Annual Grant Guidelines

Annual Grant Guidelines

The Laredo Area Community Foundation solicits and accepts grant application from organizations that meet our funding guidelines. These grants are supported by the generosity of donors who have directed their funds to unrestricted purposes or to a board field of interest. Honoring our donors’ wishes to improve the quality of life in the Laredo area is the fundamental principal behind our distribution process. Because our recourses are limited, the Foundation cannot respond with grant support to all worthwhile programs/projects. While the Foundation will consider grant request grater than$10.000, it is highly recommended that a submitted grant request not exceed this amount. Organizations declined for grants in one cycle my apply during the next cycle. High priority is giving to request that demonstrate community-based collaborative efforts that address our focus areas and will likely stay in place after Foundation funding concludes.

Applications are carefully reviewed by the Grants Committee, which is comprised of community representatives who volunteer their time to the foundation. Once the Committee had evaluated the applications, recommendations are submitted to the board of directors for approval. The broad awards the grants within the parameters of the available funds.

Grants are made only to organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Services as 501 © 3tax exempt organizations. Applications must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and accountability. The organization should have committed volunteer board and should be based in the Laredo area. Projects funded should benefit residents of the Laredo area.
In awarding grants, particularly consideration is given to established, ongoing programs as well as new, innovative proposals. Collaborate initiatives are encouraged. Projects should address root causes and work on large term solutions of identified social problems. Priories have been developed for he following five sectors:
Social Services (children, youth, adult and seniors)
Health
Education
Arts and culture
Environment

The following requests are not eligible for funding:
Fundraising events or campaigns
Endowments
Debt reduction
Operating deficits
Political activities, organizations or lobbying
Individuals

Application will be considered ineligible for consideration if any of the following conditions exists:
Applicants do not meet basic requirements of the proposal process
Applicants do not furnish required attachments to the proposal or work lack necessary signature on application

The application packet must include 8 copies of the following documentation:
The completed grant application that evidences the signature of the Executive Director and the Board President.
A copy of the Board minutes indicating that the board approved the request to the Community Foundation.
A current roaster of the Board of Directors and staff
The most recent audit or fiscal year-end financial statement
A copy of the 501 ( c ) (3) determination letter from the IRS.
Copies of three competitive bids or price quotes (if he grant will be used to purchase equipment or other tangible items).

Grant application deadline is July 31, 2009. Application must be delivered to the Foundation office no later than twelve noon.

Foundation staff cannot assess applications’ chances for approval. Application are notified in writing shortly flowing the Board’s decision.

Application may be obtained by conducting the Foundation office at (956) 796-1700.

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