GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
We welcome proposals from 501(c)(3) designated organizations in good standing that forward the mission and goals of the Foundation. Our grants are restricted to programs in Trenton, New Jersey, except for female teenage mentoring (Newark, New Jersey) and college scholarships for college bound students involved in ministry or are a special needs student across the state of New Jersey. Organizations may submit a proposal only once each calendar year. Proposals that fit the requirements may apply.
Grants We Offer:
Forever Foward Multi-Year Grant
This grant supports grassroots nonprofit IRS designated organizations with an annual budget of $250,000 or less, have been in operation for at least 3 years, has a full time staff member or volunteer that runs the day to day operations and a working board of directors of at least 3 people.
All grant awardees must participate in our Transformational Leadership Development Program (TDLP). TDLP is designed to provided intensive technical support in the areas of leadership development, organizational and technological infrastructure, and financial sustainability.
EXTENDED SCHOOL LEARNING GRANT
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations may apply for as many grants as appropriate, unless they are the recipient of the Forever Forward grant.
Grassroots organizations as defined by the foundation are as follows:
Grassroots organizations are started by like-minded people who are passionate about empowering communities. They speak directly to a subsection of the community with whom are in their circle of influence. Grassroots organizations have leadership and organizational “gaps” that may hinder their growth and support from the larger community; however, these organizations have big ideas about change but little resources to become the transformative agent that they seek to be in their community. The Smith Family Foundation is seeking to provide some of these resources to organizations who further our mission to Educate, Cultivate, and Transform lives in Trenton, NJ
Have non-profit, tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or 509(a) of the IRS Code and be in good standing
Be located in or provide service to communities within Smith Family Foundation service area
Fiscal stability
Address community needs related to our funding priorities
Established leadership/governance
Diverse board and staff; reflective of the community being served
Make efforts to collaborate with other groups providing similar programs or services
Include financial commitments from a variety of sources
Utilize an effective evaluation plan specific to the proposed funding opportunity/initiative
Demonstrate measurable goals and outcomes
Must have complete 501 (c)(3) designation letter
EDUCATION
- Academic Enrichment
- College Prep
- Professional Development
- Extended School Time Programming
- Summer Camps
- Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
- Leadership Development
- Homelessness
- Job Training
- Summer Camp/Summer Programs
- Parenting Skills
- Academic Enrichment
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
- Ministry Leadership Development
- Ministry Capacity Building
- Summer Bible Camp
YOUTH & FAMILIES
- Mentoring (Young Women in Newark)
- Youth Development
- Fine & Performance Arts
- Parent/Community Engagement
- Scholarship for Students in Ministry
Direct support of individuals
Endowments
School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs, PTO/PTA
Meals, tickets, dues, membership fees, travel, tuition, subscriptions and other tangible benefits
Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition
Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons, benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals or other events
Feasibility studies, project research or development phases, including the cost of hiring consultants or planners
Medical research
Local programs in places other than Trenton, NJ. (with the exception to mentoring groups for teen girls in Newark, NJ)
Capital campaigns