Revised 8/11/22

Who is eligible to apply?

• Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
• Must provide services in Texas and/or New Mexico
• Must provide services that align with the focus areas detailed on the TMF website
  

Additionally, it is highly recommended that organizations are able to accept grant payment by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in order to expedite grant funding. If an organization cannot accept payments by check, it can cause a delay in receipt of funds.

In addition to determining basic eligibility, TMF considers additional organizational criteria as part of the due diligence process, including:

• Strong, stable leadership and governance
• Sound financial management
• Ability to achieve impact and help drive our vision and mission
• Recognition of the interconnected nature of challenges facing churches and communities
• Deep engagement with those whom the organization serves
• Demonstrate commitment to partner and collaborate to achieve impact
• Evidence that the proposed approach is likely to be effective and/or provide a significant opportunity to advance the field
• Commitment to defining clear goals and tracking results, learning and adapting, and sharing learnings with others

If I applied for funding in the Competitive grant cycle, can I apply or re-apply for funding in the Invitation grant cycle?

Yes, but the Invitation grant cycle is by “invitation only.”

TMF’s grant funds are generally NOT available for:

• Individuals
• Organizations that do not have a current 501(c)(3)
• Capital expenditures
• Endowment funds
• Annual fund campaigns
• Debt retirement
• Research
• Programs or services that do not serve communities in Texas or New Mexico
• Lobbying efforts as defined by the Internal Revenue Service

What is the typical grant award?

Grant award amount ranges will vary by request and limited to funding available per year.

What is the timing of grant cycles?

The Competitive grant cycle begins with an LOI available on the website beginning November 1 and due November 30. If your LOI is approved, you will receive an invitation to complete the full grant application by December 15. Full grant applications are due by January 31. If approved, funding for the spring is released the 3rd week of May.

The Invitation grant cycle begins with an invitation to apply from TMF no later than September 30. Funding for the Invitational grant cycle is released by the second week of December.

What does it mean if our organization is invited to complete a full grant application?

If you are invited to complete a full application, TMF staff members have determined that your idea may align with current priorities and we are interested in learning more. The Grants team and committee will review submitted applications and present funding recommendations to the board of directors.

An invitation to complete a full application does not guarantee funding.

Can an organization submit more than one application?

No. We encourage organizations to structure their application in a way that reflects all of the services and their corresponding costs for which they are seeking support.

Who should I include on my grant writing team?

The people who have authority to make administrative decisions for the project and have access to budget and leadership data.

Who should be our organization’s primary contact in the TMF application system?

The CEO, Executive Director, Sr Pastor, or person responsible for the work.

May I schedule an appointment to discuss my project idea?

If you are considering submitting LOI for funding (to begin the LOI process, please log on to TMF's Grants Portal, first review information on eligibility. If you would like to review your project or program with a staff person, please email Wendy Abel with a brief Executive Summary and contact information.

What organizations have been funded in the previous 18 months?

See a list of our grant recipients here.

Questions?

Please email questions or to attend the Application Information Session to be held on November 3, 2022 at 10 am or 2 pm to grants@tmf-fdn.org

TMF receives many more inquiries for funding than it is able to support. As a result, the selection process is highly competitive. A declination from TMF does not necessarily mean your request for funding does not have merit.