Frequently Asked Questions

The Merancas Foundation invests in local nonprofit organizations with programs and initiatives that further our mission and align with our geographic focuses, core interests, and current strategies.  The Foundation does not fund sponsorships or events.

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations whose programs and initiatives help to further our Foundation’s mission and whose services benefit individuals and organizations identified within our Foundation’s priority funding areas.

Our Foundation does not grant to individuals; political, religious, fraternal, civic organizations; or other foundations.

The Foundation has specific geographic focuses which only include the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Trenton, New Jersey.

All applications are submitted through the Foundation’s grant application portal.   Visit the “Apply” tab for more information.   There are two different applications that may be completed as described below:

1. ARE WE A MATCH: For Potential and Not Yet Approved Applicants

The Merancas Foundation is always interested in learning more about nonprofit organizations and programs that fall within our charitable scope. You may submit an ARE WE A MATCH request on our grant portal at any time during the year by clicking the “Apply” tab and creating an account for this specific application.

Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, we may not respond to every submission. We will, however, reach out to organizations with applications that align with our mission and peak our interest.

2.  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 using the “Log In” button 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.  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 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: [email protected].

Although the Foundation’s preference is to award single year grants, there are occasions when multiyear installment grants are made. These are typically given to support capital needs or specific financing support. Please contact the Foundation for more details.

If our mission, geographic focuses and core strategies align, we are happy to schedule a visit to your location, meet with your staff, and see your work. Contact us at [email protected].

We appreciate hearing from our partners with regard to their community engagement efforts.  However, as we are a lean staff, it is challenging for us to attend events and/or programs in an equitable manner and we will typically decline invitations.

It is not the intent of The Merancas Foundation to seek public recognition for its philanthropic activities. As a general policy, we ask those who receive grants to respect our wishes by focusing any acknowledgment on the program for which support has been received rather than the source of the grant. We realize, however, that there are occasions when select publicity could prove to be as valuable as the grant itself. Traditionally, an announcement in an organization’s newsletter or internal publication that is distributed to its community, alumni, or supporters is acceptable.

The term Merancas in letter form is a registered trademark of The Merancas Foundation, Inc. Other than as outlined below, the Merancas name may not be used without the Foundation’s express written consent. It may also require a separate licensing agreement.

If our name and/or logo furthers a grantee’s charitable mission, it may be used for compliance with any tax or regulatory authority and for general announcements in print, online, or traditional media.

When used, the name/logo must meet the following guidelines:

1. Any URL links to the Foundation website must be written as “The Merancas Foundation” and links should be made to www.merancas.org
2. The Merancas Foundation logo may only be used in the formats *provided below. Changes may not be made to aspect ratio or color. Please refer to our brand guide for more information on the use of our logo.
3. For additional formats or questions about use, please contact us at [email protected]