Grant Requests
Thank you for your interest in the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation. We welcome funding requests from organizations that align with our mission. Please review the information below before submitting a request. Once you review the below information please click the application below. It will open in a new window.
Request Information
General Information
Please submit your grant requests to Stephen Sims, President of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, via the submission link at the bottom of this page. For any questions regarding the grant request process, please contact Matthew Hartzog at matthew.hartzog@gertrudecford.com.
Required Documents
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IRS non-profit qualification letter
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Project description and timeline
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The organization’s operating and project budgets
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A most recent audited financial statement including 990
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List of board members with business or professional affiliations and contact information
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List of major past and present funders
The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation Supports:
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Tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
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Exempt operating foundations in Section 4940(d)(1)
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Organizations described in Section 170(c)(1) or Section 511(a)(2)(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
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Organizations that are clearly committed to supporting the mission of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation.
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Organizations working primarily in the state of Mississippi.
The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation does NOT support:
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Individuals
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Scholarships
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For-Profit organizations
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Organization’s operating costs
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Organizations outside the United States
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Organizations with a focus outside of Mississippi
Grant Request Guidelines
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An organization may make one request per year for consideration.
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An organization must submit a proposal detailing how it intends to utilize the funds for a specific project or initiative.
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All requests must be submitted through the grant request link on the GCFF’s website to be considered. Mailed and emailed requests will not be considered.
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Eligible Organizations must operate within Mississippi (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates within Mississippi) and directly benefit the area from which they are requesting funding.
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All requests must include all required documentation to be considered.
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If chosen for a grant the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation requires documentation to be submitted that shows the success of the project or initiative.
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Guideline exceptions are at the discretion of the board of directors.
*All University of Mississippi Requests must be made through Charlotte Parks with the UM Foundation.
*All University of Mississippi Medical Center requests must be made through Meredith Aldridge in the Office of Development.
Grant Review Process:
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The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation’s Board of Directors will review requests at regularly scheduled meetings (requests made in December will be reviewed in January of the following year). The Board of Directors' decision will be communicated with the requestee via email or postal service within 90 days unless otherwise indicated. The following criteria will be used to evaluate such requests:
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Is the proposed program consistent with the mission and goals of the foundation?
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Is the proposed program likely to succeed?
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How significant are the benefits of the program relative to the total cost?
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Is the proposed program sustainable after Foundation funding ends?
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Is there funding currently available for the request?
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Requesting a meeting with the Board of Directors
All requests to meet with the board of directors can be emailed to Jennifer Hartzog and Matthew Hartzog at Jennifer.hartzog@gertrudecford.com and matthew.hartzog@gertrudecford.com. Meetings are scheduled at the discretion of the directors. In most cases, meetings are unable to be scheduled if a request has not been made or if the foundation is unable to support the mission of your organization. We do not schedule meetings to help organizations write a request for the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation.