Competitive Grants
Nonprofits
About
The Community Foundation accepts applications for funding from eligible charitable organizations once annually. In April 2024, CFNLA awarded over $3 million to 59 programs.
There are currently three categories of funding available. Each category has unique eligibility requirements, guidelines, and applications. Eligible organizations may submit only one application annually and may not submit in multiple categories.
- Primary Grants
- Arts Grants
- Small Organization Grants
Timeline
- Stage One (Letter of Intent) opens August 1 at 8 a.m. CST and closes August 21 at 4 p.m. CST.
- For those invited to the second stage, Stage Two opens October 15 at 8 a.m. CST and closes November 15 at 4 p.m. CST.
- Grant recipients will be announced in April 2025.
- Funds will be available June 1, 2025 or later.
Process
Training: Please review the eligibility criteria thoroughly for each grant category and view our training resources for technical assistance. These materials may be viewed at your convenience; no registration is required.
Application: The annual grant cycle includes two stages; Stage One (Letter of Intent) opens on August 1 at 8 a.m. CST and closes on August 21 at 4 p.m. CST. For those invited to the second stage, Stage Two opens October 15 at 8 a.m. CST and closes November 15 at 4 p.m. CST.
Staff Review: The Community Foundation staff reviews every application thoroughly. You will be contacted if a site visit, meeting, or phone conference is needed to discuss the program in more detail.
Revision: It is the applicant’s duty to advise the Community Foundation should circumstances arise which would change or affect any aspect of the grant proposal.
Board Review: The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors reviews all applications and makes the final grant award decisions.
Notification: Applicants will receive an email notification of the Board’s funding decisions in April. Grant awards will be announced to the public in April. Applicants who receive a grant award must sign a grant contract and are expected to adhere to the stipulated terms.
Funds Available: For the 2025 grant cycle, funds will be available June 1, 2025 or later, depending upon the program start date. Funds are typically disbursed two to four weeks prior to the program start date.
Ongoing Requirements: All grantees are required to submit a final report 30 days after the program end date.
Competitive Grant Categories
Click each button below to learn more about the types of competitive grants available through the Community Foundation and view eligibility criteria. Eligible organizations may submit only one application annually and may not submit in multiple categories.