Engage Applicant Resources

The Foundation anticipates funding grants ranging from $50,000-$100,000 per year through Engage. This is only an anticipated range, and applicants may request more or less. Applicants should request two years of funding.

The Foundation only considers statewide projects if they have the potential to impact everyone across the state – policy reform, for example. Otherwise, programs must be serving residents of the 10-parish Capital Area.

It depends. Applicants should look closely at the desired outcomes and Results Trails to determine whether their programming will achieve the long-term behavioral and condition changes sought.

While there are gains to be made at these one-time events, the changes in behavior and condition we seek to influence are unlikely to be made through one-time events. These types of events held in conjunction with long-term programming will be considered.

Applicants should think through the desired outcomes of the project or program. What outcomes are you trying to effect? Are they joint goals? Can either organization get there on their own, or are you dependent on one another? Look closely at the desired outcomes associated with both types of applications. Ultimately, projects selected for Capacity and Collaboration Building will enhance the services of all organizations involved, by intentionally building the sector, not simply working together on a direct service project.

Think critically about your target audience. For Systems Change, you’re ultimately trying to move system actors to make policy or practice change; for Capacity and Collaboration Building, you’re ultimately trying to move organizations in the same direction.

Think critically about the populations you serve and your intended outcomes for them. Is your work with the formerly incarcerated an effort to reduce their risk of recidivism, or are they simply a subset of your client population that you are supporting in building assets?

ALICE stands for Asset-Limited Income-Constrained Employed and is a project of United Way. These are the members of our community who are earning more than poverty wages but still not enough to survive – let alone thrive – in our community. Learn more at UnitedforALICE.org.

SMART goals are a simple framework for setting clear and achievable objectives. The word SMART is an acronym that stands for:

1. Specific – The goal should be clear and precise, not vague.
   Example: “I want to run a 5K race,” instead of “I want to get fit.”
2. Measurable – You should be able to track your progress and know when you’ve reached the goal.
   Example: “I want to save $1,000,” instead of “I want to save money.”
3. Achievable – The goal should be realistic and attainable, not something too far out of reach.
   Example: “I will study 30 minutes a day,” instead of “I will master a new language in a week.”
4. Relevant – It should matter to you and align with your broader values or objectives.
   Example: “I want to learn Excel to improve my job performance,” instead of something unrelated.
5. Time-bound – There should be a deadline or time frame to create urgency and focus.
   Example: “I will finish writing my resume by next Friday,” instead of leaving it open-ended.

By using the SMART method, people are more likely to set goals they can actually follow through on because the goals are structured and purposeful.

Crafting SMART goals helps you identify the aspects of your project that are realistic and achievable; this exercise also helps you set a deadline. When writing SMART goals, use concise language and include only relevant information. This worksheet is designed to help you succeed, so be positive when answering the questions.

It depends. Some projects serve many people during a year, while others serve fewer participants in a much deeper fashion.

• You may have experience with past participants that gives you a good idea of how many typically get to the results you seek for them. We realize not everyone will get there within the grant period – some people need more time than others – so use what you have seen in the past to give you an idea of what to expect in the future.
• We understand that participants that have more barriers to succeed may take longer and cost more to achieve success. Be sure to consider the level of difficulty of your participant group in considering how many will achieve success within the grant period.
• Remember that it is likely that not all participants will achieve results, and that’s OK!

*Organizations should only include participants who reside in the 10-parish Capital Area, have income levels below the ALICE Survival Budget Threshold (including those in poverty) and/or are formerly incarcerated.

2026 applicants should request two years of funding with their application. Partners will be expected to report on progress and participate in learning sessions twice per year. Annual disbursements will be provided to partners who make meaningful progress toward the Engage results.

The Foundation anticipates funding grants ranging from $50,000-$100,000 per year through Engage. This is only an anticipated range, and applicants may request more or less. Applicants should request two years of funding.

An audit is required for organizations with annual revenue of more than $250,000. This must include the letter to management that accompanies the financials. If your organization does not have audited financial statements, please include a letter from your Board Chair stating why you have not conducted an audit in the past, and any intentions of performing one in the future.