Grant Opportunities - 
South / Southwest

Disclaimer:
My time has been very limited due to preparing for and conducting workshops and preparation of grant proposals.   Grant opportunities listed on these page were accurate at the time they were researched and posted.  However, the economic downturn has caused many grantors to re-evaluate their funding priorities.  Links are provided to their sites - be sure to research the accuracy of the annotations below before expending much energy on proposal  preparation!

The very best way to stay on top of federal - as well as corporate and foundation - grant opportunities for your school is to subscribe to the electronic SchoolGrants Biweekly Newsletter.  If  you're interested in PK-12 grant opportunities, at only $45 a year, you won't find a better value anywhere.  Every annotated opportunity is researched prior to appearing in the newsletter.

Some expired opportunities remain listed on the SchoolGrants site for planning purposes.  

AMP Foundation
The AMP Foundation provides grants to organizations that qualify as nonprofit under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.  The grants are awarded in geographic areas where "AMP" (now Tyco Electronics Corporation) has a significant employee population.  Those areas cover parts of Roanoke, Virginia, the Triad area of North Carolina, Rock Hill, South Carolina and Central Pennsylvania.  The Foundation funds programs that have an educational component, even in the categories of "Community Impact" and "Arts and Culture".  Under the Education component, the Foundation's priorities are for pre-college math and science education projects. Requests receive preferential review if the organization is one that AMP employees support as volunteers. Applications are accepted year-round and considered quarterly:  December 15, March 15, June 15 or September 15.  

[The scope of the Foundation's coverage within Tyco Electronics Corporation is under consideration.]  

Bank of America Foundation
The Bank of America Foundation funds, as its primary focus, education projects; particularly those that deal with early childhood education, school readiness programs, financial education, teacher preparation and certification, and literacy.  The Foundation does not directly fund private or public K-12 schools.  Bank of America also funds health and human services, arts and culture, and community development projects under its Community Catalyst Grants.  All requests for funding should be submitted to local Bank of America offices. Organizations located in Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington are eligible to participate in Bank of America Foundation's grant program.  Those interested in applying for a grant should send their Bank of America local senior banking executive a brief introductory letter. There are no application deadlines. Visit Bank of America Foundation's Web site for more information:  http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation

Bechtel Foundation
Bechtel Foundation works in partnership with the Bechtel group of companies to respond to the needs of the communities where Bechtel has offices or major projects. The majority of the grants are pre-selected by Bechtel's office and project managers. (Go to http://www.bechtel.com/offices/namerica.html to see if Bechtel does business in your area.) Grant recipients are typically youth and educational programs, particularly those that focus on math and science education, and to selected colleges and universities, where the funds are directed toward the engineering and business programs. A one- or two-page letter and a few pages of backup material are usually a sufficient introduction to your proposal. Except under rare exceptions, most grants are under $5,000. Grant proposals may be sent at any time of the year. 

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Under Gaining Ground!, BellSouth Foundation's primary priorities are: 
(1) Closing the Divides:  in high school reform and achievement, in success of minority college students, and/or in technologically-disadvantaged communities and (2) Forging New Paths:  for Latin America's "working children", for teachers and education leaders, and/or for technology and learning.

For each programmatic area, BellSouth Foundation will launch a Special Initiative at a timetable to be announced.  All applications will be online.  Two initiatives are available now:  Proniño in Latin America, and BellSouth edu.pwr³-Power to Learn.

Opportunity grants will also be available in each programmatic area.  A 2-page concept paper or letter of interest that describes the program area being supported, the project, and how the project fits BellSouth's priorities and initiatives should be submitted.  In 2002-2004, letters of inquiry are due by February 1.  The deadline for 2001 submission has passed.

Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund
The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund supports education projects that assure the availability of trained, educated men and women. Nonprofits, K-12 schools, public and private higher education institutions, and government agencies in areas where the company does business are eligible for funding. According to Bernice Csazar, fund administrator, "Each committee operates on their own set of applications," so it is important that grantseekers get the attention of their local trust fund committee.  Be sure to check http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/corporate/corporate.html to see if there is a Bridgestone/Firestone operation in your area. All applications must be submitted in writing. More information can be obtained by calling (615) 872-1415 or e-mailing BFSTrust-Fund@bfsusa.com 

• Applicant must be a teacher in a North Carolina certified K-12 school. 
• Applicant may submit one proposal for funding each year. 
• The school principal must review and approve project proposal. 
• Requests for salaries or professional development will be denied. 
  

