The Community Foundation of NCW announces changes to its grant programs to improve and expand the funding support for nonprofits in the region: Helping Hands Grants, Regional Impact Grants, and the Give NCW crowdfunding campaign.

The new Helping Hands Grant program provides up to $2,500 to support unexpected needs or special funding opportunities where a small investment could make a big difference. Starting July 1st, applications for Helping Hands Grants are accepted on an ongoing basis. Grants are approved and awarded every other month.

The Regional Impact Grant (RIG) program is the foundation’s largest funding opportunity for nonprofits in the NCW region, supporting general operating needs and/or specific projects through a competitive grant process.

The program will be offered once per year and no longer has a funding cap, providing more opportunities for nonprofits to make a bigger impact through their work.

All applicants will submit their application online and participate in a site visit with foundation staff and board to learn more about their organization and request. The foundation’s Board of Trustees will award grants to 25 applicants.

In partnership with the Wenatchee World, the foundation will be hosting a new online crowdfunding campaign called Give NCW. Through an online catalog, Give NCW will list the 25 RIG award recipients and the amount remaining to complete their project.

Each year the foundation receives more requests than funds available. Give NCW provides an opportunity for the public to learn about and support the nonprofits that are improving the quality of life in their communities.

“We took a very thoughtful look at how the RIG program was supporting the nonprofit sector and determined that changing the program for greater funding support could make a bigger impact in our communities,” said Denise Sorom, the foundation’s Director of Community Philanthropy.

“With Helping Hands, we are still able to support smaller requests. With Give NCW we are better able to support larger requests by leveraging the philanthropic dollars in the community.”

Give NCW is an annual program that will begin on Thanksgiving Day through December 31. Anyone can donate in any amount to the nonprofits listed on the Give NCW catalog.

Bonus funding incentives will be given throughout the campaign to bolster engagement and create a fun, rewarding giving experience.

Helping Hands and Regional Impact Grants are open to 501c3 nonprofit organizations and public agencies (except for public schools) in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties.

Applications open July 1, 2015.

For more information or to apply, visit www.cfncw.org/grants.