How much funding does General Grants (Sectarian and Non-Sectarian) provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for General Grants (Sectarian and Non-Sectarian)?

The deadline is October 15, 2026.

General Grants (Sectarian and Non-Sectarian)

The John G and Marie Stella Kenedy

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Grants for Education Grants for Christian Nonprofits

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

October 15, 2026

190 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

General Grants Program

Funder: The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation

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

How to Apply

Application Process

#### 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