The Encantado Foundation’s Community-Based Grants

The Encantado Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, is committed to developing hire-ready candidates for careers in STEM, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, application development and management, and IT operations. The foundation emphasizes support for individuals from historically underrepresented communities in the tech workforce, including women, people of color, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with physical limitations. The Foundation’s mission extends beyond education by seeking to reshape how employers in technology-related sectors source and develop talent. As part of its commitment to equity and access, the Encantado Foundation offers Community-Based Grants to nonprofit organizations that aim to create or expand pathways into STEM careers. These grants are specifically intended for smaller-scale projects that focus on building awareness of tech careers, expanding access to STEM training, and opening doors to underserved communities. The grants are structured as one-time gifts and are capped at a maximum of $5,000 per awarded organization. The application process for Community-Based Grants operates on a biannual schedule, with two defined cycles per year. For the 2025 funding period, the Spring Cycle opens on April 2, 2025, and closes on May 2, 2025, while the Fall Cycle opens on September 8, 2025, and closes on October 2, 2025. Community members are encouraged to nominate nonprofit organizations in good standing. The primary evaluation criterion for funding is the alignment between the applicant's mission and activities and the overarching mission of the Encantado Foundation. There is no mention of a formal pre-application step, specific required forms, or particular evaluation rubric beyond the alignment of mission and project purpose with the foundation’s goals. There are also no explicit mentions of required matching funds, reporting procedures, or disbursement timelines, suggesting a streamlined, low-barrier entry point for organizations that meet eligibility standards. The Foundation does not specify any geographic limitations within its materials, which implies a potentially nationwide eligibility scope, though this would require further verification to confirm. Contact details, specific application procedures, and other administrative elements are not disclosed in the available grant description and may be made available through nomination forms or direct inquiry with the foundation. Overall, the Encantado Foundation Community-Based Grants serve as a focused and accessible funding opportunity for small nonprofit organizations that are committed to advancing diversity and access within STEM and tech career pathways, particularly for underrepresented populations.