FAQs

Become a Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program (GHCOP) volunteer.

GHCOP conducts a training session, and a “Newbie” is supported by their team leader, most of whom have been working as a volunteer for years. The volunteers are dedicated to the program and report great satisfaction and joy from their work to improve others’ lives.

That is correct, and we made those grants through our Regular Program and our Strategic Summer Fund. All agencies must use the funds in the calendar year awarded and for the benefit of Indian River County residents. The focus is on programs conducted which address food insecurity, mental health, homelessness, education and seniors. GHCOP favors many programs which benefit residents in Gifford.

GHCOP invites agencies in the IRC to submit online applications through a cooperative program set up by United Way. After receiving the completed application along with supporting documents (including financial statements), the GHCOP Philanthropy Committee reviews the applications, our financial analysts review all financial information and a team of volunteers visits the agency and conducts interviews of their board, executive director, some staff and observes the operation of the programs conducted by the agencies. Often the team meets participants in the program.

Then, the team prepares its written recommendations, including the amount of money they would like to see the agency receive. That recommendation is reviewed by the chairs of the Philanthropy Committee (PC). Then, the PC Chairs prepare a recommendation to the Board of Directors of the GHCOP of the amount of the awards given the projected availability of funds raised by GHCOP. The Board reviews the recommendations, asks their questions and votes on the agencies to receive the funds and amount of the award.

Many of the agencies have been working with GHCOP for years and GHCOP has developed confidence in those organizations. Other agencies reach out to GHCOP and want to participate. Agencies also are identified by the GHCOP Philanthropy Co-Chairs based upon their interaction in the County. The Co-Chairs often conduct interviews of new agencies or agencies deemed “troubled” prior to issuing an invitation.