Applications for competitive grants from funds managed by Communities Foundation of Texas are reviewed in the spring and fall. These grants are awarded from discretionary funds and field of interest funds, which are not donor-advised and not committed to support specific institutions, organizations or charitable causes. Compared to the resources of donor-advised and designated funds, the smaller amount of discretionary resources creates a very competitive process for grants from these funds. There is no application form and no specific format for grant proposals. But, all applications must include the following documents and information:

  • A cover letter on the agency's letterhead and signed by the chief executive officer should describe the proposal, the amount requested, and the results expected

  • A copy of the organization's current 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter from the IRS

  • A list of the members of the agency's governing body, including professional, business or community affiliations, and any paid staff on the board

  • A financial statement, audited if available, for the agency's most recently completed fiscal year, as well as a copy of its most recent Form 990 tax return

  • Agency budgets for the current year and previous year, including budget to actuals.

  • A mission statement and a brief organizational history

In addition, a detailed written proposal should address the following issues:

  • Credibility and capacity of board, staff, and any consultants

  • The organization's history and viability

  • Purpose of the project proposed

  • Outcome anticipated

  • Appropriateness of the timing, expense and scope of the project

  • Any possible conflicts of interest

  • Any prior relationship with CFT

  • Other sources or potential sources of funding

The Process

  • Applications are reviewed by CFT Grants Department staff.

  • Additional information may be requested.

  • A site visit may be scheduled.

  • The Grants Distribution Committee of the CFT board of trustees meets to consider all qualifying applications.

  • Based on the funds available, the Grants Distribution Committee makes priority funding recommendations to the board of trustees.

  • The CFT board of trustees reviews recommendations and approves final grants.

  • Contracts are issued and grant checks are presented.

Deadlines

  • Grant requests are accepted throughout the year.

  • Grants are generally awarded two times a year in the spring and fall.

  • The deadline for consideration by the Grants Distribution Committee in March is January 16. The deadline for the November meeting is September 15. All applications mailed to CFT should be postmarked by the above deadlines.

Grant proposals should be mailed to the following address:
Leslie Parks
Communities Foundation of Texas
5500 Caruth Haven Lane
Dallas, TX 75225

Qualifications

  • To receive competitive funding from CFT, organizations must be established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt "public charity" nonprofit entities. Grants are not made directly to individuals or to for-profit businesses.

  • New charities that serve distinct, verifiable charitable purposes also may qualify.

  • Organizations must demonstrate sound management and fiscal responsibility.

  • Because of limited discretionary funds and broad community needs, Dallas-area organizations typically are favored.

Guidelines

  • Requests for general operating unrestricted support usually are not considered.

  • Requests for capital improvements and mission-related equipment generally are given priority over program applications.

  • Grants generally are not made to establish or to add to endowments.

  • Grant funds are not available to support deficit financing or to repay debts.

  • Grants are not made for general use of churches or synagogues or for sectarian religious purposes.

  • Grants are not made for political activities or lobbying.

  • Grants generally are not available for direct aid to individuals.

  • Awards may be paid out over several months or years, but grants for operational budgets normally are not made to projects or organizations for more than one year at a time.

  • CFT makes every effort to award grants of varying sizes to balance gifts to newer and more established organizations and to meet a variety of needs.

  • CFT requires reports, documenting how the money awarded was used.

  • CFT requires recipient organizations to accurately credit Communities Foundation of Texas as the donor in any publicity or recognition efforts.

  • Any lobbying of the Board of Trustees or of the Distribution Committee by grant-seekers is discouraged and could lead to disqualification.

To download a complete copy of the Guidelines and Policies for Grants from Discretionary Funds, please click here.

Grants Department personnel welcome the opportunity to discuss the feasibility of proposals and to assist your understanding of the application process: Call 214.750.4222 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or e-mail lparks@cftexas.org.