Selection Criteria: 
To be considered for a Bright Ideas Award, proposed projects must:

• Directly involve students. 
• Seek to achieve clearly defined goals and learning objectives.
• Use innovative and creative teaching methods. 
• Provide ongoing benefits to students. 
• Feature measurable results that can be evaluated upon completion. 

Grants go up to $2,000, depending on the sponsoring electric cooperative. This is the tenth year for the Bright Ideas program, and over the past 10 years, more than $3 million dollars have been given out to deserving teachers. 

Brown Foundation (no website available)
Brown Foundation's current emphasis is on public education in Texas.  It also focuses on community service projects that meet the needs of youth. The foundation accepts applications year-round.  It takes approximately four months for approval.   Contact the Brown Foundation for a copy of the guidelines:  The Brown Foundation, Inc., Nancy Pittman, Executive Director, P. O. Box 130646, Houston, TX  77219-0646; Phone: (713) 523-6867, Fax: (713) 523-2917; email: bfi@brownfoundation.org.

Cadeaux, Inc. (Texas)
Cadeaux, Inc. offers general and operating support for Texas, primarily Dallas, nonprofits. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, 55 grants were awarded totaling $64,725. Grants ranged from $100 to $5,300. Cadeaux, Inc. prefers a letter as an initial approach. There are no deadlines. For more information, contact Lillian Moore, President, Cadeaux, Inc., 1120 Empire Central Place, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75247, (214) 688-0880. 

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Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF)
The AECF's funds projects that have significant potential to demonstrate innovative policy, service delivery, and community support for children and families. Most of their grantees have been invited by the Foundation to participate in various projects. If you believe you have a project that meets the initiatives of the AECF, you should send them a proposal of no more than three typewritten pages. The proposal should include: an outline of the project, its goals, the population served, the amount of funds requested, and a brief history of your organization. Send the proposal to:  The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Attention:  Office of the President, 701 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

The AECF also funds between 20 and 30 programs each year that benefit disadvantaged children, youth and families in the Baltimore area. Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $20,000 and may be used to start or enhance direct services or programs for disadvantaged children, youth and families such as health care, education, job training, counseling, violence prevention, recreation, cultural arts, child care, etc.  Requests for letters of intent for this program are made in the spring. Click here to learn more about The Baltimore Connection.  You can also call (410) 223-2891 to obtain the dates of the community information sessions, ask to be placed on the mailing list for application guidelines, or receive general information.

Champions of the Environment:  South Carolina 
Champions of the Environment is sponsored by DuPont, International Paper, DHEC and WIS-TV.  The goal of Champions of the Environment is to promote environmental education activities throughout the State of South Carolina.  The program is open to all of South Carolina’s K-12 teachers and students. Projects or programs that help the environment and increase environmental knowledge and awareness in your community are eligible for consideration.  $500 grants are available to support materials and equipments costs related to the project.  Applications are at any time.  Those received by the 25th of each month are considered in the next month's competition.  

At the end of the school year, the most outstanding Champions (individuals or teams) will be chosen from the monthly grant recipients and will be presented with an additional $1,500 during the awards reception. The second place project will receive an additional $1,000, while third place will receive an additional $500.

Christensen Fund
The Christensen Fund (TCF) is a private, independent foundation dedicated to assisting organizations in the visual arts, conservation science and education. The Fund currently pursues its mission by making grants to non-profit and public institutions in support of programs in visual arts and conservation science and by supporting visual arts and conservation science education through grants to educational institutions.

The Christensen Fund (TCF) supports educational programs in public and nonprofit private schools, museums and other nonprofit institutions whose focus is related to the Fund’s activities in visual arts and conservation science.

The Education Program continues to focus on California schools with the goal of increasing the offerings of visual/studio arts as part of K-12 curriculum. In addition, the Christensen Fund is looking for projects or natural science programs that integrate conservation issues with science curriculum.

Note:  While priority is given to public and private schools in California, requests from institutions and schools/school districts with collaborative partnerships will be considered from outside California, although those from the western states will receive priority.  Submission deadlines are:  January 2, 2002; March 18, 2002; June 14, 2002; and January 3, 2003.

