For more information regarding the grant process and to discuss potential requests, contact Grants Administrator Cheryl Allen at cherylallen@wacofoundation.org or 254-855-2259.

Eligibility
Under the terms of its charter, Waco Foundation awards grants only to 501(c)(3) organizations that serve the citizens of McLennan County.

Funding Priorities
High
    •  disabled individuals
    •  disadvantaged children and youth
    •  low-income populations
    •  traditionally marginalized populations
    •  projects that cannot be easily accomplished without the support
       of the Waco Foundation
    •  projects that result in an increase of funding from outside
       of McLennan County
    •  projects that strengthen the community’s vitality

Low
    •  annual appeals
    •  endowments
    •  faith-based organizations for religious purposes
       (projects that will serve a broad segment of the population
       will be considered)
    •  operating and marketing expenses
    •  political activities
    •  tax supported entities such as cities and schools

Grant Cycles
Spring grant applications are due on April 1 by 5:00 pm; grants are awarded at the end of May

Fall grant applications are due on September 1 by 5:00 pm; grants are awarded at the end of October.

If the due date is on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the application is due the following business day.

An organization not awarded a grant may apply the following cycle; one receiving a grant may not apply for twelve months.

The size and number of grants awarded are based upon the amount of money available each year.

To view past projects and amounts awarded, visit recipients.

Application Process
Download Application
Please submit one copy of the application, unbound without holes.
Application must include:

1. Grant application cover and checklist
2. Letter from the board president that includes mission statement, summary of the project and confirmation that the grant application has been reviewed and approved by the board
3. Project description that includes
   • needs/issues addressed (use local statistics, if available)
   • impact in the community
   • specific details, including timeline
   • anticipated outcomes
   • process for evaluating and measuring the success
   • names of local organizations that address the same issues and why an additional program is needed
   • value of Waco Foundation funding to the project
   • plans for sustaining the project when the grant funds expire
4. Project budget listing all anticipated income and expense (include vendor bids for materials and equipment, if applicable)
5. Letters of commitment from collaborating organizations, if applicable
6. Organizational chart that includes names, positions and salaries of top three employees
7. List of board members with professions, affiliations and mailing addresses
8. Current 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter
9. Form 990 from prior year or explanation of why form is unavailable
10. General operating budget for the current and previous year (department budget is acceptable)
11. Most recent audit (with management letter, if applicable) or explanation of why audit is unavailable
    

Disbursement of funds
To receive the funds, an organization must:
    • turn in a check request
    • present documentation of when, where and how much was spent
    • use the funds specifically as stated in the grant request
    • spend the funds within twelve months of the grant awarding
    • submit a close out report upon receipt of final payment