Grant Applicants Guideline

HOUR Grantmaking Procedures

HOURS is a local currency system that aims to promote economic justice, ecological sustainability, community building, food security and diversity. Unlike the centralized economic system, with HOURS we aim to build a healthy local economy that nourishes community and nature. For this reason the HOUR local currency system allocates a portion of the money issued as grants to community groups.

HOUR grant decisions are made at HOUR Exchange Board of Trustee meetings, which are open to all members. In general, we hope to support groups or individuals that are directly benefiting the community.

In reviewing grant applications we may prioritize projects or organizations which help grow and diversify the HOUR local currency system. For instance, we favor projects that spread HOUR currency to a larger rather that smaller number of individuals, particularly those that expose and educate new people about HOURS and/or have their purpose the recruitment of new members.

HOUR Grant Guidelines

The HOUR Exchange makes two kinds of grants. First, community groups may apply for HOUR grants of up to 20 HOURS for work that benefits the community. Second, individuals or families may receive 3-HOUR grants for organizing neighborhood events, which help build community and encourage new member sign-ups. We accept applications all year, but be advised that decisions could take up to 3 months.

Guidelines for groups

1. The organization or community group must be non-profit. For organizations that provide goods or services, priority will be given to those which accept HOURS (for at least partial payment). For organizations that do not provide goods or services, priority will be given to those that accept membership dues in HOURS or provide their constituency information about HOURS.
2. To apply submit a brief proposal stating the organizations mission, summary of the group’s work, the amount requested, describe how they would spend a HOUR grant, and provide a project budget.
3. If the grant is approved, the group must submit a written narrative of how the grant was used. The group is asked to spend the HOURS within six months or to return them.

HOURS will be issued for grants, but are limited to 10% over and above that issued for sign-ups. Decisions on grants are made at general meetings. Please allow 2-3 months for a decision. Members with a conflict of interest with certain projects are required to abstain from final decision making on those grants. Groups may apply every 3 months, but are only eligible to receive one grant per year.

Guidelines for individuals

1. Individuals must be HOUR members.
2. To apply, submit a letter describing your neighborhood event. How will you publicize it? What activities will occur? Where and when is the event? How many people do you expect to come?
3. The host must introduce HOURS and have newsletters available for neighbors to sign-up.
4. Finally, the individual must submit a report on the event in a short letter and send in any new sign ups.

Most individuals that carry through with the event will receive the grant. However, if there is a question as to whether the guidelines have been met someone will contact the applicant for further details. These grants may be denied by consensus of HOUR staff. Please allow one month for final approval.
Individuals may apply for a neighborhood grant every 3 months, but may only receive one grant per year.

These guidelines are subject to change and should be reviewed and updated once a year, or as necessary to reflect the current priorities of the community and respond to the growing membership.

v.1
4/2002