Clorox Foundation 
The Clorox Foundation makes grants in Oakland, CA and in areas where company facilities are located* (See Where to Apply.) Their Education and Youth Development focus supports programs that improve academic performance, prepare youth for the world of work and community leadership, and promote positive relationships among youth from diverse cultural and ethnic groups. Proposals must answer specific questions that are listed on the Foundation's Web site: http://www.clorox.com/company/foundation/how.html Application deadlines are July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1.

*Clorox has company facilities in cities located in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

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Corning Incorporated Foundation
The Corning Incorporated Foundation develops and administers projects in support of  educational, cultural, community and selected national organizations. Corning's areas of involvement in education have included community service programs for students, curriculum enrichment, student scholarships, facility improvement, and instructional technology projects for the classroom. Grants are primarily made toward initiatives which improve the quality of life in and near locations where Corning Incorporated is an active corporate citizen. Each year, the Foundation makes approximately 225 grants totaling about $2,250,000.

Corning has plants or offices in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

The Dekko Foundation
The Dekko Foundation will consider grant proposals from public and private schools from the following geographic areas: DeKalb, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley Counties in Indiana; Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold and Union Counties in Iowa, and Limestone County in Alabama. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking on programs that prepare students for life and work; purchase of technology hardware (up to 40% of total cost) for schools with long-range plans and a commitment to staff development; programs that: create an awareness of a child's natural curiosity; efforts that prepare teachers to model positive character traits and attitudes; curriculum that is cooperative, interdisciplinary, and integrated with technology; programs that create an awareness of career preparation and student achievement after high school;  support grassroots efforts of school corporation employees who are trying to make a difference in their classroom, building or school system; programs that prevent youth from becoming involved in at-risk behaviors; or support for projects that encourage partnerships between schools and businesses. The Foundation also supports a variety of early childhood education programs.  Write a brief letter of intent (no more than two pages) to the Foundation describing your project, your organization, and expected outcomes. Include a budget and a timeframe for completing the project. The letter of intent should be mailed, emailed, or faxed to Susan Franks, The Dekko Foundation, P.O. Box 548, Kendallville, IN 46755; (e-mail) dekko@dekkofoundation.org; (fax) 219-347-7103.

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Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Since 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has increased the functional literacy of adults by providing grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of literacy.  The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports non-profit organizations within Dollar General’s market area that are established for public use and have an active 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Eligible organizations within the Dollar General market area must be committed to increasing the functional literacy of adults or families and must provide direct literacy services within their community.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation welcomes proposals from non-profit literacy providers on an annual basis. The Foundation’s Request for Proposals (RFP) will be available February 28, 2003 with a submission deadline of April 4, 2003. 

To place your name on the RFP mailing list for future RFPs, send your organization's name, contact name, and mailing address to The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, P.O. Box 1064, Goodlettsville, TN 37072-1064.

Determine if Dollar General does business in your area by clicking here. 

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
Because R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company is a printing company they place a high emphasis on projects in their operating communities that focus on literacy efforts.  They also assist many local agencies that deliver educational and social services, especially to children. To see if your community is eligible to apply for funding, go to http://www.rrdonnelley.com/public/community/locations.asp. Proposals are accepted at any time between January 1 and November 1.

Donnelly & Sons has operations in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

(link updated 10/3/2003)

Dow Chemical Company
Dow Chemical Company supports many school districts/school boards (individual schools are not eligible for funding) and efforts in and around communities in which Dow is located. Dow has established general priority areas for K-12 education funding, including: systemic reform in math and science, teacher training, and parental involvement. Dow does not fund travel expenses, operational and administrative costs, hiring of staff, or any programs not related to math or science education.  An online application is available.

El Paso Energy Foundation
El Paso Energy Foundation supports nonprofits and K-12 public and private education and youth development initiatives.  The Foundation makes grants in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah in areas where they have operations. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis.  Please note that the El Paso Energy Foundation does not fund individual school programs, national health organizations, individuals, endowment funds, fundraising events, or computer related projects.

El Paso Energy Foundation believes they can serve the non-profit sector more efficiently through direct communication with individual organizations than through mass communication efforts such as a Web site. You may contact the Foundation for an application by e-mailing kingk@epenergy.com, calling (713) 420-2878 or by fax at (713) 420-6341 for more information about their programs.

