root2fruit grants provide resources for local small organizations to build their capacity to thrive and succeed. root2fruit is a project of the Evanston Community Foundation, in partnership with the Mammel Foundation.  The Mammel Foundation originated root2fruit in its home city of Omaha, Nebraska.   root2fruit grants provide funding, mentoring and peer partnerships to grantees.

Watch a short informational video about root2fruit here.

Benefits to Grantees

Each year, an advisory board reviews proposals submitted by local organizations; finalists are invited to meet with the advisory board.  Up to three grants are recommended to the Foundation for approval. Grantees benefit from:

• Up to $10,000 each in the initial year
• Eligibility for continuing funding (up to a total of $30,000) for up to three years
• Access to resources and mentors through the root2fruit board
• Scheduled grantee meetings to discuss work in progress and to gain knowledge in board development, resource development, marketing, and other key organizational challenges.
• A peer network of fellow grant recipients and board members

Application Process

Applicants submit a simple application that:

• Describes their organization
• Explains their idea and how it was conceived
• Summarizes plans and work to date, including other funders, collaborators, staff, etc
• Defines how the money will be used to strengthen the organization
• Outlines plans to sustain the idea after root2fruit funding ends

Applications for 2009 were due October 6, 2008.  Finalists will be contacted in late October to schedule an interview for November 14. Grants will be announced in December. root2fruit's purpose is to build organizational capacity.  Proposals that envision specific projects will not be funded within this program.  This is an initiative for small organizations.