Clara Moss
Research Mentor(s): Pam Debono
Mentor Department: Samaritas
Authors: Pamela Debono, Jessica Sweeney, Clara Moss
Session: Session 7 (4:00pm – 4: 50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 37
Abstract
Samaritas is a nonprofit serving Michigan and working around four pillars: Housing, Humankind, Healing, and Hope. Their served communities include refugees, youth in foster care, families experiencing poverty, and mental health and addiction survivors. The work done by Samaritas is made possible by grants from foundations and organizations. In this project, research was conducted regarding potential grants, including the typical grant amount, funded regions, and interest areas. This information was recorded in an Airtable database, allowing for easy access to and viewing of grant information in a spreadsheet format. These variables were, then, matched with aspects of Samaritas’ programs that met the grant criteria. Certain funding options were marked as priority, indicating that they’re the best option. Results were seen, quantitatively, in the amount of money provided, or not provided, by grants. The size of grants given by certain organizations provides an indicator of how much the services in Samaritas will be capable of. On the other hand, qualitatively, results portrayed the certain programs that will be funded within Samaritas. Although this research project is ongoing, more and more information on grant-giving is acquired throughout continued work. Based on trends in approved or denied grant applications, future grant research can be guided by successes in the past, in order for Samaritas to know how to best fund programs. Results also pointed to how to obtain funding, through successful communication with funders and portrayal of programs. One avenue that guides future research is the status of an organization. The latest research for Samaritas explores community foundations around Michigan, which potentially will fund programs that Samaritas provides throughout the state. Finally, witnessing the impacts of the funding demonstrates the true importance of grant applications. The work that Samaritas does would not be possible without funding from other organizations.
