Guidelines, Funding Policies, Review and Application Process
The Woodard Family Foundation considers a wide range of grant requests within the following areas: arts, education, health, human services, environment and public interest. We support new initiatives, special projects, expansion of current programs, capital improvement, building renovation and general operating support.
Currently, the Foundation accepts unsolicited submissions limited to the N. Douglas and S. Lane Counties (Yoncalla to the south, Creswell to the north, Lorane to the west and also encompassing the Greater London and Dorena areas)
Grants are made only to non-profit charitable organizations which are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to public governmental units. The Foundation does not consider grants to individuals.
Grants from the Foundation are usually awarded for one year only. For projects in those areas in which the Foundation has a special interest, multi-year funding may be considered.
Only one grant application may be submitted in any twelve-month period.
Our foundation has recently updated its policies regarding inquiries and grant requests from educational institutions within the South Lane School District (SLSD). All funding requests submitted by SLSD now require dual signatures from:
1. The SLSD Superintendent; and
2. The teacher, coach, or lead advisor with primary responsibility for the subject area addressed in the grant request.
The foundation considers grant requests—for both existing programs and new initiatives—within four broad categories:
Academics: Educational programs that integrate academic and technical skills through cooperative learning, laboratory-based instruction, and work-based learning experiences.
Student Leadership: Class and school-wide student councils, their officers, and associated programs and activities that develop leadership skills.
Arts: Creative programs including, but not limited to, visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, film, and architecture.
Sports: All women's and men's athletic programs operating under the direct supervision of the district's director of athletics.
If your program aligns with one or more of the categories outlined above, complete the Letter of Initial Inquiry form and submit it with the two required signatures.
| Letter of Initial Inquiry Due Date | Board Meeting | Notification to Applicant (If Accepted or Denied) | Deadline for Submitting Full Proposal | Foundation Board Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 15 | April | On or before May 1 | May 15 | Mid-July |
| May 15 | July | On or before August 1 | August 15 | Mid-October |
| August 15 | October | On or before November 1 | February 15 | Mid-April |
If you believe your organization qualifies geographically, commence the 2-step application process as follows.
Organizations interested in applying for a grant should follow these steps:
Step One – Letter of Initial Inquiry
- Complete the one-page Letter of Initial Inquiry Fillable PDF form as the first step in the pre-application process. This will ensure your project or program is geographical aligned with our guidelines. This form introduces both the applicant’s organization and the proposed project or program to the Foundation.
- The form may be e-mailed, US Mailed, or hand delivered to: Tyson Woodard, Administrator, Woodard Family Foundation, 40 South 6th Street, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424. tyson@woodardff.com The administrator will acknowledge receipt within 7 days.
- Following the next Foundation Board meeting, the administrator will notify the Letter of Initial Inquiry applicant whether or not the Board of Directors has authorized advancement to step two, Formal Grant Request.
Step Two – Formal Grant Request
If your organization has been invited to submit a Formal Grant Request, please fill out our two-page Grant Application Cover Sheet (available here-link to fillable form) and include the following five accompanying attachments:
- A narrative letter of length adequate to help the Woodard Family Foundation understand your organization and grant request. Brevity is appreciated. It may be as simple as a minor update to, and re-submittal of, your Letter of Initial Inquiry.
- 501(c)(3) documentation from IRS.
- List of Board of Directors.
- Detailed budget for proposed project.
- Statement describing financial condition of your organization encompassing at least the last 2 years.
- Optional - Most recent audited financial report if available.
This cover sheet and the five required accompanying attachments can be e-mailed, US mailed or hand-delivered to: Tyson Woodard, Administrator, Woodard Family Foundation, 40 S. 6th Street, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424, tyson@woodardff.com. If door is locked, please use the "Book Drop" left of the front door. (book drop size is 1.2” long by 3” tall).
Optional: If you want to include additional supporting documentation such as newsletters, photographs, etc., please send seven. All should be printed photocopy ready, on 8 ½” x 11” single-sided white paper and all left unstapled. Supplemental items, including videos cannot be returned to the organization.