TRYathlon Grant Program: Submit a Letter of Inquiry

A Letter of Inquiry is the required first step in submitting funding requests to be considered by the Sisters In Service TRYathlon Giveback Committee. The Letter of Inquiry helps in determining whether a funding request qualifies for consideration before the applicant invests time and effort in completing a full grant proposal.

The requirements and instructions provided here are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the TRYathlon grant cycle. Program requirements may change from year to year; therefore, grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process.

Purpose and Overview 
The TRYathlon Grant Program is an outgrowth of the Sisters In Service Women's TRYathlon and monies raised during the last three years.  Leading the grant review process, the TRYathlon Giveback Committee will review requests for funding and make grant recommendations to the appropriate Sisters In Service oversight committees and Community Foundation governing boards.

In 2009 the TRYathlon Giveback Committee will consider Letters of Inquiry for projects or programs that address issues and needs relating to health and fitness and/or recreation opportunities for Knox County women and children.  At least one grant will be awarded to a nonprofit charitable organization serving Knox County women and children.  Multiple grants may be awarded from the total amount available.  The amount available for grantmaking during the 2009-2010 grant cycle is $12,000. 

Grant Cycle
The TRYathlon grant cycle will run from August 2009 through January 2010. Funding requests will be accepted from August through the September deadline. Requests submitted after the September deadline will not be considered.  At the start of the grant cycle, a notice will be sent to nonprofit organizations that have applied for or received grants in the past from the Knox County Community Foundation or that have otherwise requested notification of the start of the grant cycle.

Eligibility
The TRYathlon Giveback Committee welcomes Letters of Inquiry from nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving Knox County women and children.  Funding requests from other nonprofit organizations to carry out charitable projects or activities that support the focus of the TRYathlon Grant Program may be accepted.

Fiscal Sponsors
Funding requests submitted by an entity under the auspices of another agency must include a written statement signed by the agency's board president on behalf of the board of directors agreeing to act as the entity's fiscal sponsor, to receive grant monies if awarded, and to oversee the proposed project.

Instructions for Submitting a Letter of Inquiry
Letters of Inquiry should be no more than two type-written pages. Include contact information (name, telephone number, email address) and attach a copy of your organization's IRS determination letter.  Submit a Letter of Inquiry that addresses the following:

• Project description
• What need does the project address?
• What is the expected impact to women and children in Knox County?
• What is the estimated cost of the project and the amount being requested? What are the other sources of funding, if needed?
• Is partnership or collaboration with other agencies anticipated? If so, please list the names of the agencies along with a summary of each partner's roles and responsibilities.
• Is your organization using a fiscal sponsor? If so, describe the sponsoring organization and its relationship to the project.

Deadline to Submit a Letter of Inquiry
The original and five copies of the Letter of Inquiry (only ONE copy of the 501(c)(3) determination letter is required) must be received by the Knox County Community Foundation office no later than September 21, 2009.

Deliberation
The TRYathlon Giveback Committee will review Letters of Inquiry and select applicants to submit formal proposals. Once the committee has completed its review of the proposals, it will make its recommendations on funding to the Sisters In Service TRYathlon Planning Committee and the Sisters In Service Steering Committee.  Final funding recommendations will then be made to the Knox County Community Foundation Board of Trustees and to the Community Foundation Alliance Board of Directors (our governing body). No lobbying or soliciting of committee or board members will be permitted.

Grant Period
Funded projects must be completed within one year from the date the grant is received.