Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants Program

The Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants Program is administered by the Sisters Health Foundation to support nonprofit and public institutions providing direct material aid to under-resourced populations in the foundation’s service area. This program is specifically intended to fund efforts that deliver tangible assistance, such as food, clothing, personal care items, and emergency payments for utilities or rent. It is distinct from the foundation’s Responsive Grants Program, which supports general operating expenses, equipment, or broader organizational needs. Grant awards under this program typically range from $500 to a maximum of $5,000. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and public institutions. Applicants must have been operational for at least one year and must already have a track record of delivering direct aid as a core part of their mission. Furthermore, the project proposed must directly benefit residents within the counties served by the foundation. Only one grant can be awarded to an organization in any 12-month period, and grantees must submit a final report within one year of receiving funds, or earlier if the funds are expended before that time. The application process is streamlined and begins with an initial conversation between the applicant and the foundation’s staff. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact Marian Clowes, Associate Director, via email to initiate this process. Alternatively, they may call the foundation’s main line. During this introductory conversation, the staff will gather key information about the organization and its funding needs. Based on this dialogue, the staff will draft a grant request which the applicant will later review, edit if necessary, and submit through the foundation’s online system along with a project budget. Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact at least two weeks before the grant application deadline to ensure sufficient time for conversation and preparation. The program has two grant cycles per year: a spring cycle with applications due by January 21, 2026, and a fall cycle with a due date yet to be determined. Grants are typically awarded approximately one month after the deadline. Projects are evaluated based on their alignment with the foundation’s mission to serve under-resourced populations, the documented need in the targeted community, the proposed use of funds, and the organizational capacity to implement and sustain the services. Administrative costs are limited to 10% of the total grant amount. The foundation emphasizes simplicity, collaboration, and impact throughout its grantmaking process. For technical assistance with the online system, applicants may contact Shei Sanchez at 304-424-6080, extension 1, or via email.

Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact at least two weeks before the deadline to allow time for preparation.