Grant Providing Program

Address: The Innovation & Leadership Center, 15170 N. Commerce Dr., Dearborn, MI 48120

Program Background

The Mainstay Foundation aims to foster and facilitate growth and progress in the Muslim community in the United States by coordinating human and financial resources. Over the past five years, they have granted over $182,000 to over 24 centers and organizations throughout the United States.

Eligible Organizations

• American Shia Ithna Ashari centers or organizations
• Must be registered with the state as a non-profit corporation
• Must be exempt as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, OR qualify as a "church" (mosque) per IRS regulations
• Must obtain a Mainstay Verification Number (one-time form requirement)

Eligible Programs

Organizations must be organizing a Muharram or Ramadan Program that includes:

• A speaker and/or reciter within an audience setting
• Program available to the community
• Educational, enlightening, and spiritual outlet during the holy month

Funding Restrictions

Grants cover exclusively:

• Venue costs
• Speaker's travel
• Speaker's honorarium (if applicable)

Not funded:

• Salaries
• Operation expenses
• General programming (other than speaker-related costs)

Additional Requirements

• Scholar vetting: Scholars must not oppose mainstream Shia Ithna Ashari schools of thought from Najaf and Qom seminaries, or similar establishments
• Discretion: Scholars should not promote controversial/extremist topics that promote disunity and disharmony within communities, domestically or abroad
• Conference attendance: Centers/organizations must attend The Mainstay Foundation's Annual Engage Conference
• Survey participation: Centers/organizations must participate in The Mainstay Foundation's Survey Project
• Reporting: Recipient must complete a progress report within two months after receiving the grant
• Single-year only: No multi-year grants available

Award Amount

Varies depending on available funds and number of qualifying applicants

FAQ Highlights

• Professional grant writers are not necessary; application is designed for practical completion
• Prior applications from other funding sources do not affect eligibility
• Decision-making follows procedures established by the Board of Trustees and Executive Team
• Only centers and organizations that apply through theHUB are eligible

Application Process

1. Obtain Verification Number (Prerequisite)
   • Fill out the Organization Verification Form on theHUB
   • This is a one-time form required to determine preliminary eligibility
   • Foundation will process and determine eligibility
   • If eligible, you will receive a Mainstay Verification Number
2. Receive Grant Applications
   • Upon eligibility confirmation, foundation will email a link with open grant applications
3. Submit Application
   • Applications must be submitted through theHUB
   • Applicant must be an official officer of the organization
   • The person completing the application will handle all aspects of the process

Required Materials

• Organization Verification Form (initial)
• Grant application form (provided after verification)
• Program details (Muharram or Ramadan program specifics)
• Speaker/reciter information
• Budget breakdown for venue, travel, and honorarium
• Expected community impact and attendance
• Confirmation of scholar alignment with mainstream Shia Ithna Ashari thought

Important Notes

• Deadlines: All deadlines and specific application information found on theHUB under the grant providing section
• Submission method: theHUB platform (online)
• Professional grant writers not required
• Call-in applications not accepted; all information and deadlines on theHUB