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2026 Community Fund Grant Guidelines

Application period: August 10-September 30, 2026
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Applications are accepted only through RCCF's online grant portal. Late submissions cannot be accepted.

Purpose of the Community Fund

The Rice County Community Foundation (RCCF) Community Fund Grant program supports charitable projects and programs that benefit Rice County communities. Grant decisions are guided by the charitable purpose of the applicable funds, established eligibility requirements, responsible stewardship, and the potential for meaningful community impact.

2026 Grant Cycle

  • Opens: Monday, August 10, 2026
  • Closes: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • Applications must be submitted through the RCCF online grant portal. Applications are not accepted by email or fax.
  • Organizations may begin more than one application during the grant cycle and may save work in progress before submitting.

Applicants are encouraged to submit early so RCCF staff has time to request clarification, if needed, before applications are reviewed.

Who May Apply

RCCF will consider grant requests from the following eligible entities, subject to RCCF due-diligence review:

  • IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Government or public entities
  • Educational institutions
  • Religious organizations

Other organizations may be considered only for charitable community purposes and may be required to provide additional documentation or oversight to ensure compliance. Applications must be submitted by an eligible organization or entity.

Required Organization Documentation

  • An EIN or Tax ID Number is required for every grant request.
  • Organizations claiming 501(c)(3) status must provide an IRS Letter of Determination.
  • Eligible entities that are not 501(c)(3) organizations must submit a completed W-9.
  • RCCF may request additional documentation as part of its due-diligence review.

Eligible Projects and Review Considerations

Competitive applications are reviewed for charitable purpose, community benefit, project readiness, available funding, and the requirements of the applicable fund. Strong proposals clearly explain the need being addressed, the people or community to be served, the proposed activities, the expected benefit, and how grant funds will be used.

Awards are not guaranteed. Funding decisions may vary based on available charitable funds, the number and strength of applications received, and the purposes and restrictions of the funds available for grantmaking.

Application Requirements

  • Complete and submit the application through the RCCF online grant portal by the published deadline.
  • Use the budget page provided in the application. Applicants may download a budget document for offline preparation, but the required budget information must be included with the application.
  • Provide complete and accurate organization, project, financial, and contact information.
  • Clearly identify the charitable project or program for which funds are requested and how the grant will benefit the community.

RCCF may contact an applicant for clarification or additional documentation before or during the review process.

Grant Review and Award

RCCF uses a competitive application and review process. Applications are evaluated based on the charitable purpose of the applicable fund, established eligibility requirements, community benefit, project readiness, available funding, and the potential for meaningful community impact. RCCF will notify applicants of funding decisions following completion of the review process.

Grant Agreement and Payment

A grant agreement must be reviewed and signed by the grantee before competitive grant funds are released. The agreement confirms the approved use of the grant, reporting requirements, and other conditions of the award.

Grant funds may be used only for the purpose approved by RCCF and described in the grant application and award materials. Funds may not be redirected to another purpose without prior written RCCF approval.

Responsibilities of Grant Recipients

Organizations receiving Community Fund grants agree to:

  • Use grant funds only for the approved charitable purpose.
  • Notify RCCF promptly of material changes affecting the organization, responsible staff, project, or ability to complete the funded purpose.
  • Maintain books, records, and documentation sufficient to show how grant funds were used.
  • Provide RCCF reasonable access to relevant grant records when needed for financial review, verification, or evaluation.
  • Maintain grant-related files and records for at least four years after completion or termination of the project.
  • Return unexpended funds, or funds not used for the approved purpose, unless RCCF approves another disposition in writing.
  • Follow any publicity and recognition requirements included in the grant notification or agreement, including RCCF review when required.
  • Permit RCCF to share grant information in public reports, newsletters, news releases, social media, and on the Foundation website, including the grant amount and purpose and approved project materials or photographs.

Project Changes and Extensions

If a project is delayed or circumstances change, contact RCCF as soon as the need is known. Requests to redirect grant funds must be submitted in writing and require RCCF approval before the funds are used for a different purpose.

A grantee may request a project extension by submitting a brief written explanation to the RCCF Executive Director. The request should state the length of the requested extension and include a firm project end date. Extension requests should be made well before the original reporting deadline.

Grant Impact Report

The final Grant Impact Report is due within one year of the date the organization receives notification of the grant award or within 30 days after completion of the project, whichever comes first.

The report must describe the project or program, the outcomes achieved, the populations served, how grant funds were spent, and the project's community impact. Grantees may also submit clear, original photographs that illustrate project outcomes. If photographs include minors, the grantee is responsible for obtaining appropriate parental permission before submission.

An organization with an overdue grant report will not be eligible to receive RCCF grant funding for two years.

Unused Grant Funds

Any unspent grant funds must be reported in the final Grant Impact Report. Grantees should contact the RCCF Executive Director to discuss next steps. Unless otherwise approved by RCCF, unused funds must be returned to the Foundation.

Compliance with Grant Conditions

RCCF reserves the right, consistent with the grant agreement, to discontinue, modify, or withhold grant payments, or to require repayment of grant funds, when grant conditions are not met, funds are not used for the approved purpose, or applicable legal or regulatory requirements are not satisfied.

Questions and Assistance

For questions about eligibility, the application process, required documentation, or an existing grant, contact the Rice County Community Foundation Executive Director at lamonna@ricecountycf.org.