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Leland Fikes Foundation (Texas)
The foundation is interested in funding arts and humanities; civic and public affairs; education; environment; health issues; and many other areas. The foundation has provided funding for building/renovation funds, capital campaigns, general/operating support, research funds, seed money, and special projects.  Grants typically range from $10,0000 to $50,000. There are no deadlines and the foundation prefers initial contact in the form of a letter or proposal. Application guidelines are available from Nancy J. Solana, Vice President, Leland Fikes Foundation, 3050 Lincoln Plaza, 500 North Akard, Suite 3050, Dallas, TX 75201-6696, (214) 220-1011.

First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas

The 2004 grant applications for The First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas, a program of The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy, will be available Monday, Feb. 2, 2004. This statewide initiative is a partnership of The Barbara Bush Texas Fund, the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning at Texas A & M University, and Texas literacy providers. Laura Bush, who founded this Initiative when she was first lady of Texas, is the Honorary Chair.

These grants of up to $25,000 each are given to help create a family literacy program, expand existing reading programs that work with only one generation, e.g. children or adults, so that a complete family literacy program can be created, or allow for innovative projects within existing family literacy programs, as well as replication of a succesful family literacy program with a new population or in a new location. Partnerships with other community groups are encouraged.

Successful family literacy family programs include reading instruction for parents or primary caregivers, reading or pre-reading activities for their children, and parent/child reading time and interactions. A successful grant application includes clearly stated objectives, along with a solid plan to measure whether or not those objectives have been achieved.

Applications are available for download from the Internet at the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning website. You may also email your request to ppeebler@mcnairgrp.com. Please click here to download the file.

The closing date for receipt of applications for this grant competition is 5 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2004.

First Union Foundation
First Union Foundation funds innovative programs in communities where they do business that have a measurable impact on education. They look for programs that expand the availability of educational resources, improve the quality of education, and/or help children and youth reach their full potential. Special consideration is given to programs that have a high level of First Union employee involvement and those that are collaborative efforts that will leverage their investment. First Union makes education grants to eligible 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in the following areas:  

• special programs for public preK-12 school systems (no capital projects or operating costs will be funded); 
• public education funds that effect positive, systemic change in education; and 
• education-related projects such as Junior Achievement and drop-out prevention programs. 
• They also provide funding to private and public institutions of higher education.

First Union also supports visual and performing arts organizations, public libraries, and various youth organizations.

First Union funds programs that are in their operating communities in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  Two page letters of interest should be submitted to the contributions office in the state in which the proposed project is located.  We received guidelines from First Union Foundation by emailing a request to Tricia Murawski.

Freddie Mac Foundation
The Freddie Mac Foundation concentrates on early childhood and prevention-oriented programs, including programs that strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, improve education, find abandoned and foster children permanent and loving homes, and actively support the organizations that will improve the quality of life for children, their families, and their communities.

The Foundation grantmaking program serves the metropolitan Washington, DC area which is defined as: the District of Columbia; in Virginia—the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas Park, and Leesburg; and, in Maryland—the counties of Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s. Funding is also provided for statewide initiatives in Maryland and Virginia and programs that are national in scope. Funding in our regional cities of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York are by solicitation only.

Proposals are due by April 2, 2001 and September 4, 2001.

General Mills
The General Mills Foundation provides funding for direct services to families, children and youth in their operating communities.  In the past, they have supported programs such as public and alternative schools, literacy, children with disabilities as well as the learning disabled, violence prevention, adolescent pregnancy prevention and crisis pregnancy programs, and the Special Olympics. During 1999, $16 million dollars was awarded to education (117 grants), family life (290 grants), and health and nutrition (73 grants) programs. Grants generally range from $1,000-$100,000 for operating, project, and capital grants. Guidelines can be obtained by calling (612) 540-2211 or by visiting the Foundation's Web site at http://www.generalmills.com/explore/community. Applicants are encouraged to follow grant guidelines closely and to verify that you are within the geographic limitations*.  Projects that involve General Mills employees or retirees are encouraged.  There are no deadlines.

