The Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN) of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana awards a grant annually to a program working in the area of early childhood education in Caddo Parish. The WPN is seeks to fund programs with clearly defined outcomes that address school readiness, serve children from birth to 3rd grade, utilize evidence based best practices and have a track record of success. Preference is given to groups that can leverage matching funds on the federal, state, or local level. Preference will also be given to programs that address the needs of underserved populations and that demonstrate collaboration with other nonprofits, faith-based organizations, business entities, and/or government.
The amount of the grant award is expected to be $50,000-$75,000. Grant funds must be used for direct service or programmatic costs and cannot be used for capital projects or general operating support. Grant applicants will be notified of award decisions in May 2019 and funds will be available June 1, 2019. Proposed programs must include well-designed benchmarking and evaluation plans, start no earlier than June 1, 2019 and be complete by August 31, 2020.
Eligible applicants must:
• be a 501(c)3 organization or unit of government which provides charitable functions related to education;
• have been in existence for a minimum of three years;
• file an annual Form 990 with the IRS if required; and
• have conducted an independent audit within the last three years.
A Caddo Parish school wishing to apply needs to be aware of CPSB’s process: “The Director of Professional Development must process all district grant applications, so staff members should provide proposals for School Board approval.” Applicants should coordinate with the Director of Professional Development regarding this process.
If you are interested in applying, please submit a two-page letter that outlines your proposed program. Explain how the program addresses the priorities listed in the first paragraph, its expected outcomes, and the actual outcomes achieved in the past. Include a copy of your organization’s most recent Form 990 (if applicable,) independent audit, and the WPN Program Budget Form.
Submit this information no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 2018 to:
Ms. Elizabeth M. LaBorde
Women’s Philanthropy Network, Grants Committee
The Community Foundation
401 Edwards Street, Suite 105
Shreveport, LA 71101
or via email to laborde@cfnla.org
In December, the Women’s Philanthropy Network Grants Committee will select several proposals for further research and review. If your organization’s proposal is selected, you will be asked to complete a full grant application. If you are asked to submit a full application to WPN, and you propose working with a Caddo Parish public school, you will be required to obtain a Letter of Support from Superintendent Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Jr.
The highest scoring grant applications will be presented to the WPN membership at the group’s annual meeting in May 2019. The recipient of the grant award will be determined by a vote of the Women’s Philanthropy Network membership.