AFM: Tau Grant (Cycle 1-Access to Healthcare)

The AFM: Tau Grants provide unrestricted operating support to nonprofits serving marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities. These grants aim to strengthen organizations by funding strategic planning, technology upgrades, and essential infrastructure costs. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, such as not having received funding in previous cycles and ensuring diverse leadership. This initiative reflects Allegany Franciscan Ministries' commitment to fostering equitable and caring communities.

Program Description
Tau Grants are intended to strengthen the health and well-being of communities across our six-county region. These grants specifically support small nonprofit organizations that expand access to healthcare services or promote economic mobility. We are especially interested in organizations that both serve and are led by people from historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants. Tau Grants provide unrestricted general operating support to help these organizations thrive.
General operating grants strengthen the organization’s overall mission and goals and further its charitable purpose. The focus is not on specific projects or programs. Examples include strategic planning, technology upgrades, audits, and infrastructure costs such as utilities, rent, and personnel.
Healthcare access is the ability to obtain healthcare services such as diagnosis, prevention or treatment that’s affordable and convenient. *
Examples may include organizations focused on providing health services to underinsured or uninsured individuals or assisting with health insurance enrollment.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding the organization must meet ALL of the following requirements:The organization has an operating budget of less than $1 million.The organization has an active ruling from the Internal Revenue Service confirming 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status AND the most recent IRS ruling is in 2022 or earlier.If a state university or college has set up a separate foundation, the foundation may apply for funds.Serve residents in one or more of the following counties: Miami-Dade Palm BeachSt. LucieMartin HillsboroughPinellasThe organization does not have an active Tau grant;At least 50% of the organization’s population served includes individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGTBQ+, individuals with a disability, or immigrants.At least 25% of staff leadership (leadership team as you define it) includes individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, an individual with a disability, or an immigrant.Be willing and able to comply with all requirements of the Allegany Franciscan Ministries Grant Agreement.*The organization acts in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching.Total AwardsEach grant will support a two-year term, with a maximum total award of $20,000.The annual amount is flexible, as long as the combined funding over two years does not exceed $20,000.The amount awarded may be less than the full amount requested.

Ineligibility

If you have an active Tau grant, you may not apply until the current grant is completed with a final report.Only one application may be submitted for an organization per cycle.Tau grants are not available for individuals, public agencies, capital campaigns, endowments, or reserve funds.For Allegany Franciscan Ministries, “public agencies” refers to state, county, and local governmental agencies; these entities are not eligible for a Tau Grant from us. Public universities and colleges may not apply directly for funding.