This page outlines the essential policies and procedures for applying for and managing a grant from the Kenedy Foundation. Please review all sections carefully to ensure a smooth and successful process.

I. Eligibility and Application

• Application Deadline: The annual deadline for all Kenedy Foundation grant applications is October 15th.
• Submission Process: Applications must be submitted through the Kenedy Foundation’s official website: www.kenedy.org.
• Diocesan Copy: A complete copy of the submitted application must be sent to the Diocesan Grants Coordinator, Sandra Castellanos, at [email protected]. Failure to do so may jeopardize the consideration of your grant.
• Project Specificity: Applications must be for a single, specific project. The project name on the application should clearly and accurately reflect the proposed work.
• Eligibility for New Grants: Parishes or entities with an outstanding, incomplete grant are not eligible to apply for a new grant.

II. Funding and Contingency Planning

• Partial Funding: Applicants should be prepared for the possibility of receiving only partial funding for their project. It is essential to have a contingency plan in place to cover the remaining costs if the full amount is not awarded.

III. Review and Notification Process

• Review Meeting: The Kenedy Foundation Board of Directors meets in May to review all grant applications submitted by the previous October deadline.
• Notification: All applicants will be notified by email or letter of the Board's decision (approved or declined) following the May meeting.

IV. Grant Agreement and Funding Disbursement

• Agreement Issuance: Grant Agreements are sent out on a rolling basis after the May review meeting. Tuition Assistance agreements are sent first, followed by parish and department agreements after September.
• Executing the Agreement: Upon receipt, you must sign the Grant Agreement and email it to Sandra Castellanos. The Grants Coordinator will obtain the required second signature and submit the executed agreement to the Kenedy Foundation.
• Timeliness: Promptly returning the signed agreement is crucial. Delays in this step will postpone the disbursement of your grant funds.
• Funding Timeline: You have one year from the date the funds are received to expend the grant money for its approved purpose.
• Reimbursement: Once the required documentation is submitted, the Finance Department will issue a check for the reimbursement of qualifying goods and services.
• Grant Extensions: Extensions are rarely granted and should not be expected. If you anticipate any difficulty in completing your project within the one-year timeframe, you must contact Sandra Castellanos as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

V. Reporting and Closeout

• Final Grant Status Report (FGSR): A Final Grant Status Report (FGSR) is required upon completion of the project or expenditure of all funds. This report is mandatory to close out a grant and is required before funding can be processed for any future grants.
• FGSR Submission:
  1. The FGSR form is available on the Kenedy Foundation website (www.kenedy.org under the "Grants" section).
  2. The completed report—including the latest financial statements, receipts for all expenditures, and photos (if applicable)—must be compiled into a single PDF file.
  3. Email the complete PDF to Sandra Castellanos, who will secure the second signature and submit it to the Kenedy Foundation.