Grant Application Guidelines Example: Meadows Foundation








The Meadows Foundation exists to enrich the lives of the people of Texas. The Foundation aims for accessibility, cordiality, objectivity, fairness and professionalism in all of its dealings with the public. Under the terms of its charter, the Meadows Foundation can distribute grants only to qualified public entities of 501(c)(3) charities serving the people of Texas. The Foundation neither lends nor grants money to individuals.
 
 

Grants are made in five areas:

Arts and Culture

Civic and Public Affairs (including the natural environment)

Education (The Foundation is particularly interested in projects and programs which improve the educational outcomes of Texas children.)

Health (including Mental Health)

Human Services
 
 

 The Foundation provides funding assistance throughout the state of Texas but tries to allocate between one-third and one-half of its grants resources to organizations helping those in the Dallas area. The goal is that, over time, each community in the state may benefit from a Foundation grant. If possible, one-half of grants awarded each year are given to organizations not previously supported. Grant applications for specific programs or projects, capital projects or, less often, general operations are considered. Endowment gifts are rare. The Foundation also considers program-related investments as part of its grant making activities.
 
 

The Foundation strives to be responsive to the needs of all eligible organizations and considers requests of any amount. There is no formal application form. Grant applications are accepted at any time throughout the year. Beginning in 1998, requests for grants of $25,000 or less will be accepted throughout the year. Requests for grants over $250,000 are considered in the Spring and Fall. There is no external deadline for submitting grant applications. Each organization is limited to one application within a twelve-month period. Applications are usually processed within three to four months. For more information contact the Foundation.
 
 

The Foundation looks for one or more of the following conditions in an application:

Foundation support would be vital or catalytic to a proposed project's success

A collaborative network exists that multiplies the impat of the grant

The proposed project is likely to continue and expand after the grant period

The proposal is innovative and efficient in its use of funds

Expenses are reduced by sharing resources with other agencies or groups

The project is well-planned

The project promotes better human relationships and a sense of community
 
 

 In general, grants are not made for purposes of: Church or seminary construction

Annual fund-raising events or general sustentation drives

Professional conferences and symposia

Out-of-state performances or competition expenses
 
 

 Applications should include: A brief history of the organization and its work

A description of the proposed program

The specific request to the Foundation and date payment is needed

A list of all entities asked to give financial support to the proposed project (including their responses to date and dollar amount committed)

A project budget with both income and expenses, as well as plans to support the project after the grant period

Specific plans to evaluate the project

A list of trustees or directors and corporate officers that includes profession, ethnicity and gender

The number of times each year that the Executive Committee and/or the Board meet

Names and qualifications of staff involved with the proposed project

The organization's current, year-to-date fiscal statements

The last certified audit (if a young agency, send the last fiscal year's statements and the last IRS Form 990 filed)

A copy of the latest verification of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 170 of the IRS Code
 
 

 Only one, unbound application is needed. The Foundation discourages pre-application meetings, preferring to schedule meetings, if needed, after receiving an application. Receipt of all applications is acknowledged within three weeks.
 
 

The Foundation accepts applications submitted over the Internet, but cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information contained in electronic submittals. Submit Internet gran applications to grants@mfi.org (no file attachments). A printed copy of the application should follow all electronic submittals.
 
 

Please address grant correspondence to:
 
 



Grants Department

The Meadows Foundation

Wilson Historic District

3003 Swiss Avenue

Dallas, Texas 75204-6090

214-826-9431 (1-800-826-9431 outside the Dallas area)

214-827-7042 (fax) www.mfi.org (Internet)


 












Note: Written grant guidelines are available in Spanish, and on audio-cassette in English and Spanish. (6/98)