The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation Grant

The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation is a California-based nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. Its mission is centered on improving the quality of life of residents in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a particular emphasis on children and their families. The Foundation accomplishes this goal through contributions, grants, and scholarships that promote education, welfare, and community enrichment. The Foundation’s philanthropic vision reflects the McMicking family’s long-standing commitment to education, science, technology, and the arts. The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations that are federally recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not classified as private foundations under section 509(a). While support is focused on the San Francisco Bay Area, grants are intended to benefit residents across diverse communities and backgrounds. The Foundation demonstrates an established interest in supporting programs that provide scholarships and educational opportunities, as well as projects in arts, science, and technology, ensuring children of all ages and ethnicities can benefit. Applications are only accepted from organizations located in or directly serving Bay Area residents. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, nor does it support organizations engaged in lobbying or legislative activities. It generally avoids providing permanent funding for projects but may commit to multi-year support for up to three years if project goals require sustained investment. In addition, organizations are limited to submitting one full proposal every twelve months. This ensures equitable consideration across applicants and allows the Foundation to manage its resources effectively. The application process begins with a required pre-application step: organizations must first contact the Executive Director via phone or email before submitting a Letter of Inquiry. Only programs that are invited following this step will be provided access to the Foundation’s online application portal. Applicants must prepare and submit comprehensive materials, including an organizational overview with goals and purpose, a detailed project description with target population, a plan of action, and measurable expected results. Financial documentation is also required, including agency and project budgets, the most recent annual financial statement, an income and expense statement, and an annual audit if available. Applicants must also disclose other funding sources, both committed and pending. Submitted Letters of Inquiry and applications are reviewed by Foundation staff to ensure alignment with funding priorities, completeness, and conformity with policies. The review may also involve follow-up inquiries, meetings, or site visits depending on the size and complexity of the request. Final grantmaking authority rests with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who generally consider proposals within ninety days of receipt. Once a decision has been made, applicants are notified in writing. Grantees are required to provide evaluation reports at the conclusion of the grant period, with the specific requirements outlined in each grant contract. These reports document how grant funds were spent and the outcomes achieved. The Foundation enforces a conflict of interest policy for its staff and board members, requiring disclosure of any affiliations with applicant organizations and abstention from related voting. This ensures transparency and fairness in the decision-making process. The overall structure of the guidelines reflects a balance between flexibility in supporting a broad range of educational and welfare-focused initiatives and accountability in ensuring resources are used effectively.