Harold Simmons Foundation Grant

The Harold Simmons Foundation, located in Dallas, Texas, is a private philanthropic organization that supports initiatives aimed at addressing pressing community needs within the Dallas area. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through investments in nonprofit organizations that provide critical services and programs. It encourages proposals that are not only well-researched and timely but also demonstrate alignment with other local efforts, either public or private, to maximize the impact of collaborative service delivery. The foundation welcomes proposals year-round with no specific application deadlines, allowing applicants to submit whenever they are ready. This rolling basis provides flexibility, but applicants are asked to wait at least one year from their last submission before reapplying. Eligible funding requests may include operating expenses, capital needs, and special projects, ensuring a broad scope of support across different types of organizational needs. However, the foundation does not fund individuals, endowments, deficit financing, or any organization that discriminates based on race, religion, or gender. The proposal submission process is straightforward, though detailed. Applicants must include a cover letter identifying the organization and a primary contact, along with the mission and history of the organization. Proposals must specify the amount requested, the total fundraising goal, and a clear description of how the requested funds will meet a specific community need. Evaluative components are also required, including methods for measuring program outcomes and a description of past performance. Furthermore, applicants must explain their organization’s relationship with other community entities and provide a strategic plan, if available. Comprehensive documentation is mandatory. Applicants must include a list of board members with professional affiliations, a list of staff with titles, and a roster of major donors with funding amounts, both organizational and program-specific (if applicable). Proof of tax-exempt status under IRS 501(c)(3) is also required. Financial documentation includes a current-year agency budget, a balance sheet, and either an audited financial statement or the most recent IRS Form 990. If the audit does not reflect the previous fiscal year, a prior year’s profit and loss statement is also required. For requests related to capital projects or specific programs, a separate detailed budget outlining projected income and expenses must be included. Proposals can be submitted either by USPS mail or by email, with a preference for double-sided printing to conserve paper. While no specific email address is listed in the guidelines, applicants are directed to use the website’s contact form for further communication, including email inquiries. The review process typically takes one to two months, though additional information may be requested during that time. Applications should be addressed to the Grants Administrator at the Harold Simmons Foundation’s main office in Dallas. The foundation evaluates proposals carefully and considers alignment with community needs, collaboration potential, and clear accountability measures when making funding decisions. Although the foundation does not operate on a fixed funding cycle, it remains an ongoing and accessible funding source for Dallas-area nonprofits with demonstrated community impact.