Grant for Nonprofits to Enhance Quality of People's Lives

GrantID: 71226

Grant Funding Amount Low: Open

Deadline: Ongoing

Grant Amount High: Open

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Summary

🏛️ Grant Opportunity Overview

This distinguished grant opportunity is designed to support organizations committed to advancing meaningful programs within their communities. The initiative offers financial resources aimed at enhancing capacity, promoting innovation, and strengthening organizational impact.


💡 Grant Benefits

  • 💰 Financial Support: Funding is provided to support program development, operational growth, or strategic initiatives.

  • 📈 Capacity Building: Resources aim to foster sustainable development and long-term organizational health.

  • 🤝 Recognition: Awardees gain credibility and visibility within their respective fields and communities.


🎯 Areas of Interest

This grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear alignment with community needs, innovative approaches, and measurable outcomes. Emphasis is placed on supporting efforts that contribute to cultural enrichment, education, or social impact.


✅ Eligibility

Eligible applicants primarily include nonprofit organizations. However, select small businesses or individual practitioners may also qualify, depending on the scope and nature of their proposed work. Applicants should demonstrate a track record of effectiveness and a commitment to accountability.


📍 Geographic Availability

Funding is generally available for organizations operating within specific regions or service areas. Applicants are encouraged to verify eligibility based on their location.


📅 Application Process

The grant follows a structured application cycle with defined deadlines. Interested parties should prepare to submit required materials in accordance with guidelines set forth for the funding period.


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Eligible Regions

Interests

Eligible Requirements

🏛️ Organization Background

Founded in 1989, the S. Mark Taper Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people's lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in communities. The Foundation is committed to grantmaking that aligns with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to overcome systemic disenfranchisement based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.


💼 Types of Grants & Funding Areas

The Foundation provides three types of grants:

  • General Operating Support (GOS): Unrestricted funding to support an organization's overall operations.

  • Program Support: Funding designated for specific programs or projects within an organization.

  • Capital Support: Funding for capital projects such as building renovations or equipment purchases. 


The Foundation typically funds organizations working in the following fields:

  • Arts

  • Civic Affairs

  • Education

  • Environment

  • Health

  • Social Services


✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a grant, organizations must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • Serve clients in Southern California, specifically in one of the following counties: Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Ventura.

  • Have an up-to-date California Entity Status Letter, generated within 30 days of LOI submission, with both boxes 1 and 3 checked.

  • Not have received a grant payment from the Foundation during the last three grant cycles. 

  • Organizations with fiscal sponsors or those affiliated with national/statewide organizations may apply, provided they meet the above criteria. 


💰 Funding Amounts

The Foundation does not provide specific guidance on the amount to request. Applicants are encouraged to base their request on the size of their organization and past grants received. However, for capital grants, the minimum request amount should be $100,000. If the planned request amount is under $100,000, it is recommended to apply for General Operating or Program Support instead. 


📅 Proposal Deadlines ( Check grant provider's site for more details)

The grant application process follows an annual cycle:

  • Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission: December 2– February 4.

  • LOI Review: February – April.

  • Grant Application Submission & Review: May – September (for organizations invited to submit a full application)

  • Final Decisions: By the end of October.

  • Grant Payments: Mid-December.


📝 Application Process

The first step in applying for a grant is to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Foundation's online grants portal during the specified submission window. LOIs submitted via hard copy or email are not accepted. smtfoundation.org+4smtfoundation.org+4smtfoundation.org+4

Applicants should carefully review the LOI Guidelines, Grant Process Timeline, and FAQs available on the Foundation's website before beginning the application process. Required documents include the IRS Determination Letter, California Entity Status Letter, list of current Board members, board-approved organizational budget, list of grants received, and audited financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year



Overview

This grant is meant to financially support organizations or entities that focus their efforts on, but not limited to: Arts, Culture, History & Humanities, Awards, Community Development & Services, Education, Environment, Financial Assistance, Health & Medical, Income Security & Social Services, Non-Profit Support Services, Other, Quality of Life .