The O’Leary Foundation makes discretionary grant funds to charitable/service organizations for philanthropic purposes related to human services, education and health care initiatives that offer significant, potential support for individual development and community enhancement.
The O’Leary Foundation prefers to fund innovative and special projects that are responsive to the needs of individuals, families and/or communities. Since our donations are generally from the Allegan and Kalamazoo County’s area, our funding efforts are focused there primarily.
At this time, the Foundation accepts yearly requests for funding, but every three years focuses on a multi-year commitment to a grantee for a significant project (generally three years in duration). Our venture into a 3 year partnership has gone very well and we are currently engaged in a 3 year partnership with the Bronson AIM Foundation.
Success in being funded are substantially increased if the project possesses the following qualities:
a) Illustration of potential significant and long-term impact;
b) A clear plan for implementation;
c) Promotion of volunteer, staff and citizen participation/involvement;
d) Focuses on community’s attention to important issues and problems;
e) Agency, its personnel and board are capable of achieving desired results;
f) Budget expectations are realistic, professional, and adequate to achieve goals;
g) Illustration of cooperative activities with other agencies to achieve goals and enhance resources.
Please contact Colleen O’Leary Mills at cmills@olearyfoundation.com for information on how to apply for a grant.
Process
All applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Committee, including those that clearly lie outside the Foundation’s interests, mission, or guidelines. An unsuccessful application does not reflect on the worthiness of a particular project.
When an organization receives a grant from the Foundation, it is required to complete Annual Reports and provide additional information/reports as requested, especially related to how funds are expended. Foundation staff may periodically visit the project site, request information about the project or monitor the project in another manner determined to be appropriate.
LETTER OF INTENT: Prior to submitting a full application, applicants are required to submit a letter of intent which briefly describes the project. The letter should be sent to the Grant Committee Chair Colleen Mills, 34 Chateau Court, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. The Letter of Intent can also be uploaded online by clicking on the Letter of Intent tab at the top the page. Applicants will be notified that they are encouraged to submit a full application. Applicants requiring additional information may call 940-781-0323.
APPLICATION: Applications should be concise and should limit documentation to that which is indicated in the Checklist. Additional information or a site visit may be requested by Foundation representatives; however, such an expression of interest should not be construed as an indication of forthcoming grant approval.