Guiding Principles

• We believe in investing in smaller/newer nonprofits that need that may not have the capacity/history to be approved for private foundation grants or other fundraising mechanisms.
• We give the highest priority to basic needs (i.e. food, clothing, shelter) but will also consider educational, emotional, recreational and other needs as deemed necessary.
• We are dedicated and focused to steward our donor dollars to programs and organizations that make a large impact in our community.

The Numbers

Fort Bend Cares historically has awarded between 20-30 grants annually, mostly to small/moderate size nonprofit programs. The average grant has been about $5,000. Fort Bend Cares typically receives between 40-50 proposals each year.  The grant process for 2021 is currently under review. 

MOST COMMON REASONS FOR A DECLINE

1. Project request focuses on operating over program support. *Note – operating funds are eligible, but should not be the focus.
2. Does not address “disadvantaged” children
3. Simply not enough funds to award.

ELIGIBILITY

• Organization does not have to be based in Fort Bend County, but grant funds must serve disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County.
• 501(c)(3) organizations providing programs or services targeted at improving the lives of disadvantaged youth (typically 18 and under) in our community.
• Cannot apply until previous funded Fort Bend Cares grant report has been submitted.

• Applications are accepted December 1 -January 31.
• Grant applications should be written for funds to be used June – December.
• If you have already received a grant from Fort Bend Cares, you must submit a Grant Reports by December 31 of the year you receive your grant. This will be considered as part of the grant application for funding requests each year.
• If you have a question while preparing your application, please email grants@fortbendcares.org or call 832-819-2005.
• Grant applications recommended by the Grant committee for awards are submitted to the Board for approval in May.