Orlando Sentinel Family Fund
Orlando, Florida
Application Due Dates
N/A: Applications are NOT available from McCormick Foundation
Application and information:
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund
Contact: Cindy Williams -- (407) 420-5591
633 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801
Mission
The Orlando Sentinel Family Fund supports nonprofit agencies in Central Florida that provide low-income and underserved residents with basic needs and promote the acquisition of basic skills so that they may fully participate in and be productive members of our community.
Guidelines
Grants are made in response to applications from 501(c)(3) organizations addressing the priority program interests detailed in the Primary Interests section.
Primary Interests
Basic Needs for Children, Families and the Elderly
- Programs that provide food, clothing and shelter
- Programs and protective services designed to improve the basic well-being and living conditions for senior citizens
- Programs that enable senior citizens to remain independent and self-sufficient
Literacy and Education
- Adult and family literacy programs
- Academic enrichment and after-school tutoring programs that focus on improving basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics
- Early intervention programs (children ages 0 - 5)
- Quality child care programs
- Parenting education programs
Toys and Clothing for the Holidays
- Toys for children ages 9 and younger
- Clothing vouchers for youth ages 10-17
Back to School Campaign
- Backpacks and school supplies for elementary school students in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola and West Volusia counties
Disaster Relief (funded through a Disaster Relief campaign during times of disaster)
- Programs that provide direct assistance to victims of natural disasters that hit Central Florida such as tornadoes, fires and hurricanes
Other interests: From time to time, the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund may consider and recommend grants not in the priority interests of the program guidelines.
Geographic Priority
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and West Volusia counties.
Application Procedures
All requests for support require a completed application form.
Three complete copies of the application and supporting materials must be submitted. Organizations must use the application form provided- similar versions created on the computer are not accepted. Most frequently, grants range from $2,500-$25,000
There is no guarantee of annual support. Generally, grantees will not receive more than three consecutive annual grants.
Organizational Requirements
Nonprofit organizations must have at least a three to five year operating history and an existing operating budget of $100,000 or more. Organizations run solely by volunteers, organizations that have an operating deficit greater than 10% of its revenue, and organizations that have administrative expenses greater than 30% are not eligible for funding. Organizations that have received a grant form the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund for three consecutive years cannot receive a grant in the fourth year with the following exceptions: event partnerships, special initiatives, holiday partners and Back-to-School programs (maximum $50,000 per year).
Operating Grants
Generally, operating grants are made only to nonprofit organizations that have a minimum of a three year history of receiving Orlando Sentinel Family Fund grants.
Religious Organizations
Religious organizations that provide a needed non-religious service that is available to any segment of the population are eligible. Programs that have any religious components are not eligible for funding.
Trucks/Vans
The purpose of the truck/van must fit within the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund guidelines and it must be for capacity building (somehow expanding the program - serving a new county, additional clients, etc.). The requesting organizations must show that it can maintain the vehicle.
Technology
Capital requests for computers, printers and off-the-shelf software that help organizations operate more efficiently are eligible. Requests for web site design implementation and maintenance are not eligible for funding.
Miscellaneous Exclusions
The following organizations, programs or requests are not eligible for funding:
- Sponsorships, individuals or organizations whose members would be the primary beneficiaries
- Legal aid societies, political, lobbying or advocacy groups
- capital requests for building and/or major improvements
The McCormick Foundation does not make grants to programs that would benefit Tribune Company or any of its subsidiaries.