Application Process

Please read Understanding Our Grant Process before proceeding.

Organizations that have read and are in line with the Foundation’s Funding Priorities, Eligibility Requirements and Limitations may begin the application process.

The Foundation does not respond to inquiries to discuss potential pre-applications via email.

For specific due dates and schedule for each grant cycle, visit Due Dates & Application Schedule.

  1. Required phone call: A required phone call to a Foundation program officer to discuss your potential pre-application is the next step after reading the website. Please call (513) 347-1122 starting Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 through Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at 4:30 pm EST to speak to a program officer. The questions you will be asked during the phone call are located here.

  2. Pre-application: Pre-application forms will only be accepted if your organization is given approval from a Foundation program officer. The pre-application consists of a cover page and a one page proposed project description.
    1. Download the pre-application by clicking Pre-Application (make sure you save the file to your computer before completing).
    2. Complete the pre-application.
    3. Send the completed pre-application with documentation of 501(c)(3) status in one of the following ways:
      Email      :
      dsmiley@scministryfdn.org

      Mail:
      SC Ministry Foundation; Attn: Donna Jo Smiley;
      345 Neeb Road; Cincinnati, Ohio 45233

      Fax:
      (513) 347-1017

      SC Ministry Foundation will acknowledge receipt of your pre-application and 501(c)(3) status by the next business day. If you do not receive an acknowledgment by then, please contact (513) 347-1122.

  3. Grant Application or Declination: After reviewing your organization’s pre-application, the Foundation will either send grant application materials or notification that we cannot consider the pre-application for funding. If your organization is invited to submit a grant application, you are required to participate in the Grant Application Conference Call.

    Please note:
    All correspondence awarding grants are by U.S. Postal Service with a handwritten signature from the Foundation’s President and Executive Director.