s e-democracy and community assets program areas. If your enterprise has a policy and/or advocacy component, please describe.
• What community level social impacts and outcomes do you hope to achieve? Share with us your indicators of success.
• How will your community enterprise address cultural competency and disability access issues?

Operations, Capacity, and Timeline (not to exceed 1 page)

• Describe briefly how the integration of this technology into your organization’s approach impacted your target audience and/or improved your organizations effectiveness.
• What competencies does your organization have to implement the proposed program (please include management, governance and program staff expertise)?
• If you have a revenue model, what are your financial impact objectives?
• What is your timeframe for implementation?
• What will be the new impact of this on your organization’s capacity building and internal effectiveness?

Technology (not to exceed 1/2 page)

• What is the critical role of technology in this community enterprise?
• How are mobile applications, wireless access, or social media technologies a critical part of this venture?
• What is your plan for deployment of this technology?

Budget and Finance (Request cannot exceed $75,000, not to exceed 1/2 page)

• What do you estimate is the total cost of your enterprise?
• How much capital do you have available to have to launch your community enterprise? Please identify any current or pending funding partners.
• Please indicate other pending proposals of funding opportunities you are currently seeking to support this venture. Identify the funding source(s) and grant request you are seeking. Is receipt of this funding contingent upon support from ZeroDivide?

Please register to begin the LOI application

ZeroDivide has no set deadlines for submitting materials. Given the nature of our funding process we receive and review applications on a rolling basis and award grants throughout the year. Upon receipt of an LOI we will contact you within 6 weeks with the status of your request.

Questions

Please feel free to contact us with any questions at info@zerodivide.org.

If you have any questions about this LOI please read our Investment Guidelines and FAQs.

Because we strive to make our communications accessible for all, please email or call us at (415) 773-0388 if you need the LOI in pdf, word document, or other accessible format.