Program Strategy

The Communities Program supports nonprofit agencies that assist low income children, youth, adults, and families in their move to self-sufficiency. Funded issue areas address some of the multiple barriers associated with poverty (hunger, housing, child abuse, health care), as well as empowerment programs that improve the quality of life (education, literacy, workforce development, youth sports). Refer to the Issue Area pages for information about eligible programs and desired outcomes.

The Communities Program grant strategy focuses on the following three objectives:

• Investing in agencies that use measurable outcomes to track program impact

• Assisting grantees in efforts to improve program impact

• Encouraging collaborative efforts leading to systems change

Grant Guidelines

All Community Program grants are made in partnership with local media outlets, sports teams, and philanthropic organizations. Qualifying agencies must provide services in one of seven targeted communities. See the list of funded communities below. View the Partner pages in your community to learn more about grant guidelines and application procedures. If you are interested in applying for a grant, please take the Eligibility Quiz below to determine if your agency qualifies for support.

Eligibility Quiz

Nonprofit agencies must meet each the following criteria in order to begin the application process:

• Current IRS 501 c 3 status

• Provide direct service, advocacy, or technical assistance activities impacting low income populations. (Capital campaigns and grants to individuals are not supported.)

• Track program impact related to poverty reduction in one of the following issue areas

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment

Child and Youth Education

Health/Wellness

Housing

Hunger

Literacy

Workforce Development

Youth Sports

• Provide programs in one of the following seven communities; please note that some issue areas may not be supported in your city

Chicago, IL

Denver, CO

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Long Island, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Orlando, FL

Washington, D.C.

If you answered “yes” to each of the eligibility criteria, please refer to the Partner pages in your city to learn more about the application process.