The Foundation awards grants to organizations which are tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and are not a private foundation as described under Section 509(a). Please note that some groups that have a nonprofit State of Louisiana tax ID number may not be tax exempt under the IRS code. This requires a separate federal application. Staff of Community Development Works will be happy to assist you in getting the application materials that you need for the IRS process. You may reach them at 318-443-7880 or 800-803-8075.

Most religious and governmental organizations do not have a separately incorporated nonprofit affiliate. Fortunately, the Foundation is able to accept applications from many of these groups. Once again, please contact Foundation Program Staff to discuss your specific situation.

In some instances, newly or loosely organized groups may have applications submitted on their behalf by established groups meeting the criteria above. The eligibility of these applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please keep in mind that the intent of a program or project does not determine its nonprofit status. Nonprofit or tax-exempt status is a state and federal determination and not one provided by The Rapides Foundation.

Projects must directly benefit residents or organizations within the nine parish Foundation service area: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.

Projects or programs that have a very limited or indirect benefit to residents or organizations within the Foundation's service area are not eligible.

Types of Requests that are Not Eligible

The Rapides Foundation excludes the following from funding consideration:

• Direct support to individuals
• Private foundations
• For-profit entities
• Conferences or symposia established prior to 1995
• Disease specific organizations seeking support for national projects or programs
• Hospitals
• Projects or programs of religious, fraternal, athletic or veterans groups when the primary beneficiaries of such undertakings would be their members
• Social events or similar fundraising activities
• Telethons
• Operating expenses which are not used for significantly expanding the services of organizations currently in operation
• Grant awards for an indeterminate period of time
• Vans or other vehicles
• Building purchase or renovation not explicitly linked to enhanced progammatic implementation or development
• Equipment purchase not explicitly linked to enhanced programmatic implementation or development

Grantees who are not in compliance with all terms of existing grant agreement(s) will not be considered for additional funding. There are no preclusions to applying for multiple grants with overlapping grant/project terms; however, the Foundation will evaluate the capacity of the applicant to implement and administer multiple programs.

Back to Applying for Funds
Types Of Available Grants
How do I Apply for a Mini Opportunity Grant?
How do I Apply for a Program Opportunity Grant?
The Decision Making Process