How should I submit my application?

Applications are submitted online. The first step in the process is to fill out an Eligibility Questionnaire, typically in March. If your Eligibility Questionnaire is accepted, you will receive an email with additional instructions to complete a Pre-Application Form, also due in March. If your Pre-Application demonstrates your proposal meets our funding criteria, you will be asked to submit a full Grant Application, typically in May.

Can our organization submit applications in more than one Focus Area?

No, each organization may submit only one grant application per year and must choose the one Focus Area in which the proposal will be considered.

The funding we need for our proposal is more than $100,000. Can we submit a proposal for more than the $100,000?

While you can submit a request for a project or program for more than $100,000, Impact100 Houston will fund no more than $100,000. You will be able to share in your application materials what other funding sources will support your project or program.

The funding we need for our proposal is less than the $100,000 grant Impact100 offers. Can we submit a proposal for less than the full amount?

No, applicants must plan to expend the full $100,000 grant, though Impact100 Houston may award less funds than the $100,000 based on monies available each year.

Will you consider a proposal from a group of organizations collaborating on a project or program?

Yes. The submitting organization must provide letters of commitment from each collaborating organization to detail their role and use of funds in the initiative. The lead organization must be willing to take on all the potential rights, responsibilities, restrictions, and liabilities of the grant if it is received.

Do you give grants to proposals that expend the funds over a period of years?

No, Impact100 seeks proposals that expend grant funds within 12 months.

Will the grant be paid in a lump sum?

Impact100 Houston disburses the grant money in installment payments. Most grants are disbursed in two installments, one installment after the grant agreement is executed and the second installment after the interim report is received. However, all terms and conditions are outlined in individual grant agreements between Impact100 Houston and its grantees.

If an organization has multiple locations including one in Houston, would you consider a grant award that applies to the organization as a whole, or would the award have to apply to Houston work only?

Impact100 Houston grants are restricted to the benefit of Harris County.

Will there be one grant made per focus area?

The grant amount available is contingent upon our final number of members at the end of the recruitment period and announced annually at the Big Reveal. Our long-term goal is to give away at least $500,000 per year with a $100,000 grant awarded in each of our five focus areas.

If the nonprofit was established within the past year, would it still be eligible to apply?

Organizations must be able to provide three years of financial statements in order to apply.

What if the nonprofit does not have a physical office for the site visit?

If a nonprofit makes it to the site visit stage, our team will work with the organization to determine the best place to meet. We are currently unsure if visits will happen in person or remotely.

Is preference given to new initiatives?

No. Whether the grant proposal includes an initiative that is new or existing, our members seek to support work that makes a big impact on the local community.

What is the timeline for Impact100 Houston's grants process?

March: Eligibility Questionnaire opens, Non-Profit Training session, Pre-Application Form due

May: Invitation to apply received by eligible organizations, full Grant Application due

August: Semi-finalists notified and invited for site visits 

September: Site visits conducted, Finalists (one in each FAC) invited to Meet the Finalists event

November: Impact100 Houston Annual Awards Celebration event takes place, where members cast their votes for award recipients, and grant winners are announced