Society for the Preservation Of Old Mills (SPOOM) is offers grant money for certain Mill Related Projects:
	SPOOM Grant Deadline July 15, 2007 All applications for SPOOM grants must be submitted to Harold Rapp, Grant Committee 37 Tulip Ln. Colts Neck, NJ 07722 Grant Guidelines are available on the SPOOM website (www.spoom.org) or upon request from the committee. GRANT PAYMENT FORM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) seeks application for grants for Mill Related Projects. SPOOM is a nonprofit organization which promotes interest in the preservation of old mills, SPOOM grants are intended to assist in the general repair of old mills (structures and mechanism) or research of information dedicated to furthering the knowledge about old mills and related. Grants will also be considered for those needing funds to match other local, state or federal grant programs. Types of Grants There are two types of SPOOM Grants considered: 1. General Grants: This category is for small repair projects - such as structural or mechanical repair, interpretive signs, etc. Restoration projects will receive priority. 2. Research Grants: Includes research into mills or milling related subjects. Persons seeking support for work leading toward a degree are not eligible. While there is no set amount for which application may be made, the SPOOM Board of Directors reserves the right to fund all or part of the requested grant. Funding for SPOOM Grants are limited, so applicants are asked to only request one type of grant per year. Grants are on a 50/50 matching grant basis. Proof of matched funds, or documented inkind service, will be requested by the SPOOM Board of Directors Criteria To be eligible for a SPOOM Grant, the Mill/Group must: 1. Be supported by a non-profit organization. The following should accompany the grant request: a. A copy of the IRS letter indicating eligibility for non-profit status (501 C-3). A state or foreign equivalent is also acceptable. b. A copy of the organization's articles of incorporation, present list of officers and a letter of request signed by the head of the organization. 2. Be open to the Public. A copy of the brochure or letter verifying the days and hours of operation should be included. 3. Individuals applying for a SPOOM Research Grant must be affiliated with an organization meeting the criteria listed above. How to Apply for Grants General Grants A written application and three copies, describing how the grants will be used, must include: 1. Amount of funds being requested. 2. Cost estimates provided by a contractor. 3. Estimated completion date. 4. Other information in the eligibility criteria. Additional information that would be useful to help the Board make a decision: 1. Photographs of the mill and the grant project. 2. Brief history of the mill including its present operation. 3. Distinguishing designations (National Register etc.). Research Grants A written application and three copies for funds to do mill-related research will include: 1. Brief discussion of the topic. 2. One Page outline of the project. 3. Itemized list of the proposed expenses (Travel, Copying, etc.). 4. The applicant's resume detailing applicable work experience, including: a. Work experience related to mill-type activities. b. Record of applicant education including dates and degrees c. List of any publications. d. List of any award and grants received during the last three years. 5. Three letters of reference providing information about the applicant and the proposed grant application. 6. Three copies of the completed research will be supplied to the SPOOM Archives. Decisions to fund research will be based on the following: 1. The significance of the contribution that the proposed project will make to the preservation or understanding of mills or milling. 2. The conception, definition, organization and description of the requested project. 3. The likelihood that the applicant will complete the entire project. 4. The support of a mill related group with the eligibility criteria. Where to Mail Grant Requests All grant applications are to be mailed to the current Vice President of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. The address for the Vice President is listed in the Old Mill News, along with all of the Board of Directors of SPOOM. All Grants must be completed within the calendar year of the award. Grant money not used during the grant year will be canceled and must be reapplied for future consideration. When Grants are Considered Upon receipt of the grant applications, the Vice President will send a copy of the application to the members of the Grant Committee (which includes the Vice President and no less than two members of the Board of Directors) for their recommendation. The full SPOOM Board of Directors will consider the recommendation of the committee at the Annual Board meeting held during the Annual Conference each year. Final decision of grant recipients will be made by a vote of the entire Board. Consideration of grants, other than at the Annual Board Meeting, may be requested by the Vice-president, if he deems an immediate need exists. This type of request would require written Board Approval. Payment of Grants Following the awarding of the grants, the Vice-president will notify all applicants in writing whether their grant was awarded or denied. Grant Award Plaques will be supplied to all grant recipients. All requests for payment of grants should be made, in writing and with proper documentation, to the SPOOM Treasurer. General Grants: Recipients will be required to show dated proof of payment for completed services or material after which SPOOM will reimburse the recipient 50% of the agreed upon expenses not to exceed the total amount of the awarded grant. Request for payment may be on a receipt by receipt basis, or all at once. Research Grants: A one-time payment of the award will be made to the recipient. Request for payment with any appropriate receipt should be made in writing to the SPOOM Treasurer.