Kempner Fund: Navigation Fund

_NOTE:_

* _Must complete an eligibility screening._
* _Our intention with this Eligibility Screen is to help potential applicants determine if they meet the Kempner Fund's criteria and to assess partnership fit._
* _If your organization passes the eligibility screening, you will be invited to complete the short application._
* _Navigation Fund grant applications are accepted year-round but are considered for funding three (3) times per year. See Deadlines above._
* _Must be current HEKF nonprofit partner, meaning the applicant organization has received a grant from the Kempner Fund in the past five (5) years._
* _Please contact the Kempner Fund office if you intend to apply for a Navigation Fund Grant and a Kempner Core Fund Grant in the same year.

Navigation Fund

The Kempner Fund’s Navigation Fund is a pilot designed to provide timely, focused support for nonprofits that are addressing strategic organizational growth.

Competitive applicants will have identified the consultant, training, professional development, or other assistance necessary to address their organizational needs.

The Kempner Fund is currently prioritizing grant proposals that focus on the following areas:

* Strengthening organizational resilience
* This could include, but not limited to, leadership development trainings or workshops, executive coaching for nonprofit leaders, financial management consultation to assist with budget planning or develop a sustainability plan.
* Governance improvement
* This could include, but not limited to, board trainings, governance conferences or working with a governance consultant on specific needs such as board/CEO relationship, board governance development (i.e., board recruitment, orientation, onboarding), board self-evaluations, or legal & ethical governance trainings.

* Expanding equity throughout the organization
* This could include, but not limited to, DEI training or workshops for staff and board, development of programs that address equity issues in the population served, working with a consultant to integrate equity into the organizational strategic plan.
* Also included: equity awareness or cultural competency training, equity audits & DEI assessments, inclusive leadership training, equitable program design, implementation, and community engagement.
* Supporting data and impact measurement
* This could include, but not limited to, hiring an evaluation consultant to develop or refine impact measurement frameworks for the organization, staff training in data analysis to enhance the ability to measure and communicate impact, funding the purchase or upgrade of data collection and management software to better track outcomes and impact.
* Advocacy training
* This could include, but not limited to, funding for staff and volunteers to attend advocacy workshops or conferences focused on advocacy skills such as coalition building or policy analysis, strategic communication training to enhance advocacy efforts, working with a consultant to help develop an advocacy strategy or conduct policy analysis related to your organization’s mission, grassroots mobilization – training community members in advocacy such as organizing, public speaking, etc.
* Capacity building for climate resilience and disaster response
* This could include designing or enhancing the organization’s ability to plan, implement & scale climate resilient and/or disaster response initiatives.
* Includes training on network building with community, nonprofit, and governmental agencies to strengthen disaster response and/or climate resiliency.
* Trainings, assessments, and leadership support included.

Applicants must align with the Kempner Fund's priorities, including maintaining a current nondiscrimination statement.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* To qualify for funding via the Navigation Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:
* A USA-based 501(c)(3) organization & current HEKF nonprofit partner, meaning the applicant organization has received a grant from the Kempner Fund in the past five (5) years
* The requested funding primarily supports or benefits the Galveston, TX community

* The organization’s mission or work aligns with one or more of the Kempner Fund’s program areas

* Share values alignment with the Fund
* Must have identified source of support (i.e., consultant, product, conference, etc.)

* The Fund office can provide support in identifying sources if desired
* Submit a request for up to $7,500

* Currently, qualifying nonprofit organizations are eligible for this grant once per year.

Ineligibility

* The Kempner Fund does not fund:
* fundraising events or benefits
* direct mail solicitations
* galas or individual memorials
* grants to individuals
* grants to non-USA based organizations
* lobbying efforts, as defined by the IRS
* grants for projects or activities aimed at promoting religious beliefs, worship, or doctrinal teachings
* The Kempner Fund will NOT fund activities or organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, natural origin, immigration status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
* Organizations cannot apply for a Micro-Grant and a Navigation Fund Grant.
* The Kempner Fund does not fund board retreats.