The San Antonio Area Foundation announced this week that local nonprofit organizations can now apply for 2019 grant funding.
The Area Foundation will accept requests from nonprofits providing services in its current interest areas, including arts and culture, animal services, children and youth and/or high school completion, community at large, medicine and health care, and seniors.
Applications for the 2019 grant cycle are available online at www.saafdn.org and the deadline to submit is July 28. The Area Foundation will notify recipients of its Annual Responsive Bridge Funding in November to December, with funds provided by the end of this year.
The 2019 annual funding cycle is focused on advancing equity in the community, the Area Foundation’s announcement stated. Nonprofits must provide information on how they impact equity, which zip codes they serve, and the diversity of their board.
This year’s funding cycle introduces a new approach to grant-making at the Area Foundation, which manages assets worth more than $450 million. Rather than funding specific programs, it will provide general operational funds to nonprofits that qualify.
Many national funders have moved toward providing operating funds to nonprofits that benefit all of their programs and services, allowing them to strengthen their capacity and better advance their missions.
“We know general operating funds are of critical importance to our nonprofit ecosystem,” said Marjie French, CEO of the Area Foundation. “This type of funding is especially sought after by nonprofits because it allows them to utilize the funds awarded in any manner they deem best for furthering their mission and vision.”
Next year, the focus areas for giving will be different. Based on community input and an effort to advance equity, the Area Foundation plans to implement some changes to its interest areas.
Eligibility requirements for the Area Foundation grants remain the same as in previous years. Applicants must be designated as a nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year; have a minimum budget of $40,000; and serve Bexar, Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, or Wilson Counties.
Award amounts will be based on each organization’s budget size. For example, an organization with a budget of less than $75,000 would receive a maximum of $8,000. The larger the organization’s budget, the larger the award amount, up to $50,000.
As in past years, the Area Foundation will not fund endowments, debt reduction, funds for individuals, or political activities. Scholarships and capital campaigns are funded under a different process.
More information is available by contacting the Area Foundation’s Community Engagement and Impact team at info@saafdn.org or 210-225-2243.
