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Current Funding Opportunities
Click on each tab to view the requirements of each cycle and access the application. Be sure to watch Grant Writing 101 below for tips, tricks, & best practices for successful grant writing!
The 2024 Endow El Dorado SAPLING Grant Application is an EDCF competitive grant process. This grant is open to all nonprofits serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County who are saplings…organizations with an annual gross revenue under $175,000. Sapling organizations will be able to apply for up to $5,000 for capacity building and project/program ideas. This grant is supplemented by funds from the Pay It Forward Project, the Hernandez Family Fund, and Joan Barsotti Memorial Fund.
Friends of Seniors, a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation, will be awarding a total of up to $15,000 in grants to El Dorado County nonprofits that support the wellness, life enrichment, dignity and independence of Seniors (60+) residing on the WESTERN slope of El Dorado County.
The 2024 GIVE Tahoe Grant Application Process supports nonprofits who work for and within the South Lake Tahoe Area. The GIVE Tahoe Grant is open to all nonprofits, agencies and schools serving the residents and communities of South Lake Tahoe. Proposals of up to $5,000 will be considered. This grant does not have a specific focus allowing the opportunity to respond to our most important needs.
The Veterans grant program is funded by El Dorado County to support operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs that support the veteran community at large. Grants are available in amounts up to $10,000. The application deadline is 11:59 pm May 16, 2024, funding will be provided September 2024. Applications are reviewed and grants awarded by the County of El Dorado Veterans’ Affairs Commission.
Grants to Organizations
The El Dorado Community Foundation facilitates many competitive grant cycles throughout the year. When funding is available from any of these funds, the Foundation distributes a Request for Proposal (RFP) detailing the funding focus and application deadline.
Nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply for grants so long as:
- The non-profit is in good standing with the IRS, SOS, and DOJ (AG)
- The organization qualifies for the grant cycles. Please read all requirements carefully!
- The non-profits directly serve the communities of El Dorado County and surrounding areas (please read specifics with each grant being offered)
You can check the status of your nonprofit organization to ensure that you are in compliance with each agency by using the links below:
1) IRS database shows IRS filings for the past year(s).
2) CA Secretary of State website will show “active and up-to-date” when in compliance.
3) CA Department of Justice website to verify registration is current.
If your entity is not based out of California, please submit comparable paperwork/screenshot for the state your entity is registered in.
THESE ARE REQUIRED unless your organization is a faith-based organization, a government entity, or a Native American Tribe recognized by the federal government.
Eligibility
The Foundation seeks proposals from non-profits, schools, county agencies and religious organizations, as well as other groups conducting charitable work who respond to the focus and goals outlined in each Request for Proposal. Grants are made which benefit the communities of El Dorado County and surrounding areas. Funding may be given to organizations with offices outside of El Dorado County for services or programs for the communities of El Dorado County and surrounding areas.
The Foundation will not make competitive grants for:
- Debt reduction
- Fundraising events
- Religious activities
- Political campaigns
Nonprofit Organizations serving El Dorado County, sign up here to receive notification of future Requests for Proposal
Application Review
Proposal review committees are comprised of community members and representative of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Each committee evaluates every application seeking opportunity to make effective use of the community’s donations by placing a high priority on applications that successfully address the following topics:
- Capacity of the Organization – how well do the organization’s board, volunteers and staff demonstrate the skills, experience, and commitment to carry out the proposed project?
- Organization Mission and Funding Focus – to what extent does the project relate to both the organization’s core mission and the grant fund’s focus?
- Need for Project – is the grant addressing a relevant need in El Dorado County, has the need been demonstrated and is the organization qualified to meet the need?
- Objectives and Methods – does this project have clear and measurable goals that will result in a meaningful improvement to our community?
- Budget and Project Sustainability – is the project budget realistic and will the project be sustainable after an investment from the Foundation?
Committee recommendations are ratified by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Successful applicants are required to submit narrative reports that explain the outcomes of the funded grants.
