• The maximum grant amount will be $7,000. Grants will be issued in November 2026.
• Grants are for one year only, but previously funded agencies may reapply annually.
• Agencies may potentially be funded for up to four (4) consecutive years. If an agency has four consecutive years of SMCF funding, it may not be funded for the two (2) years following the four-year period.
• The St. Mary’s Community Fund sole focus is on Mid-South institutions which directly benefit children (birth through late adolescence), foster development and learning, and promote a positive outlook for a child’s future. Possible program areas include:
  • education & literacy (although not through traditional day school programming)
  • food & housing security
  • legal justice & support
  • mental & physical wellbeing
• Applying agencies must have proof of 501(c)(3) status and be able to supply audited financials or a Form 990.
• Grants should include start-up support for new programs or support for existing programs. Grants should not include general operating expenses, including salaries of present or proposed staff. Exceptions can be made for contract work which is limited in scope.

• Deadline for submission is Wednesday, September 09, 2026, 12 p.m.
• Please submit the application (including the cover sheet and narrative Parts A-F) in PDF format to eless@stmarysschool.org.
• Body text must be in Times New Roman and no smaller than 12-point font. Text must be single-spaced. Keep narrative (separate from cover sheet) to three pages–make it brief, yet thorough.
• Answer all of the questions in order. Please retype question before your answer.
• Please organize your narrative using the headings, subheadings, and numbers provided within each part A-F.

The following documents must also be submitted electronically with the application. If any cannot be included, please explain why.

1. Most current audited financial statement with end of fiscal year information evident.
2. List of officers and board members including company/organization affiliation and position
3. Copy of IRS letter demonstrating 501(c)(3) status - NOT tax-exempt status document

Community Legal Center

Forrest Spence Fund

Harwood Center

Reading with Mrs. Richardson

Streets Ministries