*General Mills has operating communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Georgia Children's Trust Fund Commission (Georgia only)
The Georgia Children's Trust Fund Commission is offering grants to pay for 3/4 of the cost of materials and 100% of the cost of training for the Second Step Violence Prevention/Character Education grant.  For information about the grant, contact Carole Steele, The Georgia Children's Trust Fund Commission, 1720 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 912N, Atlanta, GA 30309-2439, Tel: (404) 206-6037, Fax: (404) 206-6041. For information about Second Step contact Committee for Children, Client Support Services, (800) 634-4449, info@cfchildren.org, www.cfchildren.org.  The deadline for this grant is February 1, 2002.  

Schools should begin planning now and begin the process of getting support from teachers, principals and parents for the program.

(thanks to Marilyn Gootman for this information.)

Governor's Family Literacy Initiative for Florida
The Governor's Family Literacy Initiative for Florida is a partnership of the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, who serves as Honorary Chair, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the South Florida Annenberg Challenge, Inc., and is administered by the Florida Literacy Coalition. This Initiative will award grants of up to $50,000 each on a one-time basis. These grants will enhance existing literacy instructional programs in Florida so that a complete family literacy program can be created and will tie family literacy education to cutting edge reforms in K-12 education.

The complete application and all supporting materials must arrive at the Florida Literacy Coalition's address, with the sender's organization fully identified in the return address, no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, March 29, 2002. Faxed or e-mailed materials will not be accepted.

Greenville Foundation 
The Foundation funds projects that serve high-risk and/or high-potential or gifted youth, ages preschool through secondary school, specifically west of the Rocky Mountains. Desired projects ignite and inspire students, actively involve them in their own education, introduce new perspectives and inspire critical and independent thought. Also eligible for funding are projects that encourage grassroots, community-based efforts which take a creative and comprehensive approach to problems, encourage participation by parents, mentors and community, and exhibit the potential to create a significant, long-term impact on a child's life. Letters of Inquiry are due April 1 and October 1. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. A typical grant is $15,000. See the Greenville Foundation web site for specific instructions on how to apply for a grant.

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The Gregory Fund (primarily Texas)
The Gregory Fund has funded projects in the areas of: arts and humanities; civic and public affairs; education; health; international and religious issues; science; and social services.  Grants have ranged from $1,500 to $22,500. Most grants are made for Texas projects. The foundation prefers a letter sent as an initial approach.  There are no deadlines.  Contact information: Judy Cook, The Gregory Fund, Texas Commerce Bank, NA, PO Box 2558, Houston, TX 77252-8037, (713) 216-4649

Hewlett Packard (HP)
Nonprofits or individual K-12 schools can apply for HP grants through their local contributions program. Every major HP site sets aside an annual per-employee allowance for support of local schools and nonprofit agencies. Funding preference is usually given to organizations that involve HP employees. Average grants for equipment are from $30,000 to $40,000.  Cash grants are typically from $10,000 to $20,000. Proposal deadlines are October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1. You must wait two years after receiving an HP grant before reapplying.

See if you are eligible to apply through HP's local contribution's program by visiting http://webcenter.hp.com/grants/us/local_programs.html#A.   HP has business operations in cities in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,  Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

link updated 10/3/2003.

Hogg Foundation  (Texas only)
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health supports mental health-related service projects in Texas. The definition of mental health used by the Hogg Foundation is a broad one. The Foundation is interested in programs which implement and evaluate innovative projects that are designed to meet the broad mental health needs of Texans. While the Foundation invites proposals dealing with any aspect of mental health, priority is given to projects that target its three primary program areas:  Children and Their Families; Youth Development; or Minority Mental Health. Texas nonprofits, public institutions, and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply. Send a 4-page (maximum) introductory letter that includes at least the following information:  Name and mission of the applicant organization and/or affiliation of researcher; Name, address and phone number of contact person; Statement of need and mental health implications; Brief description of the project, methodology and proposed timeline; Estimated total project cost; and Grant amount sought. Review the Foundation's grant guidelines before applying:  http://hogg1.lac.utexas.edu/HF/Grantmaking/GrantsGuide/Guidelines.html 

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Intel Foundation
Intel Corporation generally donates to organizations in areas where local Intel offices are including Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. Giving priorities vary by state so it is vital that you take a look at the particular programs supported in your area. In addition to the state-level grants, Intel also supports programs that have national impact.

link added 10/3/2003.

