Small Grants
Nonprofits
Small Organization Grants
Small Organization Grants are awarded to organizations with annual revenue of less than $250,000. The amount of funding requested cannot exceed $15,000. Please review the eligibility requirements below and the grant application timeline and process before beginning a new application.
NEW FOR 2027:
- SMALL ORGANIZATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT: This change was made in an effort to lessen the administrative burden on small organizations. Full applications may be submitted during the October 15 at 8 a.m. CST to November 15 at 4 p.m. CST application period.
- The maximum amount that can be requested is $15,000. This is an increase from previous years of $10,000.
- New Financial Statement Requirement: The application will now require both a Statement of Activities (Profit & Loss) and Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet). This does not have to be prepared by a CPA; however, accurate internal accounting will ensure that grant funding is tracked and spent according to the grant agreement.
- If your organization has not been funded through the Competitive Grants Process in the past three years, you are required to schedule a phone call, Zoom/Teams meeting, or site visit with the grants department after the submission of your application (November 15 – February 15).
Eligibility Criteria
Annual Revenue: Only organizations with annual gross revenue of less than $250,000 may apply.
Amount of Request: Organizations may request up to $15,000.
Geographic Area: Programs must serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes.
IRS status: All applicants must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or be described as an appropriate grantee for a community foundation under the IRS Code. An organization must have received its 501(c)(3) ruling letter from the IRS prior to applying for funding.
Financial Reporting: A program budget and an organizational financial information form are required. Applicants are required to provide both a Statement of Activities (Profit & Loss) and a Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet). This does not have to be prepared by a CPA; however, accurate internal accounting will ensure that grant funding is tracked and spent according to the grant agreement.
Form 990: All applicants must be in good standing with the IRS regarding their Form 990 filing requirements. A copy of the organization’s most recent Form 990 must be submitted as part of the Stage Two grant application.
Program Area: The proposed program must align with one of the following Community Foundation program areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Civic Engagement
- Economic Development
- Education
- Environment
- Health & Science
- Human Services
- Organizational Development
Previous grant recipients: Grant applications will not be considered from an organization that is past due in submitting its final report to the Foundation. To determine the final report due date, refer to your grant agreement.
Timeline: The proposed program must begin no earlier than June 1, 2027, and end no later than December 31, 2028. Program length must be 12 months or less.
Number of applications accepted per grant cycle: An organization may submit only one application for the annual grant cycle, regardless of category.
Local use of funds: No part of the grant award may be sent to a divisional, regional or national headquarters in the form of dues or other membership fees. All grant dollars must be used exclusively for the local program for which the grant is requested. However, goods and services may be purchased from out of state vendors.
Liability Insurance: Proof of current commercial general liability (CGL) insurance is required and must be maintained throughout the grant period. CFNLA does not require a minimum amount of coverage and does not offer guidance on this issue. If you have questions, consult your insurance agent.
Child Protection Policy: If the program for which funding is requested serves children, a child protection policy is required.
Types of Funding: Program support, capital funding, or general operating support may be requested.
Amount of Funding: The maximum that can be requested in this category is $15,000.
ANY EXCEPTION TO THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA MUST BE REQUESTED IN WRITING BY THE APPLICANT PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE AND WILL BE MADE SOLELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.