The Sherwood Foundation® Annual Grant Cycle
Effective January 1, 2012, we have implemented new guidelines, deadlines and requirements. Please review the following carefully.
Organizations may apply for more than one category of funding, but should submit a separate letter for each request.
Operating Grant Requirements
The deadline for all requests for operating support is February 15 annually for the current year’s operations. Should this date fall on a holiday or weekend, the deadline is the following business day. The Sherwood Foundation® does not make multi-year operating gifts.
Please submit no more than a two page description of your organization, indicate a specific dollar amount and what percentage of your budget this request represents.
Include the following:
- Previous year’s organizational outcome and performance measures and results
- For example: Of the 200 youth age 15 and older in the program, 100 were provided internships at local corporations, 20 were employed by our workforce program.
- Current year’s organizational outcome and performance objectives
- For example: This year, we will serve 300 youth age 15 and older, of which 155 will receive internships at local corporations, 30 will be employed through our workforce program
- Current year organizational budget as approved by the Board of Directors. Important: Include comparative to previous two years’ financials with percentage and dollar variance. Please highlight and explain any significant variables.
- Current Year Board of Directors list with contact information (company, address, phone number, email address)
- List of current major donors (operating gifts only) and giving levels (will be kept confidential)
- List of prospective major donors, amount requested and anticipated date of notification
- Copy of most recent strategic plan
- Copy of IRS 501c3 designation
- Copy of most recent 990
Program, Project Specific and Capital Campaign Requests
The deadline for all programs, project and capital campaign requests is August 15 and will be awarded for the following year(s) based upon project timeline . To be considered, please submit no more than a two-page letter on your organization's letterhead providing the following descriptive information:
- Contact information including: name of executive director, mailing address, phone/fax, e-mail, web site, other contact personnel and contact data pertinent to LOI.
- Need & description of the project
- Anticipated outcomes including numbers served
- Amount requested
Also include the following attachments:
- A budget for the project/program/campaign
- Operating budget
- List of confirmed and prospective major donors, including amount and anticipated date of notification
- IRS letter of 501(c)3 determination are required attachments and are not counted as part of the two-page letter
Please binder clip/paper clip the document in the upper left corner. Do not staple. Do not use or include folders, binders, separators, additional handouts or flyers.
- Please note the following:
- No e-mail submissions are accepted
- Multiple-year grant requests are accepted for program/project grants.
- Projects or programs that are declined are not eligible for resubmission until one year after the original date of application.
- Applicants will receive written notice of an invitation to submit a full grant proposal for project/capital grants within thirty (30) days of the deadline.
- Communication regarding proposals will be provided as a written response. Please understand that, due to high volume, we cannot respond to phone inquiries regarding the status of proposals.
We favorably consider grant requests which:
- Contain an innovative or best practice response to a recognized community need which does not duplicate the efforts of others
- Are submitted by applicants who have demonstrated the capacity to deliver the service effectively and efficiently.
Guideline for the Omaha Public Schools (OPS):
- OPS employees must obtain approval from the District before submitting an LOI
- Letters of inquiry lacking such documentation will not receive consideration
- For guidance, please contact the OPS Grant Coordinator at 402.557.2151 or
Guidelines for Central and Western Nebraska Applicants:
A rolling grant cycle is employed for grant making outside of the greater Omaha area. Contact for additional information.
The Foundation does not provide funds in the following situations:
- Funds to support propaganda influencing specific legislation and/or elections for political candidates, political campaigns or organizations engaged in political activities
- Organizations which discriminate in hiring staff and/or providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, military service or disability
- Organizations that are not established and current 501(c)3 organizations
- Religious institutions
- To individuals for any purpose.
Applications should be mailed to:
The Sherwood Foundation®
LOI Division
3555 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131
402.341.1717