GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Wiregrass Foundation considers applications for funding four times each year at its April, June, August, and October Board of Directors meetings.

All new applicants, or organizations that did not start an account in 2024 are required to register. We encourage you to review the tutorials shown below and read the 2025 Grant Application Guidelines.

If you have any questions, we are always here to help.

For Consideration at the Board Meeting in

April

June

August

October

Application Deadline

March 1

May 1

July 1

September 1

Grant applications must be accepted in our system on or before 5:00 pm on the deadlines set forth above. Deadlines for receipt of applications are strictly enforced. For deadlines falling on a weekend or recognized holiday, applications will be accepted on the next business day. Once accepted, applications may only be changed at the request of Wiregrass Foundation.

FUNDING TYPES

Our application has three distinct funding categories: Capital, Project, and Program.  When you begin your application, you will be asked to choose one of these options that will take you to the appropriate questions. If you are not sure of the type of grant application you need, please call and we will assist you.

CAPITAL

Capital funding refers to the purchase of any asset that adds net worth to the organization and will be used beyond the grant term.  Examples of capital requests: Equipment, Furnishings, Computers, etc.

PROJECT

Project funding has a set of objectives carried out with a defined start and end date that aims to create a product, service, or result.  Examples of project requests: construction or renovations.

PROGRAM

Program funding is any activity that is tied to program-based outcomes and a defined budget for direct program expenses.  Examples of program grants are a summer camp, dance program, or professional development.

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

All applicants must register for an account in the Wiregrass Foundation online application portal if you did not register in 2024. Before you begin, read the Grant Application Guidelines, and review the Grant Process Tutorials.

Eligibility Quiz

Once you set up a Wiregrass Foundation account, you will be taken to the Eligibility Quiz.  You will be directed to the Grant Application if you are deemed eligible to apply.

Wiregrass Foundation is a private foundation and must follow IRS regulations related to Public Support.  It is the responsibility of the applying organization to confirm their Public Support status before applying for a grant from Wiregrass Foundation.  For more information on the Public Support Test CLICK HERE or, contact your accountant or attorney for details.

Grant Application

Review all the information in the Organization and Contact sections. and revise if needed.  Next, complete the information in the Application sections, and attach documents where requested.  You will be allowed to Save and  Return Later at any time during the process.

The new process (Effective with 2024 grant applications) will present an option for an LOI.  WF does not use the LOI process, so continue to the Application. At any time you can refer to the process tutorial page for assistance here: Applicant Tutorials.

 

Review & Submit

Once you complete the application you will have the opportunity to review before you submit. Once you choose to submit you will not be able to revise. WF staff will contact you during the due diligence process if more information is needed.

Foundation staff cannot provide any assurance regarding Board approval. Ex-parte contact or “lobbying” of Wiregrass Foundation’s Directors during application review may result in an abstention from voting on your request.  Applications are due by 5:00 pm on the Deadline date.

READY TO APPLY?

Click on the link below to complete your registration, begin a new account, or access the grant application.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicant: 
Step 1:    Review the 2025 Grant Application Guidelines and confirm your compliance by reading the Eligibility Quiz.
Step 2:    Review the Applicant Tutorial video before you access the online grant portal.
Step 3:    Register for a WF online application account if you did not register in 2024.  Register here.
Step 4:    Complete a grant application and submit all required documents by the posted deadline noted above. No applications are accepted after the deadline.

Wiregrass Foundation:
Step 5:    WF staff confirms the application meets the Eligibility Guidelines and all documentation is provided. Non-compliant applications may be disqualified at this stage.
Step 6:    Applicant is notified of the application's status and the date of the WF's Board consideration.
Step 7:    Applicant is notified of the Board's decision.
Step 8:    Award Letter and Award Agreement, if applicable, are posted in the applicant's account for signature.
Step 9:    Reporting requirements are posted in the Grantee's account following receipt of the signed Award Agreement.
Step 10:  Grantee is notified once all requirements of the Award Agreement are met and the grant file is officially closed.

NOTE:     School systems may apply, however, funding for individual schools will not be considered.  Complete the registration page and set up your account.