Koch Industries
Koch Industries supports educational programs in its vast number of operating communities. Koch tends to support programs that encourage the application of economic and scientific principles to problem solving. Grants range from $1,000 to $100,000.  Koch will also partner with local schools and groups. There is no deadline for funding requests.

Charlotte Martin Foundation
The Charlotte Martin Foundation focuses on two main program areas:  Youth through athletics, culture and education and Wildlife and Habitat.  In the area of athletics, the Foundation supports: Programs, facilities and equipment for areas and sports where youth populations are underserved; After school and off-hours sports programs making better use of existing facilities; and Development of more and better coaches. Youth cultural programs that are supported are: Cultural programs in schools and communities, particularly those areas that are underserved by other cultural and funding resources; Active participation of young people in music, art, dance, literature; Ticket sponsorship to expand youth access to performances; Assisting educators to acquire skills in teaching arts and culture; Projects that celebrate the heritage and cultural diversity of a community; and Art and culture, used in conjunction with mentoring, as a medium to help at-risk youth. The Foundation also supports: School-based projects to improve student achievement of state learning standards; Enhancing basic curriculum in the arts, science, language, math, literature; Continued development and enrichment for teachers; and Select capital campaigns and endowments.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation accepts applications, review proposals, and makes funding decisions on an on-going basis, throughout the year. Their fiscal year begins April 1 and ends March 31, so all funds for that cycle must be expended by that date. There is some advantage in having applications submitted between April 1 and the end of September. 

The Foundation funds projects in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, California, Alaska.

Meadows Foundation (Texas only)
Foundation grants support work in the fields of arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, health and human services. The board has a particular interest in imaginative, innovative ways to solve community problems through projects leading to organizational self-sufficiency and in capital plans which enable projects to flourish. It looks to support projects which eliminate ignorance, alleviate pain and hopelessness, provide cultural enrichment, protect the environment, enhance social skills and promote better human relations.  The Foundation has an interest in programs addressing early childhood development, beginning reading and educator/administrator preparation. Grant applications for specific programs or projects, capital projects or, less often, general operations are considered.  The Foundation's Web site includes grant guidelines and an online application form.  There are no deadlines.

Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation 
The Communities Program of the McCormick Tribune Foundation awards a variety of community-based grants. McCormick business units in 22 communities raise funds for local projects. The Foundation matches the funds with sixty cents to every dollar raised.  Each local business unit has its own funding priorities. Click here to see if there is a McCormick business unit in your area and, if so, what the unit's funding priorities are. Applications are submitted directly to each business unit.

Grants from the McCormick Tribune Foundation, through the Communities Program, are limited by geographic priorities, with each fund usually having a relatively narrow primary city and a larger secondary area or region. The Foundation has operations in some areas of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

McKesson Foundation
The McKesson Foundation supports a variety of projects that focus on youth in communities where McKessonHBOC Inc. operates and its employees live. The Foundation is particularly interested in health services for underserved youth, educational enrichment, recreation and youth development activities. General operating support may be provided in unique situations; most grants, however, are made for specific projects and programs. This foundation values new programs that respond to changing needs and, unlike many, will consider funding original and pioneering projects. Most grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Organizations applying for funds must be tax-exempt under Section 503(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.

Key company locations are in California, Georgia and Texas. However, McKessonHBOC has distribution centers throughout the United States. You can see if your community qualifies for consideration by clicking here.  

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Medtronic Foundation's STAR Program
Medtronic Foundation's Science and Technology Are Rewarding (STAR) program aims to increase science learning by all students and to provide them with the opportunity to consider careers in science, health, engineering and technical fields. STAR grants focus on programs which address five key elements of successful science education: curriculum, instruction, expectations, peer support and assessment. Cooperation among schools or schools and community organizations is encouraged as are programs that emphasize traditionally underserved populations such as underprivileged youth and females. Grants usually range from $2,000 to $50,000 and most are awarded for a one-year period. Grant requests for under $10,000 are usually reviewed within 60 days; grants for over $10,000 must be submitted by July 15, October 15, and January 15 for Board review.

NOTE: The Foundation awards grants only to schools, school districts and other nonprofit organizations in or near the following Medtronic facilities: Tempe, Arizona; Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, and Santa Rosa, California; Parker, Colorado; Danvers, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Milaca and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Memphis, Tennessee; Redmond, Washington and Humacao and Villalba, Puerto Rico.

