IMPORTANT UPDATE - 2021 GRANT PROGRAM

In January of 2020, the Women’s Fund of Smith County was honored to award five community grants totaling $300,941 – the most we’ve ever given in one year. Remarkable growth in membership, strong support from community partners, and responsible stewardship led us to this landmark. These funds, as have all our grants, are impacting our community and transforming the lives of women and children.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are doing our best to navigate the path forward. We hope to provide relief and recovery for our community during this grant cycle, while remaining true to our mission and to our commitment of fiscal responsibility as trusted stewards of resources.

To that end and to be responsive to the unique needs this year, the following modifications have been made to our Grantmaking Program for 2021 Grant Funding:

1. For 2021 funding, applications will be accepted ONLY from our existing nonprofit agency partners, to whom previous WFSC grants have been awarded – including those agencies receiving/utilizing grant funding in 2020.
2. Funding WILL be considered for GENERAL SUPPORT/OPERATING EXPENSES.
3. Project proposals for new programs or expansions of existing programs are encouraged.

A revised Grant Application will be available online, beginning Monday, June 8. Submission deadline is Monday, July 13.

Together, we are serving and strengthening our community with resilience and hope.

Our Purpose

To provide large impact grants to support nonprofit agencies benefiting women and children in the Tyler/Smith County area.

Areas of Focus for Funding

The Women’s Fund of Smith County provides grant support for arts & culture, education, health & wellness and human services for women and/or children.

Grant Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization with an active, functioning board of directors
• Organization's yearly operating budget is $120,000 or more
• Grant request is for $30,000 to $100,000
• Project Proposal is focused on Arts & Culture, Education, Health & Wellness, or Human Services to significantly impact the lives of WOMEN and/or CHILDREN
• Recipients of services must be Smith County residents
• Services must be provided in Smith County, without discrimination, and take place in 2021
• Organization has the ability to sustain its mission

Funding will not be considered for the following:

• Grants to individuals
• Budget deficits/debt retirement or restructuring
• Capital Campaigns (Capital Asset requests are allowed)
• Religious/sectarian causes for strictly religious or sectarian purposes
• Political or lobbying activities

Our next Grant Cycle will begin in May, 2021.