CFNS McConnell Fund

The McConnell Fund is a philanthropic initiative administered by the Community Foundation of the North State, established in 2001 through a partnership with The McConnell Foundation. This collaboration was designed to deepen community engagement by leveraging the Community Foundation’s close connections and credibility within the Northern California region. The McConnell Foundation, a private and independent philanthropic institution, created the Fund to further its mission of building stronger communities through strategic, place-based grantmaking. By engaging local leaders and stakeholders, the Fund fosters localized decision-making and amplifies the impact of investments made across five Northern California counties. The McConnell Fund supports nonprofit and public sector organizations in Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, and Modoc counties. It prioritizes projects that focus on capital investments, specifically the purchase of durable equipment or improvements to buildings. Depending on the county, grant amounts may reach up to $50,000 for organizations based in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties, and up to $30,000 for those in Trinity and Modoc counties. Proposals of all sizes are encouraged, and grantmaking is guided by a community-centric philosophy that emphasizes tangible, long-term infrastructure support. Funding is targeted toward a range of focus areas including arts and culture, recreation, the environment, community vitality, social services, healthcare, and children, youth, and education. Importantly, the Fund does not support general operating or administrative costs, consumables, planning or design work, or personnel-related expenses. It also excludes permanent improvements on property not owned by the applicant, budget deficits, endowments, sectarian religious purposes, and reimbursements for costs incurred prior to contract approval. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public agencies such as schools and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and fiscally sponsored projects. The fund welcomes proposals from non-federally recognized tribes provided they apply with either nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor. Additionally, organizations with outstanding or overdue reports from previous grants are ineligible until they fulfill reporting obligations. The McConnell Fund follows a competitive review process. The Spring 2026 cycle will open in mid-January. Once applications are submitted, they undergo a three-month review and approval period. Project activities should not begin until at least June to comply with funding terms that prohibit reimbursements. Awarded projects must be completed within 12 months of notification. Applications that demonstrate additional secured funding and present the McConnell Fund as a final piece of project financing are viewed favorably. To apply, organizations must complete an online application that includes narrative questions, a project summary, a proposed timeline, and budget documentation. Supporting materials such as financial statements, board lists, and photographs are also required. For building-related requests, proof of ownership or documentation on the portability of funded improvements must be provided. Projects involving leased facilities must ensure that grant-funded items can be relocated if necessary. Applications are reviewed for clarity, need, impact, and alignment with the Fund’s strategic priorities. Organizations are encouraged to present a compelling narrative and clear evidence of community benefit. This includes a demonstration of long-term sustainability once the grant funds are expended. Photos and visual materials are used to strengthen the application and may also be used for marketing purposes if a grant is awarded.

Applications are more competitive if they show other sources of funding and position this grant as final funding to complete a project.