General Grants (Sectarian and Non-Sectarian)

General Grants Program

Mission: Support and fund mostly Catholic educational, charitable, and religious activities primarily in South Texas.

Program Categories

• Sectarian Grants: Nearly 90% of total charitable contributions given to sectarian entities, primarily Catholic schools and churches
• Non-Sectarian Grants: At least 10% of annual distributions to non-religious, non-church-related charities

Geographic Scope

• Primary Focus: South Texas
• Secondary Focus: Other Texas locations (for Catholic activities)
• Requirement: All grant funds must be used exclusively within Texas

Focus Areas

• Education (particularly Catholic schools, Catholic universities, and public universities)
• Health and human services
• Catholic educational, charitable, and religious activities

Core Values

• Helping break the cycle of poverty
• Assisting people to help themselves
• Developing the Catholic Faith
• Advancing Spirituality
• Nurturing Support and Love for Catholic Institutions
• Cultivating a Passion for Learning
• Fostering Respect
• Encouraging Cooperative/Collaborative Partnerships

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant Type: Non-profit organizations only; 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status required
• Documentation: Must be listed in IRS Publication 78 (non-sectarian) or Official Catholic Directory (Catholic applicants)
• Individual Grants: Foundation does NOT lend or grant money to individuals
• Geographic Restriction: Organizations must operate exclusively within the State of Texas
• Lobbying Restriction: Lobbying individual Board members may result in application rejection
• Application Frequency: Foundation prefers only one application every 12 months from an organization

What the Foundation Does NOT Fund

• Completed projects
• Existing debts or deficit funding
• Political expenditures or lobbying activities
• Scholarships or direct grants to individuals
• Grants to federal, state, or municipal governments (except by three-fourths Board vote)
• Endowments (disfavored; require three-fourths Board vote)

Special Considerations

• Large Ripple Effects: Foundation encourages grants with broad community benefits
• Seed Money: Foundation supports catalytic first-step funding for significant positive outcomes
• Three-Fourths Vote Required: Sectarian grants over $50,000 or non-sectarian grants over $25,000
• Incomplete Applications: Will be returned; applicant has 7 business days to complete and resubmit
• Incomplete Funding: If grant not funded within 6 months of execution, automatically rescinded

Reporting Requirements

• Status Reports: Required for grants of $5,001 or more
• Timeline: Due within 12 months of funding OR 60 days after project completion (whichever is sooner)
• Penalty: Foundation will not accept applications from recipients with overdue status reports
• Fund Usage: All funds must be used for designated project; unused funds must be returned within 12 months

Contact Information

• Foundation Phone: (361) 887-6565
• Address: 555 N. Carancahua, Suite 1700, Tower II, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
• Email: kme@kenedy.org

Deadline

October 15th annually (to be considered in May Board meeting)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Take Eligibility Quiz
   • Pass the online Eligibility Quiz at kenedy.org to assess your organization against established criteria
   • Passing grants immediate access to the online application
   • Do NOT proceed if you do not meet criteria
2. Complete Online Application
   • All applications must be submitted through the website (online only)
   • Five-part application form includes:
   • Organization Information
   • Primary Contact Information
   • Grant Project Data
   • Day to Day Contact Information
   • Electronic Attachments
3. Prepare Required Documents in Advance
   • Gather all exhibits listed below before starting application
   • All documents must be uploaded; incomplete applications will be returned
   • 7 business days to complete and resubmit returned applications
4. Submit Application
   • Email confirmation will be sent to provided email address
   • Can save in-progress application with username/password
5. Application Review
   • Board considers all applications at annual May Board meeting
   • Approval only by specific Board resolution
   • Grant effective only after Grant Agreement executed and accepted in writing

Required Electronic Attachments (Upload All)

EXHIBIT "A" (REQUIRED)

• Copy of most recent IRS Determination Letter showing tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status
• OR for Catholic entities: copy of page from Official Catholic Directory listing

EXHIBIT "B" (REQUIRED - NEW APPLICANTS ONLY)

• If applicant is a corporation (sectarian or non-sectarian):
  • Corporate Charter (Articles of Incorporation)
  • Current Bylaws

EXHIBIT "C" (REQUIRED)

• Current list of Board of Directors and Officers including:
  • Names
  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
• Copy of corporate minutes authorizing grant application to Kenedy Foundation

EXHIBIT "D" (REQUIRED)

• Summary of funding data:
  • List of funds requested from all sources for this project
  • List of all funds received from others for this project
  • (If construction/renovation/new equipment) Future operation/maintenance funding needs and sources
  • (If construction) Whether bids were taken (Yes/No)
  • (If Yes) Names of bidders and amounts

EXHIBIT "E" (REQUIRED)

• Detailed budget for project or activity
• For ongoing programs: budgets for last year, current year, and following year

EXHIBIT "F" (REQUIRED)

• Copy of most recent annual financial statements (audited if available)

EXHIBIT "G" (REQUIRED)

• Copy of most recent Form 990 filed by applicant

EXHIBIT "H" (REQUIRED)

• Disclosure of pending/threatened litigation, regulatory action, or claims against:
  • Your organization or entity
  • Any officer acting as representative
  • Your governing board
• If yes: provide background of each matter

Special Notes for Sectarian Applicants

• Diocese Protocols: Application procedures may differ by Diocese
• Check First: Verify compliance with your Diocese before applying

Online Application Features

• Email confirmation of receipt
• Save and resume capability with username/password
• Real-time validation of required fields