Application Guidelines
Organizations must receive an invitation to apply for funding. Prospective organizations are welcome to submit basic information about their programs via email (info@rlm-foundation.org), but please be aware that we may not be able to respond directly to all inquiries. If the program aligns with our funding priorities and immediate grantmaking goals, we will contact you at the appropriate time.
Our Mission
The mission of the Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation is to support children by funding direct service programs. The primary interests of the Foundation include education, housing, medical, and basic needs enabling children to reach their optimal potential.
Geographic Focus Areas
Grant opportunities are only open to organizations based in and/or serving the following geographic areas: the greater Chicago, IL metropolitan area (with an emphasis on DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall Counties); Prescott, AZ; Moncks Corner, SC; Richmond, IN; Muncie IN, Melbourne, FL.
Eligibility
- Nonprofit, public benefit organizations with current evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation.
- Organizations whose mission and/or programs align with the mission of the Foundation as described above.
- Organizations that operate so that they do not discriminate in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
Restrictions – The following are not eligible for grant support.
- Grants or loans to individuals
- Loans to charitable organizations
- Organizations that exclude participants based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability
- The purchase of dinner, gala or raffle tickets
- School fundraisers or events (including sports and other extracurricular activities)
- Tax-generating entities (municipalities, school districts, etc.) for services within their normal responsibilities
- Academic or scientific research
- Political campaigns or purposes
Timeline
Invited organizations will receive an application deadline aligned with our quarterly Board meeting schedule.
Grant Types
We welcome proposals for both project grants and general operating support, provided the work directly serves children and families.
For current grantee partners, upon approval communicated by staff, additional funding opportunities may include:
- Capacity-building grants to strengthen organizational infrastructure, systems and sustainability.
- Capital grants to support facility improvements, equipment, or other one-time physical needs.
- Endowment grants to help organizations build long-term financial sustainability.
Application Review
Grant applications are reviewed through a collaborative process involving both staff and the Board of Directors. Foundation staff conducts initial due diligence on all invited applications, which may include a review of financial documents, a site visit, and follow-up conversations with organizational leadership. The full Board of Directors reviews all applications and makes final funding decisions at quarterly meetings.
Notifications of Results
All applicants will be notified within a week after the scheduled quarterly board meeting.
How to Apply
1) Applicants must receive an invitation to apply from an RLMF staff member. The invitation will include a link to our application portal.
2) Follow all online instructions and include all documents listed in the online application. No paper applications will be accepted.
