Foundation Policies, Process & Application

Foundation Policies and Process:

The Foundation will make grants totaling up to 5 percent of the Foundation's value at the end of the previous year (initially $1,000,000). All grant requests will be reviewed by the Foundation’s volunteer staff and evaluated according to criteria established by the board of directors. Grants are expected to be in the $1,000-to-$5,000 range. Grant requests outside these parameters, however, will be considered.

The Foundation will:

• Award monetary grants to individuals, organizations and institutions to support worthy endeavors of a charitable nature or purpose, including those activities that are formally exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and publicly supported under section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3);
  
• Give preference to all-volunteer or volunteer-driven programs that engage group dynamics (as distinct from organizations identified with a single individual);
• Provide educational training and technical support free of charge to select organizations if requested;
  
• Establish long-term relationships with other groups and organizations when there is clear demonstration of shared values and complementary goals;
  
• Consider requests from religious and spiritual organizations and institutions, provided the specific purpose of the request is not primarily denominational or sectarian—i.e. does not promote one set of religious values or beliefs to the exclusion of others;
  
• As a general rule, not consider requests for the cost of building projects or salaries;
  
• Prefer to support projects that are supported by other private donors and have the potential to grow and be sustained long-term.
  

General Application Procedure:

Proposal Submission

Applicants should submit a letter, no more than three pages in length, presenting a concise description of the project—its objectives and significance—and the qualifications of the organizations and individuals involved, as an attachment. Included with the letter should be a project budget, the amount of the grant sought from the Foundation, and other sources of support. If applicable, the applicant should submit a copy of the IRS letter confirming the organization’s tax exempt and public support status under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code. All applications should be signed by an individual responsible for the project.

Deadlines for Submission:

Proposals will be accepted for consideration at any time. Meetings between the Foundation staff and applicants, where necessary, will be arranged after the receipt of a written proposal. Final authority for making grants rests with the Board of Directors. The time taken to respond to a specific request may vary.

Pdf version of Application (Print to mail or fax.)

Word version of Application (Download file, fill in, and e-mail.)

Contact Us