Community Foundation for Oak Park General Fund Grants

The Community Foundation for Oak Park (California) issues grants from its general fund and its special funds; general fund grants 'are usually $500 or less' because the general fund must also support Foundation operations. Grants from the general fund are restricted by the Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and policies to programs and projects that directly benefit the community of Oak Park - the area covered by ZIP code 91377. The Board of Trustees has identified unmet needs in education, recreation, the environment, cultural programs and social services, with special priority to services for youth; grants in other categories will also be considered. Grants are issued only to non-profit organizations complying with the Foundation's Non-Discrimination policy. Grants cannot be made to individuals; political campaigns or ballot-proposition activity; endowments; building campaigns; religious purposes; businesses of any form; organizations based outside the United States; to pay existing debts or replenish resources used to pay debts; or for any purpose inappropriate for a public-benefit tax-exempt charity. A grant cannot be made for the sole purpose of buying publicity, though publicity as a minor expense within a larger eligible project is permitted. The Board may reduce the requested amount or impose conditions such as making it a challenge grant requiring matching funds. The Foundation's FEIN is 95-3416510.

Proposals must be submitted on the approved Community Foundation grant application form, addressed to the Grants Committee. Designate a knowledgeable contact person for clarification. After submission, lobbying any trustee or Grants Committee member results in rejection; all other contact should go to the Foundation president. The Grants Committee meets as infrequently as quarterly and recommends to the Board of Trustees, which also generally meets quarterly. Contact info@OakParkFoundation.org. The Foundation is all-volunteer and is not organized to respond to emergency requests.