Catalyzing Community Foundations

 

Who is eligible for this grant? 

The initial grant from the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) is exclusively for community foundations in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi that have existing infrastructure to support smaller nonprofits engaged in local postsecondary programming. Each community foundation will then have its own grant process to regrant a portion of the funds to local community-based organizations or nonprofits focused on postsecondary success.  

What are the application and submission requirements? 

Applicants are not required to use a specific form or template but must thoroughly address all components outlined in the RFP. While a fully detailed implementation plan is not necessary at this stage, proposals should demonstrate an understanding of local community needs and priorities. SEF recognizes that plans may evolve and encourages applicants to outline an approach that reflects their unique local context. Flexibility in program design is expected and supported. 

Can foundations serving multiple states apply for funding? 

Each grant is intended for a single community foundation within a specific state. If your foundation operates in multiple states, you may apply, but you must specify the state in which the proposed work will take place and ensure that both the funding and the activities supported remain within that specific locale.  

What types of partners should be included in the RFP, and what documentation is required? 

Foundations should include partners they currently work with or intend to engage through this initiative. These may include organizations receiving direct support or those providing capacity-building support to the foundation itself. 

These partners generally fall into two categories: 

• Grantee partners are local community-based organizations or nonprofits that may receive regranted funds to implement postsecondary student success initiatives. 

• Strategic partners are entities that support the foundation’s capacity-building efforts. These may include institutions of higher education (IHEs), technical assistance providers, or other organizations offering aligned services. Strategic partners do not receive regranted funds directly. 

 

Letters of support are not required, but can strengthen the proposal by demonstrating community alignment and partner commitment.  

How should community foundations structure the regranting process?
Foundations may use a proactive, competitive, or a hybrid regranting approach, depending on what aligns best with their existing grantmaking practices.  While SEF’s grant to foundations is structured as a one-year award, foundations’ work with their nonprofit partners may extend the one-year timeline, based on what best supports implementation and impact. 

Are there restrictions on how grant funds can be used? 

Yes. Of the $400,000 granted to community foundations, up to $100,000 may be used for the foundation’s internal capacity building, such as professional development, technical assistance, or other activities that strengthen the foundation’s ability to support postsecondary success. The remaining $300,000 must be regranted to local community-based organizations or nonprofits. Grant funds cannot be used for endowments, direct cash payments, or scholarships.      

What types of work or services can be supported with regranted funds? 

Funds should be used to strengthen external programming or build internal nonprofit capacity for postsecondary success initiatives. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Direct services for students: FAFSA completion, financial aid navigation, mental health resources, childcare, transportation, and other wraparound services.

• Postsecondary access and retention programs: Two-year and four-year college enrollment support, certification programs, adult education, and re-entry programs 

• Organizational capacity building: Strategic planning, program evaluation, communications, branding, and professional development for community-based organizations and/or local nonprofit staff. 

 

What qualifies as a “smaller nonprofit” for regranting purposes? 

Eligible regrantees are small, community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets of up to $1.5 million that focus on postsecondary student success, including persistence, retention, and completion efforts.  

Exceptions may be considered for programs within larger organizations, provided the budget threshold is met and funds remain directed toward local efforts. Student success centers within colleges or universities are not eligible to receive regranted funds directly. However, nonprofits that collaborate with such centers may qualify. 

Can the postsecondary programming focus on college access and building the pipeline to college for students in K-12?
No. While college access is an important part of the education continuum, funded programs must specifically support students who have already enrolled in postsecondary education and help them successfully complete their degree or credential. 

Do applicants need to have identified nonprofit partners before applying? 

Yes, applicants should identify at least one nonprofit partner and provide details about their postsecondary programming and expected impact. 

What are the reporting requirements?
Grantees will be required to provide progress updates, financial reports, and participate in knowledge-sharing activities. Specific reporting timelines will be shared upon selection. 

How will success be measured? 

Success will be assessed through measurable improvements in student outcomes, increased nonprofit capacity, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced foundation expertise in the postsecondary space. 

How detailed should the budget proposal be?

Applicants should provide a general breakdown of spending (e.g., staff, consultants, travel, supplies, conferences, subgrants) and indicate other funding sources if applicable. 

How does the initiative aim to build capacity in community foundations?
Capacity building support includes, but is not limited to, technical assistance, professional learning for staff, virtual convenings, collaborative planning, conference participation, and in-person cohort convenings. 

How many convenings should community foundations expect to participate in? 

Community foundations should expect four virtual convenings, participation as panelists for at least one higher education conference, and attendance at a full cohort convening at the SEF Issues Forum in New Orleans (November 2025). The convening schedule is still being finalized. SEF will provide further details and preparation support.