Grant Application

Apply for a Grant

Awarding grants to support local nonprofits is our core business. If you have a program that is a good fit, we want to know about it. Our staff team reviews and considers every pre-application. If funding from the Community Foundation isn't an option, we do our best to offer suggestions to you and make connections to other partners that may be a better fit.

Grant Guidelines

Basic Eligibility

The Community Foundation invests in innovative models, proven programs, policy and advocacy efforts throughout Kent County. 

Funding is not available for one-time, special or annual events, annual operating funds, political or religious causes, or endowments.

These are the types of things we look for when evaluating a grant:

  • Have a 501(c)(3)

    designation from the IRS or be a governmental organization that serves Kent County residents.

  • Demonstrate Inclusive Practices

    leading to diversity of race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability and gender in the organization's board, staff and constituents. Be sure to review our Grantee Inclusion Statement. 

  • Seek Diverse Funding

    from multiple sources and have a plan to sustain the project beyond the term of the grant.

  • Align With Our Grant Priority Areas

    and be able to track results that match at least one of our outcome measurables. 

  • Have Organizational Buy-in

    including the support of the board and executive director for this project.

Process

Applying for Funding

  1. 1 Pre-Application

    Projects that meet the guidelines and fit a grantmaking priority area can submit a pre-application online. The application is brief and will collect basic information about the proposed project. 

    Once a pre-application is submitted, it may take up to 4 weeks to receive a response. Projects that are not chosen to go on to step 2 will receive feedback about the decision.

  2. 2 Full Application + Site Visit

    Projects with a strong potential for investment by the Community Foundation will be asked to submit a full proposal and a site visit will be conducted. Following review by our grantmaking staff and volunteer Community Action Committee, the committee’s recommendation will go before our Board of Trustees for consideration.

  3. 3 Approval + Disbursement

    Once approved by the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees, the grant recipient will receive instructions to access their funding.  Any contingencies and reporting requirements will be explained at that time.

    Please allow up to 90 days for all three steps to be completed.

Apply Now

Think Your Program is a Good Fit?

Applications for our Fund for Community Good (unrestricted) grantmaking are available online and accepted year-round. We look forward to learning about your program and what you are doing to make our community a better place.

Get Started