grant application procedures
ONLINE GRANT APPLICATION
Eligibility
Organizations are allowed to apply every two years. For example, if you are awarded funding in the Spring 2025 grant cycle, you will be eligible to apply again in the Spring 2027 cycle. Organizations seeking to apply after being denied funding may do so on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Grants Committee. Prior grantees must complete the required follow-up form before submitting a new application.
Applications from organizations outside the Foundation’s service area will not be accepted. This includes statewide and nationwide organizations who may provide services within the Foundation’s service area but do not have local staff, local board members, or a local office.
Organizations seeking to apply in collaboration with a school district must have the school district contact the Foundation first and independently.
Organizations must be tax-exempt and in good standing with the IRS.
Applications from private schools and charter schools will not be accepted.
Applications from organizations who did not interview with the Foundation will be denied automatically.
Documents Needed
The Foundation has now moved to a full online application. This will require you to upload documents that include:
Application Timeframe
The Spring application opens February 1 at 8 a.m. CT and closes April 1 at 7 p.m. CT.
The Fall application opens August 1 at 8 a.m. CT and closes October 1 at 7 p.m. CT.
Please give yourself 45 minutes to complete the online application.
The Foundation’s Staff and Grants Committee will review each application thoroughly. You will be contacted if a site visit, meeting, or conference call is needed to discuss the application in more detail.
Applicants will receive an email notification of the Grants Committee and Board’s funding decision in early May for the Spring cycle and in early November for the Fall cycle.
Applicants who receive a grant award must sign a grant contract and are expected to adhere to the grant agreement terms. This will be sent through the Grantee Portal.