• Internet Innovator Awards, recognizing and rewarding educators who are using the Internet in their classrooms in innovative ways.

• Innovative Idea Grants, assisting teachers who have innovative project ideas using the Internet in their classroom but lack the funds to implement them.

The Internet Innovator Awards are available for teachers in the communities surrounding National Semiconductor's major facilities. Ten awards will be given for the 2002-2003 school year.  Applications are due by July 6, 2003.  

Eligible applicants are those in Silicon Valley, CA, Tarrant County, TX, and the state of Maine.

The Innovative Idea Grants are due April 6, 2003. This Awards program is open to projects that have not yet been implemented in the classroom. It is a contest to reward teachers who create fresh and exciting ways to integrate the Internet and technology into the existing curriculum.  Eligible applicants are those in Silicon Valley, CA, Tarrant County, TX, and the state of Maine.

Pentair Foundation 
Pentair Foundation gives grants that focus on K-12 education, vocational readiness, cultural understanding, self-sufficiency, and general well-being in communities where Pentair or one of its subsidiaries is located. Click here to see if Pentair is located in your community. Qualified applicants are those where the company employs 100 or more people and are not sales district office locations. Grants are considered three times a year on October 1, March 1, and June 1.

Pentair has locations in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

link updated 10-3-2003.

Phelps Dodge Foundation
Nonprofits  in  Phelps Dodge communities are eligible to apply for philanthropic grants in four giving categories: arts and culture, education, health and human services, and civic activities. Generally, the company prefers to make grants to general operating funds and to specific projects with measurable results, rather than to fund raising events.  No deadlines. 

Phelps Dodge has business interests in Arkansas; Arizona; Colorado; Connecticut; Georgia; Ft. Wayne, Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; New Jersey, New Mexico; North Carolina; South Carolina; Texas; and West Virginia.

The Prudential Foundation
The Prudential Foundation funds projects that support their mission of "Ready to Learn, Ready to Work, Ready to Live" in communities where they have a large presence (Newark; Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; Philadelphia and Phoenix). Under the Ready to Learn initiative, Prudential funds education reform efforts that strengthen early childhood education; support professional development for pre K-3 teachers; build strong school leadership, with a particular emphasis on parental involvement; provide school-based health and human services that reduce the barriers to learning; or create safe school environments through conflict resolution programs. Within this framework, the Foundation will emphasize: the creation of model school, arts education and literacy.  The Prudential Foundation accepts applications throughout the year. Inquiries should be sent to: community.resources@prudential.com 

QuikTrip
QuikTrip contributes 5% of its profits each year to community organizations. Contributions are not made for company recognition. Their contributions are made to help curb the increasing problem of individuals in our society who depend on the support of others. Their priority is contributing where the need is critical and the effect is long-term, with the resulting rewards to society measuring several times that of their original investment. They also want to encourage others to build a better community. The majority of the non-United Way funds are allocated in an annual contributions committee meeting held in July. QuikTrip accepts proposals throughout the year, but you are encouraged to submit during the months January thru May.

QuikTrip does business in:   Tulsa, Oklahoma; Springfield, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas; Wichita, Kansas; Des Moines, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Iowa City, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Miami, Oklahoma; Vinita, Oklahoma; Stillwater, Oklahoma; Columbia, Missouri

The Rainforest Cafe Friends of the Future Foundation
The Rainforest Cafe Friends of the Future Foundation is dedicated to supporting environmental causes and causes that enrich the lives of children, their families, and the communities where the Rainforest Cafe operates. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, religious organizations and endeavors, political, legislative, lobbying or fraternal organizations, or organizations that do not have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the equivalent. The three page application will be considered for funding on a quarterly basis.  Amount of grant awards vary.

Rainforest Cafes can be found in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

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Reynolds Foundation
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation Community Services Center Program awards grants to qualified charitable organizations in Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma that demonstrate a sustainable program, exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit, and assist those served to be healthy, self-sufficient and productive members of the community. The Foundation’s Community Services Center Program has an open application policy, considering proposals year round. Grants are available to qualified charitable organizations in Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma. Typically, the Foundation is the primary donor for a Community Services Center project. In all cases, a naming opportunity is expected for funded projects. 

