Eligibility Requirements
- Your organization is a non-profit with active 501(c)(3) status and a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you’re not sure, you can check at https://candid.org/.
- Your grant proposal’s primary focus is one or more of the following: Conservation & Animal Welfare; Youth & Education; Social Impact.
- Your organization has not received a grant from us within the last year.
- We do not fund individuals, for-profit businesses, churches, or political campaigns.
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until our annual funding goals have been met. Meaning, we accept applications year-round and review them as they come in. There are no fixed deadlines, but we evaluate requests in the order received and make decisions continuously.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until our annual funding goals have been met. Meaning, we accept applications year-round and review them as they come in. There are no fixed deadlines, but we evaluate requests in the order received and make decisions continuously.
Can someone talk to staff before applying?
Unfortunately, we are not available for in-person, virtual, or phone conversations. Please send us an email at thecarverfoundation@gmail.com.
Unfortunately, we are not available for in-person, virtual, or phone conversations. Please send us an email at thecarverfoundation@gmail.com.
How much can we request?
Typical grant awards range from micro grants (e.g., $500–$1,000) to small project grants (e.g., $1,000–$5,000). If you’re planning a request outside those ranges, include a clear justification and budget in your proposal.
Typical grant awards range from micro grants (e.g., $500–$1,000) to small project grants (e.g., $1,000–$5,000). If you’re planning a request outside those ranges, include a clear justification and budget in your proposal.
How do we apply?
1. Read our funding priorities and eligibility requirements on the grants page.
2. Complete the online application form.
1. Read our funding priorities and eligibility requirements on the grants page.
2. Complete the online application form.
How long until we hear back?
Because we review continuously, response times vary. Typically organizations hear a decision within 4 weeks, depending on complexity and due diligence needs. We will contact you if we have any questions regarding your application.
Because we review continuously, response times vary. Typically organizations hear a decision within 4 weeks, depending on complexity and due diligence needs. We will contact you if we have any questions regarding your application.
What happens after we submit an application?
1. Automatic acknowledgement by email.
2. Initial staff review for eligibility and fit.
3. Follow-up questions or requests for additional documents (if needed).
4. Site visit or call for larger awards (on occasion).
5. Final decision and award notification by email.
1. Automatic acknowledgement by email.
2. Initial staff review for eligibility and fit.
3. Follow-up questions or requests for additional documents (if needed).
4. Site visit or call for larger awards (on occasion).
5. Final decision and award notification by email.
How are funding decisions made?
Decisions are based on mission alignment, demonstrated need, feasibility, measurable outcomes, and organizational capacity. Priority is given to grassroots and small nonprofits.
Decisions are based on mission alignment, demonstrated need, feasibility, measurable outcomes, and organizational capacity. Priority is given to grassroots and small nonprofits.
Why might an application be declined?
Common reasons:
Common reasons:
- Misalignment with funding priorities
- Incomplete application
- Your organization has already received a grant for the calendar year
- Our annual funding goals have been met
How are payments made?
Payments are typically issued by check after an award letter is issued.
Payments are typically issued by check after an award letter is issued.
What are the reporting requirements?
Grantees must submit:
Grantees must submit:
- A short narrative describing the impact of the grant
- A report showing how funds were spent
- Any photos, client stories, or metrics we requested
- Reports should be submitted no later than 30 days of the end of the calendar year.
How often can we apply?
Each organization may submit only one grant application per calendar year.
Each organization may submit only one grant application per calendar year.
Can you fund multi-year grants?
No, multi-year grants are not considered.
No, multi-year grants are not considered.
What is the geographic focus of your funding?
Our funding supports a diverse range of local, regional, and national projects that align with our core missions.
Our funding supports a diverse range of local, regional, and national projects that align with our core missions.
Do you provide funding for religious organizations?
We do not fund organizations that require religious participation as a condition of service. However, we do support faith-based organizations whose programs align with our mission.
We do not fund organizations that require religious participation as a condition of service. However, we do support faith-based organizations whose programs align with our mission.