For Nonprofits > Grants > Application Requirements

Application Requirements

Please read the information below before beginning the online application process. It is imperative that you understand and follow all the instructions set out below so that your application will be complete. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Foundation staff prior to developing a full proposal as Foundation funding is not appropriate for every good project. Staff members are happy to discuss potential requests and how they relate to the Foundation’s guidelines and priorities in addition to any other questions regarding the grantmaking process. Please contact Nicole Wynter, Director of Special Projects at nwynter@wacofoundation.org or at 254-754-3404.

Waco Foundation only accepts grant applications through its on-line system. To access the on-line system click on the applicable link below.

Start a New Application.

Application already in Progress ("My Account" Login Page).

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Application from the Grantmaking Forms Page of our website.

Please read the following requirements carefully to ensure that your application is in compliance and complete before submitting through the Foundation’s on-line application system. Be specific and concise in your answers.

Formatting

  • Please respond to ALL questions in the order presented while staying within the maximum number of pages indicated.
  • Please label each question/answer accordingly – restate the Section Number and Question Number and question(s) asked (i.e. I.1 - Briefly describe the history of the organization (including the year it was established) and the organization’s goals; II.1 - Describe the project/program to be funded, including a needs statement).  If a question is not applicable, list it and answer it with N/A.
  • Note that if your proposal exceeds the page number limits listed, the subsequent pages will not be reviewed and your application will be considered incomplete and thereby eliminated from the grant cycle for consideration.
  • Use 8.5 x 11 page size, Times New Roman font in 12-point type size, and have at least ½” margins on all sides.
  • Insert a footer on each page as follows:  “Organization Name Grant Application” and page number.
  • Please follow the exact outline provided and do not include information not asked for.
  • Please do not include a cover letter.
  • Please follow these instructions precisely, carefully and completely.

Deadlines and Decisions

  • Spring Applications are due on April1st by midnight.  Awards are granted at the end of May.
  • Fall Application are due on September 1st by midnight.  Awards are granted at the end of October.

Granting Guidelines

  1. Organizations applying for funds must be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code. Individuals are not qualified applicants.
  2. Organizations must provide services directly to Waco and McLennan County.
  3. Organizations that have been previously funded cannot apply again until 12 months have passed.
  4. Organizations that have been previously funded must submit a final program/project evaluation report and interim evaluation report (applicable to grants awarded Fall 2010 and after) before applying for a subsequent grant.
  5. The Foundation will fund specific projects and programs that have measurable results (i.e. evidence of productivity, change in number, etc.).
  6. The Foundation appreciates and encourages collaborative agency grant requests.
  7. The Foundation has two competitive grant cycles per year.
  8. Oral presentations and site visits are not required; however, the Board reserves the right to request one.

Waco Foundation Generally will not Consider

  1. Religious activities or programs that serve, or appear to serve specific religious groups or denominations. However, projects that will serve a broad segment of the population will be considered on the same basis as proposals from other agencies.
  2. Political lobbying or legislative activities.
  3. Endowment funds.
  4. National, state, or local fundraising activities, i.e., annual fund drives, benefit tickets, and telephone solicitations.
  5. Umbrella funding organizations that intend to distribute grant funds at their own discretion.
  6. The use of and payment for services of a fiscal agent.
  7. Tax supported entities, i.e. cities and schools.
  8. Individuals.
  9. Late requests.
  10. Requests for programs or projects already completed.
  11. Refunding projects, programs or items purchased before the grant is approved or awarded.

Help us Help you 

In an effort to streamline our application process and reduce our carbon footprint (and yours), the Foundation has moved our competitive grant applications online.

The two resources listed below will help make your application process as efficient and stress free as possible. We strongly recommend that you read these in their entirety, even if you have applied for a grant in the past.

Technical Frequently Asked Questions