Deadline: 11-Sep-20
The Community Foundation of Abilene is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Discretionary Grants Program.
Community Foundation’s goal is to make our community a better place to live by partnering with compassionate people like you. They bring donors’ philanthropic vision to life by building endowments that enrich the quality of life in Abilene and the surrounding areas.
Since 1985, Community Foundation of Abilene (CFA) has awarded more than $100 million in grants to support charitable causes.
How the Foundation work with you to support worthwhile causes for years to come:
- Connect you to causes you care about
- Advise you on strategic giving
- Carefully handle the investment of your gift
- Manage your charitable grants to local causes
- Through your endowment, you can create a legacy of philanthropy that enriches your community.
Grants are awarded from the discretionary and field of interest funds of the CFA. The Community Foundation maintains full discretion over all grant making decisions. CFA will consider funding for operating expenses, special projects, innovative programs, equipment and building needs. Most grants are in the $1,000 to $25,000 range. Larger grants have been made on occasion. The chances of your agency’s proposal being funded are substantially increased if the program or project:
- Proposes practical solutions to community problems;
- Responds to changing or emerging community needs;
- Addresses prevention as well as assistance for a problem;
- Promotes cooperation among nonprofit agencies without duplicating efforts;
- Leverages or generates other funding or resources;
- Promotes volunteer participation and citizen involvement in the community;
- Promotes grants that enhance and encourage sustainability.
Consideration is also given to the capability of the agency and its personnel to achieve expected results, past stewardship of the agency, the adequacy and professionalism of the budget, and the support and cooperation of the agencies involved in similar projects
Eligibility Criteria
- The Community Foundation welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations in the Abilene, Texas area with an IRS tax exempt status. To be eligible to submit a grant proposal, an organization must be in compliance with any previous grant reporting requirements or conditions.
- Some organizations have independent divisions that fall under the same 501 (c) 3. If there is a legitimate need, more than one division (operating under the same tax ID) may apply for a grant in the same cycle. For example, an organization serving as a fiscal agent for an agency or division requesting a grant may also apply for a grant in the same grant period.
Geographic Location
Funds are restricted to agencies located in and serving Abilene populations. Consideration will only be given to agencies serving Abilene and immediate surrounding areas. An agency is not required to have a location in Abilene, but it is preferred that there is a chapter or representative in Abilene.
Ineligible Criteria
CFA generally will not make grants for:
- Activities which do not benefit the citizens of Abilene;
- Medical or scholarly research;
- Membership fees;
- Ticket sales for charitable fundraising efforts;
- Church related activities unless they involve the community as a whole;
- Travel for groups, such as school classes, clubs or sportsteams;
- Deficit budget expenses or retroactive funding for current projects, programs or equipment;
- Capital debt reduction;
- Individuals, except through educational scholarships;
- Political projects.
For more information, visit https://www.cfabilene.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/-1