Harland Jones Charitable Fund

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.