Breaking the Cycle Grants for Economic Mobility and Self-Sufficiency (US)

Deadline: 15-Aug-21

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is inviting applications for its Breaking the Cycle Grants that are designed for organizations creating and sustaining pathways to economic mobility and self-sufficiency.

Eligible organizations deliver proven programs that disrupt the cycle of poverty and support long-term, sustainable economic change for individuals, families, and/or communities.

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

A deep understanding of the complex, multi-faceted issues that surround poverty in the community they serve is reflected in the organization’s values, practices, and programming.
Programming is comprehensive and multi-layered in its approach to breaking the cycle of poverty — examples include integrated services and two-generation approaches for families.
Programs have clear short and long-term goals, distinct indicators for success, and can clearly show how participants are moving out of poverty.
Program is informed by research: using long-term data gathered from successful internal implementation and/or based on emerging/best practice models.
Organization carries out effective, ongoing program evaluation and adapts based on lessons learned and participant feedback.
Organization demonstrates effective collaboration and partnerships (both formal and informal) with other organizations.

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.

Review Criteria

Review the General Guidelines.
Review the 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 on how to apply for funding.