Mini Grant

The Gibney Family Foundation (TGFF) is a private philanthropic entity focused on supporting nonprofit organizations that empower individuals facing life challenges, with a particular emphasis on people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded on the principles of sustainability and collaboration, TGFF believes that true impact comes from long-term partnerships and personalized giving approaches. The Foundation primarily funds programs within communities where its family members reside, ensuring a locally grounded yet nationally impactful reach. The Mini Grant is designed for first-time applicants or those whose financial structure aligns better with a modest grant size. It offers up to $5,000 in funding for projects that promote independence, improve quality of life, and support mental health, adaptive recreation, and leadership among underserved populations. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that benefit individuals with disabilities, especially visual impairments, and support broader community needs including food security and safe living environments. To apply for a Mini Grant, applicants must be a U.S.-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status and must be operating within the United States. A key eligibility requirement is the involvement of a family grant sponsor—an individual affiliated with the Foundation who collaborates with the organization on the project proposal. Unsolicited applications are not accepted, and organizations must have completed any prior TGFF-funded projects, including submitting a grant report, before applying again. The application process begins with an online submission that acts as a rough draft. This draft serves as the foundation for collaborative feedback between the applicant and the grant sponsor. Required documents include a project timeline, a detailed budget for the grant request, and the applicant organization's overall financials. Once reviewed and finalized, the application is formally submitted by the quarter's final deadline. TGFF uses a quarterly review and funding cycle: rough drafts are typically due mid-quarter, with final deadlines falling on the first of January, April, July, or October. Funding decisions are communicated approximately six weeks later, and grants are disbursed by the start of the following month. All grant recipients are required to submit a comprehensive grant report one year after funding is awarded to demonstrate use and impact. The Foundation is committed to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, partnering only with organizations that reflect these values. It maintains rigorous standards to ensure funding is used solely for approved purposes and does not support research, political, or religious activities. The Mini Grant program exemplifies TGFF’s hands-on, relationship-driven approach to philanthropy.

Sponsor review is required before final submission. Online application generates a collaborative draft.