The TD Charitable Foundation provides financial support through its grant application process to organizations providing service in the following areas:

• Economic Empowerment
• Youth Development
• Community Support

Program Grants

• Wherever possible, contributions should be programmatic in nature and focus, and add value to the scope of services offered by an organization. The benefits of the program should be detailed, quantifiable and included as part of the grant application process.
• Organizations may apply for full or partial funding of a particular program.
• Preference is also given to organizations which have broad-based support and Commerce employee involvement.
• Special consideration is given to programs which support low- to moderate-income individuals by providing services, training or education which improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for advancement.
• The Foundation has an interest in providing support to fund collaborative programs and programs which bring new dollars into the community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Programs must serve residents of communities which fall within our geographic footprint.
• Organizations must be tax exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3), public schools or other qualified state or local governmental entities.
• Only one grant will be awarded to a nonprofit within one calendar year. If renewed funding is desired, the organization must submit a new request.
• Grants are typically not made for general operating efforts or to create endowments.
• Capital campaigns and multi-year commitments are strongly discouraged.
• Funding for private schools is rarely provided unless the focus is on educational program support, especially for low- to moderate-income students.

Unfortunately, grants cannot be made to/for the following:

• Individuals
• Private foundations
• Political candidates, lobbying or advocacy organizations
• Organizations with a limited constituency, such as fraternal, labor or veterans’ groups
• Religious organizations unless the program is for the good of the community
• Athletic teams or social groups
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or religion
• Organizations or events which are not open to members of the general public
• Research organizations or projects
• Fundraising events (e.g. golf tournaments, school events)
• Scholarships
• Memberships
• Advertising
• Annual appeals
• Travel or conference expense for the organization’s employees
• Funds to pay down operating deficits
• Trips and tours by groups or individuals
• Programs previously funded by the Foundation in the current calendar year

Application Process

Until July 1, 2008, organizations wishing to be considered for a TD Charitable Foundation financial grant should submit a written request on the organization’s letterhead or apply online. Telephone solicitations cannot be considered. Requests for in-kind grants must also be submitted in writing.

Starting July 1, 2008, nonprofits should only apply online for Foundation funding.

The Foundation grants committee meets on a monthly basis to consider grant requests.

The online grant application process begins with the submission of the organization’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) followed by an eligibility quiz. If your organization and program are eligible for a grant, you will access the TD Charitable Grant Application.

The grant application consists of the following six sections:

1. Acceptance of Grant Conditions, should your organization be chosen for funding;
2. General Organization Information (e.g. name, address, phone number, website address, …);
3. Contact Information (e.g. top executive information and request contact information if different);
4. Additional Organization Information (e.g. year founded, mission, organization type, staff and volunteer information, ...);
5. Request Information (e.g. program title, requested grant amount, program budget, …); and
6. Required documents

In order for your funding request to be considered, the following four required documents must be attached to the online grant request:

1. A detailed program proposal (three pages maximum)
   
   The following should be included in the detailed program proposal:
   • A brief background of your organization and a history of its programs;
   • A detailed description of the program for which your organization seeks funding, including the objectives of the program;
   • A description of the need of the program, including the population and the geographical area served, and identification of any gaps in existing services or programs which would be met through funding this proposal;
   • A timetable of the program;
   • A detailed budget for the program;
   • The other funding sources of your organization which will support this program (please list the top five contributors);
   • A description of measurement tools you will use to determine the success of the program;
   • And a detailed communication and public relations plans to publicize this grant and its results.
2. A list of your organization's Board members and their affiliations
3. Last available audited financial statement or a copy of filed tax form, if the organization does not have an audit performed
4. A copy of the 501(c) (3) federal tax exemption letter of determination and, if applicable, evidence of your organization’s authority to operate under the 501(c)(3) of another organization

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