The Capital Grants Program is extremely competitive. The perceived need for new facilities is not, in and of itself, sufficient justification for a grant. Grants are intended to have a major impact on the applicant, the clients served by that organization and the surrounding community. While these grants support capital expenses only, the Foundation's review includes a thorough evaluation of the programmatic, administrative, financial and organizational accomplishments of the applicant. Programs to be housed in a new facility must already be successful in their own right.  New construction projects are funded at $2 million to $15 million; renovation projects and capital equipment projects may receive from $500,000 to $15 million. Applications for capital projects are accepted from August 1 to August 31, 2001.

Note:  Grants will not be made to or in support of elementary or secondary school programs.

Rite Aid mainly supports the programs and projects in communities where they are located of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Rite Aid currently operates drugstores in thirty eastern and western states and in District of Columbia.  Within in the areas of health and medical; social service; education; the arts; and civic services, Rite Aid supports projects that reflect the diversity of its customers and employees.  A special emphasis is placed on funding programs that benefit women and families, minorities and senior citizens.

Rite Aid stores can be found in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

link added 10/3/2003.

Rohm and Haas
Rohm and Haas funds projects that are designed to improve the communities where its employees live and the company does business. Most of the company's giving is focused around Education or Health and Human Services programs. Rohm and Haas will fund operating support but prefers to support discrete programs and projects. Contributions will be made only to IRS-approved, nonprofit organizations.  All written requests should be sent to: Corporate Social Investment; Rohm and Haas Company; 100 Independence Mall West; Philadelphia, PA 19106-2399.

Rohm and Haas has operations in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Check for more exact locations by clicking here.

link updated 10/3/2003.

Self Family Foundation (S. Carolina only)
The primary geographic area of interest to the Self Family Foundation is Greenwood and the surrounding counties followed by the Upper Piedmont region. However, they will consider providing seed money for creative and innovative approaches in other regions of South Carolina, if they have the potential to be replicated in or to have a positive impact on the Greenwood area. One of the primary grant target areas is education: enhancing children's school readiness; working together with schools, families, youth-serving organizations and other community organizations to support the intellectual and social development of our young people.  Proposals are due by the 15th of February, May, August and November (to be considered at the quarterly trustee meetings held the third week of March, June, September, and December).

Sierra Club's Youth in Wilderness Program
Through the Youth in Wilderness Project, the Sierra Club seeks to expand opportunities for low-income youth to experience the wilderness and nature first-hand.  Potential grantees can apply for funding to support projects that connect economically disadvantaged youth with outdoor learning opportunities. The Youth in Wilderness Project funds tax-deductible, non-profit organizations or schools that provide interactive, hands-on, experiential learning in outdoor settings to economically disadvantaged youth (usually, grades K-12). 

There are two ways to apply.  If you are applying for a transportation grant of $1000 or less, you may use the "mini grant" application. All other applicants must fill out the full application. If you are submitting a full application, please include your request for transportation funds in your budget.  

Deadline for submittal of applications is September 26, 2002.  Unsolicited proposals from outside California, Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico will not be accepted in this round of funding. However, the Sierra Club's Youth in Wilderness Program will be expanding to other areas in the future.

Southwire
Southwire's goal is to help students in the following communities - Cleburne and Randolph, AL; Mississippi, AR; Bibb, Carroll, Coweta, Haralson and Heard, GA; Clay, IL; Perry, IN; Daviess and Hancock, KY; Oktibeeha, MS;  Salt Lake, UT - gain the skills they need to get good jobs and build their futures. There is a simple online grant application form to complete. There are no deadlines.

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Swalm Foundation (Texas)
The Swalm Foundation funds arts and humanities programs; civic and public affairs; education; health issues; religion; and a variety of social services. Previous grants ranged from $850 to $300,000. Applications are due 90 days prior to board meetings that are held in March, June, September and January. In the past, the foundation has provided capital funds, emergency funds, endowment funds, general/operating support, matching funds, and scholarships. Call or write for an application form:  Mimi Minkoff, Grants Administrator, Swalm Foundation, 8707 Katy Freeway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77024, (713) 464-1321.

Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation
Nonprofit organizations and public entities (including schools) in communities where Weyerhaeuser does business are eligible to apply for funds. The Foundation's priorities include education and programs that promote awareness about natural-resource management. There are no deadlines for submission of applications.

Weyerhaeuser's primary giving focuses on locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington. 

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