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Grant Proposal

For: Pre-approved Applicants and Current Partners

The Merancas Foundation only accepts GRANT PROPOSALS from pre-approved applicants and current partners. If you have received an “Access Code” to complete the full application, please begin your GRANT PROPOSAL by clicking the “Log In” button below and accessing your organization’s portal.

Please Note:

  • Current partners have been assigned an annual deadline for their grant requests to be received:  February 15th (spring cycle) or August 15th (fall cycle).  If your organization is unsure when your grant is due, please contact the Foundation.  We do not send out any generic  communications/reminders regarding application deadlines.
  • Late submissions with no outreach (explanation /communication) to the Foundation’s staff PRIOR TO the deadline will not be accepted.
  • Should you desire a Foundation staff member to review your application and provide any feedback, please submit at least three weeks prior to the appropriate deadline stated above and notify us accordingly at: info@merancas.org.

Are We A Match Request

For: Potential and Not Yet Approved Applicants

The Merancas Foundation welcomes inquiries from nonprofit organizations and programs that align closely with our charitable focus. You may submit an “Are We a Match” (AWM) request through our grant portal. Click “Log In” below to create an organization account and complete the application.

Please note:

  • Organizations may submit one AWM request per calendar year, unless otherwise directed by Foundation staff.
  • At this time, Atlanta is only accepting inquiries that align with our “Education” core interest; applications addressing other core interests will be denied.
  • Organizations must file IRS Form 990; Form 990-N (postcard) and 990-EZ filers are not eligible.
  • If your Form 990 reflects a larger entity outside our geographic focus area, you must upload your current local budget.
  • We do not fund individuals, political, religious, arts, fraternal, or civic organizations; nor do we fund sponsorships, events, or grants to other foundations.
  • Due to inquiry volume, we may not respond to every submission.
  • We will contact organizations directly if we need additional information.
  • AWM applications left in “draft” status for six or more months will be marked “Abandoned.”

Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in The Merancas Foundation.  As an organization and family, we value your contributions and commitments to enriching the lives of individuals and communities in need. While we recognize the importance of the many nonprofit organizations in our service areas, The Merancas Foundation is focused only on providing grants to organizations that fulfill its mission through programs and services.

As you prepare to complete an application, please ensure that your organization meets the following criteria:

  • 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status must be in good standing.
  • Charitable Solicitation License must be active.
  • Programming and services must only be located in the following geographic focus areas:
    • Atlanta, GA
    • Charlotte, NC
    • Trenton, NJ
  • Requests must only address our core interests:
    • Education: We support educational initiatives from early childhood to adult career education which provide pathways to economic mobility.
    • Housing: We support a collaborative approach to affordable housing which addresses critical needs from emergency shelter to permanent solutions.
    • Wellbeing: We support inter-connective services which empowers individuals, families, and their communities to improve their lives.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • The Foundation does not fund grants to individuals; political, religious, arts, fraternal, or civic organizations; sponsorships; events; or other foundations.
  • As the Foundation is aware that good charitable work is performed by many religious organizations, the Foundation may support specific programs of these organizations that fall within our charitable scope provided that these programs do not promote, require participation, or serve as a gateway to any specific religious beliefs.
  • At this time, Atlanta is only accepting inquiries that align with our “education” core interest; Are We A Match applications addressing other core interests will be denied.

Overview

The Merancas Foundation uses Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) as its grant management portal. All applicants must log in to this system and create an account with The Merancas Foundation. Once an account is created, users are able to apply, submit, and manage requests. In addition to requests, this system is also the source for submitting final reports and follow-ups associated with a grant.

The Merancas Foundation is always happy to discuss any questions or address any special assistance needs via phone: 980-237-1386 or email: info@merancas.org.

Grant Types

Our Foundation awards grants in three distinct formats. Applicants can request their preferred grant type, although the Foundation reserves the right to award grants as it deems appropriate. The Foundation may make awards in any, or multiple, of the following configurations:

  • Sustaining Grant: A single award with an option to renew year-to-year for qualified applicants – typical of annual operating expenses.  Applications are evaluated on their own merit. Approved applicants may use the same Access Code in subsequent years to re-apply for funding.
  • Installment Grant: A single award paid over a defined multi-year schedule – typical of capital requests. Installment grants are limited and will terminate at the end of the installment period.
  • One-Time Grant: A one-time grant for a specific project or initiative that do not repeat.