Sisters of Charity Foundation Systems-Level Change Funding (US)

Deadline: 15-Aug-21

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is inviting applications for its Systems Change Grants that is intended for organizations that work to influence and guide change in structural systems that have created, sustained or reinforced the marginalization of families and individuals experiencing poverty in South Carolina.

Organizations that qualify for this category of funding have identified one or more barriers to address and they are working with many parts of a system to reduce or eliminate that barrier long term.

Examples include organizations conducting research that can undergird systems-level change; organizations informing government policy that will result in more effective and equitable practices; and/ or organizations creating innovative solutions to address systemic issues that prevent families and individuals who are experiencing poverty to be healthy, safe and economically mobile.

Funding Information

Organizations should request the amount that meets their needs and will make the most impact on the proposed program, taking into consideration the median grant size for grants in this focus area is typically $25,000.

Grant Criteria

The organization brings diverse people together to learn about the whole system and its parts more clearly and coordinates a range of interventions.
Organization works collaboratively across sectors including but not limited to federal, state and local governments, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, funders, the business community, and the constituents being effected.
The goals and strategies of the organization will be long-term and based on extensive research, planning, evaluation, continuous learning, and integration of diverse perspectives.
Clear evidence exists that the organization has immersed itself in understanding what is holding the structural problem in place before tackling the problem.

General Criteria

Organizations that qualify for consideration for funding must be able to demonstrate the following:

A clear understanding of poverty in the community being served.
Programming that is well-informed by the use of research and/or best practice models.
Clear measurements of success.
Partnerships with other nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations and/or government entities.
Programs engage the community that is being served.
Evidence of other funding sources or potential sources.
A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in both organizational practices and program delivery.
Clear Connection to the Foundation’s Mission and values
All programs are open to and accessible to all individuals experiencing poverty who qualify for program services regardless of race, country of origin, religion, or citizenship status.
Able to provide documentation of nonprofit status.
Organization has been fully operating for at least one (1) year.
An operating budget.
Recipients of services are in South Carolina.
Align with Together SC’s guiding principles and best practices for nonprofits in South Carolina
Organizations adhere to lobbying limits established by the federal government for organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation.

How to Apply

Review their General Guidelines.
Review their Focus Areas:
- Immediate Needs;
- Breaking the Cycle;
- Systems Change.
Select the Focus Area that most closely aligns with your organization’s programming.
Submit an inquiry. (The inquiry form will be available January 15) NOTE: the Foundation will only accept one inquiry per organization per grant cycle.
Staff will review your inquiry and respond within 2 weeks of submission.
If the inquiring organization meets the mission of the foundation and the criteria of the chosen focus area, foundation staff will provide an application link with instructions of how to apply for funding.