| Grants
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofit organizations that are classified under 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Service Code located in or primarily benefiting the
residents of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle.
What about counties, cities, school districts, and hospital districts?
Taxing entities like the above are also eligible to receive foundation
funding, because they perform public services like those provided by
501(c)(3) organizations. HOWEVER, proposals from taxing entities are
considered low priority in most cases. Foundation funding is not meant
to provide a tax break for a taxing district. It is best to visit with
Foundation staff prior to submitting a request if you are a city,
county, or other taxing entity.
Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
The Foundation does not make grants to individuals.
How do I apply?
The Foundation has developed guidelines to assist nonprofits in
understanding areas of priority. The Foundation's guidelines are
available on this site. All potential applicants are encouraged to read
the guidelines prior to contacting the Foundation.
Does the Foundation accept letters of inquiry?
The Foundation does not have a letter of inquiry screening process.
Applicants seeking funding must submit a full proposal according to the
Foundation's guidelines.
How often does the Board of Directors review grant requests?
The Foundation Board reviews grant requests twice a year. The grant
guidelines has the current grant cycles.
How soon will I know whether or not my organization has received
funding?
Notification will usually take place within three months of a deadline.
Does the Foundation prefer a certain type of grant, such as seed grants,
bricks and mortar, or matching grants?
The Foundation does not typically fund requests for operating support,
endowments, or research. The guidelines indicate other restrictions on
grantmaking. The Foundations do not prefer a type of grant, but rather,
those proposals which reflect the qualities listed in the "Grantmaking
Objectives" section.
May I contact staff prior to submitting a proposal?
Staff encourage contact from potential applicants prior to developing a
full proposal. Foundation funding is not appropriate for every good
project. Staff are happy to discuss potential projects and how they
relate to guidelines and Foundation priorities. If you have questions
about whether or not you should submit a proposal, please contact Angela
Lust, Senior Vice President, at the Foundation offices,
(806) 376-4521.
Does the Foundation ever make grants outside of its service area?
A grant outside the Foundation's service area is rare. Occasionally, if
a potential project poses to make a highly significant impact in the
Foundation' service area, a grant may be made.
If our request has been declined, should we reapply?
Grant requests for projects that have been declined, unless otherwise
directed from the Board of Directors, are discouraged. However, an
organization that has been declined may submit a proposal for a
different project.
If we have applied for 501(c)(3) status and have not received it yet,
may we apply for funding?
The Foundation will not provide a grant to an applicant until 501(c)(3)
status has been received. The process of gaining the status usually
takes six months following the time of submission. Applicants are
encouraged to submit notification from the IRS.
Do I make submission to the Amarillo Area Foundation or The Don and
Sybil Harrington Foundation?
The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation is the public supporting
organization of the Amarillo Area Foundation. Application should be made
to the Amarillo Area Foundation. All grant requests are reviewed by both
Boards of Directors.
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