Step 1:  Eligibility

WHAT WE FUND

We fund projects for a maximum of one year.

Our categories are very broadly defined and we do not want to limit your imagination. For example Education projects can range from early childhood intervention, K-12, college preparedness/support, migrant support, adult education and literacy.

The categories:

• Education (if it meets our Education Policy Requirements)
• Health
• Historic Preservation
• Problem Gaming
• Arts & Culture
• Public Safety
• Environmental Preservation

Learn more about the types of projects we fund in the Grants Archive >>

If you feel your project fits into more than one category, pick one and focus your application on that category. There is no extra consideration given for projects that fit more than one category. We use broad, flexible definitions for our categories. We cannot choose your category for you.

ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS

We can only fund IRS recognized 501(c)3's organizations. We occasionally allow fiscal sponsorships, but they must follow our Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines.

No aspect of our funding can be used to support projects outside the 11 Oregon counties above. If you are an organization based outside of these areas or have a project that serves counties inside and outside the 11 county region please read our FAQ  “do you fund projects in other counties”.

All religious affiliated groups must follow our religious policy to be eligible

We fund government agencies located in Polk and Yamhill counties only (this is mandated by the Tribe’s compact with the State of Oregon).

WE DO NOT FUND

• Organizations that have not completed their previous SMCF grant
• Events - including fundraisers and sponsorships
• Projects or organizations that propagandize or influence elections
• Indirect or overhead costs except those expenses that specifically and essentially relate to the grant project. These costs should be a small percent of the total request.
• Projects within sectarian or religious organizations that primarily serve their own members or adherents
• Replacement funding for activities or materials previously supported by federal, state or local public funds
• Grants to organizations that will be passing funds on to organizations that are not tax-exempt
• Institutions that in policy or practice unfairly discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, sex, creed or religion
• Grants requiring multi-year funding
• Sporting complexes
• Economic development or community revitalization, unless the project clearly fits into one of the seven categories of giving

GRANT TYPES

Our Small Grants program is for newer or smaller organizations (annual operating budgets of under $250k) and provides funding up to $5,000.

Our Large Grants program is for larger or more seasoned organizations (annual operating budgets over $250k) and provides funding of any amount within our granting guidelines. Organizations with operating budgets under $250k requesting more than $5,000 also need to apply under the large grant program.

HOW MUCH TO ASK FOR

Generally we do not fund more than 50% of a project, but sometimes we can be flexible, depending on the nature of your project. Ask for what your project needs to be successful and let us decide what we are comfortable funding.

The Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees may provide all of the funding requested or a partial amount that focuses on one component of the funding request.

MAXIMUM AMOUNTS

The maximum amount you can request is:

• $50,000 for project/program support
• $100,000 for capital projects

Most organizations receive substantially less. The average amount awarded in 2011 was $18,600.

• Organizations requesting over $50,000 must read our Capital Campaign Guidance.
 

NEXT STEP:

LEARN ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS >>