The Douglas County Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Winter Family Fund Grants, aimed at supporting at-risk and vulnerable populations, particularly children and families, in specific areas of Kansas and New Mexico. The designated geographic regions for this funding include Douglas County, Franklin County, and Johnson County in Kansas, as well as Taos County in New Mexico. The foundation's mission is to create a meaningful impact in the lives of these populations, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration.

The primary purpose of the Winter Family Fund is to provide financial assistance to organizations that can demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of at-risk individuals and families. The objectives of the fund include fostering partnerships within the community and ensuring that the proposals align with the mission of the Winter Family Fund. Successful applicants will be those who can effectively illustrate how their initiatives will advance this mission.

Funding from the Winter Family Fund is intended for specific projects rather than ongoing operational costs. Eligible uses of the grant include initiatives that support at-risk populations but exclude funding for general operating expenses, litigation, multi-year requests, annual campaigns, event sponsorships, fundraising events, lobbying, political activities, debt retirement, non-charitable activities, or support for individuals or endowment funds. The size of the grant is not specified, and there is no matching requirement for applicants.

Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, tribal organizations, or governmental agencies. It is essential that applicants conduct their business without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or national origin. This inclusivity is a critical aspect of the foundation's values and mission.

To apply for the Winter Family Fund Grants, organizations must complete the Winter Family Fund Grant Proposal Application and provide all requested attachments. The application process requires a clear demonstration of how the proposed project aligns with the mission of the fund and the ability to collaborate with other community partners and volunteers.

The evaluation criteria for applications will focus on the completeness of the proposal, alignment with the fund's mission, and the collaborative spirit of the organization. The deadline for submitting applications is November 1, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Lori Trenholm at the Douglas County Community Foundation for further information or clarification regarding the application process.

For more details, potential applicants can visit the Douglas County Community Foundation's website. This grant opportunity is a recurring one, and while specific funding amounts are not disclosed, it represents a valuable chance for eligible organizations to secure support for initiatives that benefit vulnerable populations in the specified regions.