EQUIP

OPERATE EFFECTIVELY AND DEMONSTRATE IMPACT

PURPOSE

• Implementing and sustaining their board-approved strategic plans
• Enhancing organizational capacity and leadership
• Maintaining delivery of critical community services
• Improving financial sustainability and readiness
• Attracting additional funding interests

CRITICAL SERVICE FOCUS

Strategic Mission Grants will prioritize organizations addressing the following critical community needs that do not receive funding through the Empower or Engage portfolios.

FUNDING STRUCTURE

This program will provide three years of general operational support:
• Year 1: $50,000
• Year 2: $30,000
• Year 3: $20,000

Funds may support operational expenses as aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.

Total Available Funding: Up to five grants awarded per year.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for this program, organizations must:

• Be a graduate of the Capacity Building Institute (CBI)
• Deliver a critical community service listed above
• Have a strategic plan with at least 2 years remaining, or commit to creating one within 6 months
• Be affected by a strategic alignment gap with the Foundation’s other focused initiatives (i.e. are not eligible for funding under the Empower or Engage portfolios)
• Demonstrate readiness and board commitment to organization’s strategic plan goals

2025 APPLICATION PROCESS

REVIEW CRITERIA

• Clarity and feasibility of strategic plan goals
• Board engagement and leadership commitment
• Organizational readiness and operational capacity
• Alignment with identified critical needs
• Potential for sustained impact and long-term growth

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Granted organizations will commit to:

• In-Person Site Visits – Conducted annually during the grant period to explore unreported challenges
• Annual Reports – Annual progress updates, including financial use and benchmarks; due December 2026 and 2027
• Final Report – Outcomes achieved, sustainability improvements, and lessons learned; due December 2028

If you have questions about Strategic Mission Grants, please contact Jan Ross, EVP Philanthropy.