Applying for grants

Grant requests for proposals vary from program to program and are posted online when grants are available (you may also contact us for current guidelines). The following guidelines are provided to help you determine whether your organization qualifies for a Community Foundation grant. 

Eligibility

The Community Foundation receives more worthy requests than we can accommodate each year. All programs and projects are reviewed, based upon relative need, impact and your organization’s ability to:

• Provide innovative responses to recognized community needs that do not unnecessarily duplicate the efforts of others
• Demonstrate a capacity to deliver the service effectively and efficiently
• Significantly strengthen the capacity of existing institutions and organizations in serving their clients
• Attract additional funds (e.g., through a monetary or in-kind match)
• Strengthen character values and education
• Recognize community civility

Most of the Foundation’s individual grantmaking programs have specific eligibility requirements. Please review each application carefully and contact the Foundation if your organization is unsure about your eligibility.

Restrictions

Grants are limited to organizations in Kern County. However, funding may be given to organizations with offices outside of Kern County for services or programs for residents of Kern County.

The Foundation currently does not consider multi-year requests.

We do not provide grants for:

• Propagandizing, influencing legislation and/or elections, promoting voter registration; for political candidates, political campaigns or organizations engaged in political activities; for litigation
• Institutions limiting their services to persons of a single religious sect or denomination
• Social or political problems outside of the United States of America
• Individuals
• Federated appeals or to organizations that collect funds for redistribution to other nonprofit groups
• Conferences, workshops, exhibits, travel, surveys, films or publishing activities

Reporting

Most grants carry with them a requirement for reporting back to the Community Foundation regarding use of the funds. Reports of past grants must be on file before an agency can apply for additional Community Foundation funds. Applications received from organizations with delinquent reports will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed.

Timing

The Foundation accepts grant proposals at specific times during the year. We also award grants through donor advised, designated and scholarship funds. Unsolicited applications or applications received after a granting program’s cycle has closed are returned to the applying organization.

Review

Grant applications are reviewed by a committee comprising both Kern Community Foundation Board Members and other members of the community.