Meta Data Center Community Action Grants Program - Henrico Data Center

Frequently asked questions

• How does the application process work?

  We aim to make the application process as quick and easy as possible.

  You will be asked to fill out a form sharing information about your organization and project, including a project description, its potential impact and scope, along with some other details. We will review your application in the context of the fund criteria and other applications. If it is allocated funding, you will then have to complete some very simple steps within 30 days including signing a partnership agreement, reading through the impact reporting requirements, and sharing a post on your ChangeX project page.

• How many applications can my organization submit?

  An organization may submit only one (1) application, with the exception of schools, who may apply for multiple grants within their school system.

  We encourage schools and school districts to notify the Superintendent of desired grants and collaborate when possible to ensure the most competitive and feasible applications are submitted.

• How will grant recipients be determined?

  After the application window has closed, applications will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria (listed above). Those that meet all criteria will be evaluated based on whether the application demonstrates a commitment to projects that address critical community needs within the fund’s themes, potential impact on the population, clarity of project plan, timeline, and measurable impact outcomes. The applications most aligned with the fund’s goals will be awarded funding.

  ChangeX and Meta decide which applicants will be accepted, what the funds can be used for, documentation requirements, and whether the relevant criteria for payment have been met, prior to the approval of a project. ChangeX may request further information and documentation as it reasonably deems necessary, and can set further reasonable requirements or criteria during the application process or throughout the project. ChangeX has no commitment to extend grants to applicants, as the applications are subject to the review and decision of ChangeX for approval, at the suggestion of Meta.

• What can and can’t funding be used for?

  The funding received must be used exclusively for the charitable project identified in the grant application and cannot result in any profits that will not be utilized for charitable purposes. All funds allocated should be used within one year of the award payment date.

  Funds can be used to cover:

  • Direct costs for the set-up or maintenance of the project
  • Salaries for staff who will work directly on the project
  • Infrastructure projects as long as the core of the project reflects one of the three fund themes

  Funds can’t be used to cover:

  • Cost of work that has already been carried out or anything that is not related to the setup and maintenance of the community project.
  • Cash disbursements, vouchers, or stipends to beneficiaries or donors
  • Unrestricted funding or budget buffers
  • Sub-grants to for profit organisations
  • Promotion of or engagement in criminal acts of violence, terrorism, hate crimes, or discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religion, military and veteran status, disability, sex, age, gender identity or sexual orientation, destruction of any state, or support of any entity that engages in these activities.
  • Any propaganda or attempt to influence legislation or the outcome of any specific public election.
• What are the reporting requirements and funding process?

  The funding allocated to your project will be unlocked once your application has been reviewed and allocated funding by the ChangeX Team and you have completed a few simple steps including: signing a partnership agreement, reviewing the impact reporting requirements, and providing your organization’s bank account details.

  Once your project has been completed, you are required to share the outcomes of your project by completing an impact survey and sharing a summary and photos on the ChangeX website. Your project should be completed with all grant funds spent within 12 months of receiving the grant funds.

• How will I receive the funding?

  Your organization must have a bank account to receive funding.

  Once you’ve successfully completed the required steps, you can enter your bank details on the ChangeX website to facilitate the bank transfer through the secure payment provider, Wise. ChangeX will then review your application and completion of the initial requirements to make sure all elements have been completed successfully before making the transfer to your account.

• How can I ask for accessibility support?

  If you require any additional support to complete the application process or access resources, please contact [email protected] and we will help.