Impact Grant Info + FAQs
2027 Impact Grant
We are accepting applications for projects that focus on the protection, restoration, and/or management of our water and environmental resources, with emphasis on approaches to responsible land and water management; educational programs encouraging community participation in land and water management; and projects that will implement developed water and land management methods.
Our chief interest is in receiving strong applications for innovative projects that protect our water and environment and for which our grant funds will have the most impact.
All applications receive careful consideration based on our established grantmaking priorities and evaluation criteria. We receive many strong applications, and funding decisions often reflect the competitive nature of the process and how closely proposals align with our current funding priorities.
Eligibility
All applicants must:
Be US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a proposed project located in the United States.
Have received 501(c)(3) non-profit designation as of the date of the application and retain that status throughout the grant term.
Not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry or national origin, sexual orientation, gender, physical or mental disability, or religion.
Not be a political organization, a political action committee, or a house of worship. (We accept applications from organizations with religious affiliations if the project is not specific to or primarily to benefit a religious group).
Contact
Direct grant-related questions to: grants@woodardcurranfoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woodard & Curran Foundation Impact Grant fund the same types of projects each year?
The Impact Grant themes are selected annually by the Foundation. In some cases, a theme may carry forward to the next year’s grant cycle.
Does Woodard & Curran Foundation have any restrictions or policies related to including indirect costs in project budgets?
Woodard & Curran Foundation does not set establish a specific cap on indirect costs; however, as the purpose of the grant is to have a significant community impact, we encourage applicants to minimize such costs to those essential to the project. Reasonable indirect costs may be included in the proposed budget, but applications in which a substantial portion of the requested funding is allocated to indirect or general overhead costs may be less competitive.
The sample budget on the application page indicates salaries as an ineligible expense. Does that include salaries that are directly related to staff time needed to execute the project or to graduate stipends?
Salaries directly related to the execution of the project are allowable but should only be those required to execute the project. The Impact Grant is not intended to fund graduate student research, theses or dissertations, or general support of individual researchers. However, a project led by or involving graduate students may be eligible if it is a defined project that aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities and has clear objectives, activities, and anticipated outcomes beyond supporting the student’s academic research.
Our organization is building out a project that may include several non-profit and for-profit partners. Are sub-awards and sub-contracts eligible expenses within the project budget, and are sub-contracts to for-profit institutions eligible?
Sub-awards and subcontracts (including those to for-profit entities) are not prohibited, but should be limited and necessary to accomplish the project. Applications in which a substantial portion of the grant would be passed through to another organization may be less competitive.
Our project is expected to begin in the summer. Will the award decision be announced by that time?
Yes. The Impact Grant awardee is generally notified in the spring of the award year.
Are local governments (municipalities) eligible applicants?
Organizations applying for an Impact Grant must be designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits; therefore, municipalities are not eligible to apply directly. Organizations (including municipalities) that do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply in partnership with an eligible 501(c)(3) organization that agrees to serve as the sponsoring organization. The 501(c)(3) organization must submit or sponsor the application on the applicant’s behalf and, if a grant is awarded, will receive and be responsible for the grant funds and progress reports. The application should clearly identify both the sponsoring organization and the organization or entity that will carry out the project.
Does Woodard & Curran Foundation fund non-US-based projects?
No. Organizations and their proposed projects must be based in the United States.
Can applicants receive feedback on their grant applications?
Generally, no. Due to the number of applications received and the volunteer nature of our review committee, we are unable to provide individualized feedback or conduct post-award application reviews. However, applicants who advance to the final interview stage but are not selected for funding will receive brief, constructive feedback. We encourage all applicants to review our grantmaking priorities and evaluation criteria when considering future applications.
Can an organization submit more than one application?
Although not expressly prohibited, we generally prefer that organizations submit one application per grant cycle and encourage applicants to submit the project they believe best aligns with the Impact Grant priorities.
Can an organization that has previously received an Impact Grant apply again?
Yes. Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply again. However, prior funding from the Woodard & Curran Foundation may be considered as part of the review process, particularly for organizations that have received an Impact Grant in recent years. The Foundation seeks to support a diverse range of organizations and projects and to maximize the reach of its grantmaking.
Is matching funding required?
No. Matching funds are not required. Applicants may identify other funding sources or contributions to the project, if applicable.
When may project expenses begin?
Grant funds may only be used for eligible project expenses incurred after the grant is awarded. Expenses incurred before the award date are not reimbursable.