- Organizations that have not completed their previous SMCF grant
- Debt retirement
- Domestic animal programs (Shelters)
- Economic development or community revitalization
- Events including fundraisers, conferences, concerts, and sponsorships
- 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
- Institutions that in policy or practice unfairly discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, sex, creed or religion
- Multi-year funding
- Pass-through funding to organizations that are not tax-exempt
- Projects or organizations that propagandize or influence elections
- 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
- Sporting complexes, equipment, or other sports related projects
- Start-up construction projects