Discretionary Grant

Community Foundation of Abilene (CFA)

Agency: Foundation

GrantWatch ID #177329

Grant Description

Grants of up to $25,000 to Texas nonprofit organizations in eligible areas to enhance the quality of life for local residents. Applicants must submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full application. Funding is intended to meet urgent needs in the community. CFA will consider funding for operating expenses, special projects, innovative programs, equipment, and building needs. Eligible applicants serve the residents of Abilene.

The chances of an 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.

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Eligibility:

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional 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.

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.

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.

CFA generally will not make grants for:
- Activities that 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 sports teams;
- Deficit budget expenses or retroactive funding for current projects, programs, or equipment;
- Capital debt reduction;
- Individuals, except through the educational scholarships;
- Political projects

Pre-Application Information:

Timeline:
- Fall applications open: July 1, 2022
- Fall letter of inquiry deadline: Friday, August 31, 2022
- Spring applications open December 1, 2022
- Spring letter of inquiry deadline: Friday, January 31, 2023

The CFA request process includes 2 steps: the submission of a letter of intent, and if selected to move forward, a full grant proposal. Please note that the letter of intent functions as a preliminary proposal and requires specific organization, project, and financial information. Letters of intent must be submitted and received online no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date.

A grant committee will review letters of intent and determine which organizations will move forward with a full grant proposal. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by email. Grant proposals must be submitted and received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date.

After the full grant proposals have been reviewed and funding recommendations have been made, the CFA Board will meet to approve the funding recommendations. Upon their approval, applicants will be notified.

The CFA may choose to provide funding to an organization for the same program or project for consecutive years. However, agencies should take care not to become dependent on this funding as other community needs may be considered a priority from year to year.

Additional Funding Information:

Estimated Size of Grant:

Most grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Larger grants have been made on occasion.

Term of Contract:

The CFA generally will not approve multi-year grants.

Contact Information:

Apply online (from July 1): https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfabilene

Please contact Kassidy Nygaard, at knygaard@cfabilene.org, or Michelle Parrish, at mparrish@cfabilene.org, with any competitive grant-related questions.

Community Foundation of Abilene
850 N. 1st Street
PO Box 1001
Abilene, TX 79604
cfa@cfabilene.org
325-676-3883