Children's Fund Charity Selection Grant

The Children's Fund, Inc. is a volunteer-driven organization that raises funds to support children's charities in the Houston area. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $25,000, targeting specific needs such as equipment or training rather than general operating expenses. The Fund prioritizes charities with small budgets, limited fundraising capabilities, and minimal exposure to larger organizations, ensuring that their contributions significantly impact local children's health and welfare.

The Children’s Fund, Inc. is a group of approximately 60 couples that raises money each year for charitable purposes directed at assisting children in the Houston area.
This past year, we awarded grants to 17 organizations after reviewing over 100 proposals. Because we look for proposals that identify a specific need that will be addressed either by the purchase of equipment, facilities, or through the hiring or training of individuals to provide services, we are reluctant to provide funding for general operating expenses or budget support. Our grants are typically in the $20,000 to $25,000 range.
The Children’s Fund maintains its focus on awarding grants and looks to support charities that will thrive in part because of our support. Therefore, we typically look for the following criteria:

• Serves children in the Houston area
• Small budgets
• Minimal internal or external fundraising capabilities
• Limited exposure to the Houston business community

Nominal (or no) support from government or other large charitable organizations (i.e. United Way)

Eligibility

Charities submitting proposals for consideration should be prepared to demonstrate how they meet the following criteria:Nature of Charity – The charity should be directly or indirectly involved with the physical or mental health of children.Number – Consideration shall be given to the number of children benefiting from the funds requested by such charity as well as the manner and extent to which such children will benefit.Location of the Charity – The principal location of the charity and its activities should be in the Greater Houston Area.Financial Capacity of the Charity – The principal location of the charity should demonstrate a current need for funds and that prior funds and programs have been prudently managed. The charity should demonstrate that its general and administrative expenses are comparable to those of similar charities. It is not a criterion that the charity be currently under-financed.Grant Requests –Must have a 501(c)3 certificateAbsent extraordinary circumstances, a charity that has received money from The Children’s Fund, Inc. for the past three consecutive years is ineligible to receive funds for the current year.Request should be for a specific need that will be addressed either by the purchase of equipment of facilities or through the hiring of training of individuals to provide services, not for normal operating expenses. Focus – The Children’s Fund will typically focus on charities with the following characteristics:Small budgetMinimal internal or external fund-raising capabilitiesLack of significant exposure to the Houston business community and lack of support from government or other charitable organizations (i.e. United Way)Small administrative departments Follow-up – Each selected charity will be required to report on the results of the underwritten program and to document how money donated by The Children’s Fund, Inc. was spent.