• Save your work as you go, lost information cannot be retrieved.
• Attach the IRS’ most recent W9 form (March 2024), it must be signed.
• Attach a signed letter of justification if your organization does not have one of the required documents (e.g. Audit financials).
• Confirm the requested amount in the application matches the requested amount listed in the Project/Program Budget Template.
• Ensure the Project/Program Budget Template is fully completed.
• Attach secured funding confirmation, if provided in the Project/Program Budget Template.
• Review your application before submission to ensure all questions have been answered fully and required documents have been attached.
• Submit early
• Add [email protected] to your email contacts, communications will be made through this email or directly from your assigned Program Officer.
• Respond to all communications within the timeframe given, not doing so can result in the closure of your application.

• Forget to submit all required documents, incomplete applications will be declined.
• Apply if you are in a current grant term or have outstanding reports due from a prior grant.
• Apply if you have not had your 501(c)3 status for at least 3 years.
• Apply for multiple projects/programs from your organization.
• Mail your application, only digitally submitted application through our grant portal are accepted.

Our support is directed to organizations providing services in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Local government agencies

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
• Organizations with a minimum of three (3) continuous years of current tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.
• Tribal government entities requesting support for programs within our Giving Pillars.
• K-12 schools/districts, colleges and universities. One request per school will be considered per 12-month period.
• Please note if you are a Nevada based organization, you must apply at Palms Cares. Applications submitted here will not be accepted.

• Organizations are only eligible to apply once per 12-month period.
  - Please Note: if you have received a sponsorship within the last 12-month period you are ineligible to apply at this time.
• Organizations must demonstrate strong financial capacity and performance to be considered for funding.
• Organizations must have an established track-record that can demonstrate positive impact and progress toward desired goals.

If applying for a grant, the following documents must be submitted along with the proposal:

• IRS Tax Ruling Letter
• Current Signed W-9 Form - March 2024 version
• Most Recent Form 990, 990N or 990EZ
• Financial Audit
  - Attach a signed letter of justification if your organization does not meet the required IRS threshold. Other documents may be provided in its place such as, Reviews, Profit + Loss, Balance Sheet.
• Organizational Budget
• Board of Directors List, submit on your organization's letterhead
• Confirmation of Secured Program Funding
• Project Budget on the San Manuel Template. This template will be provided in application and is the only acceptable form.
• Signed Letter of support from organization leadership (schools, tribal and city governments only).
• Quotes/Bids (if applicable)

• National organizations that do not deliver services in our geographic area (excluding Tribal organizations requests).
• Individuals for any purpose (e.g. scholarships, hardship assistance, field trips and beauty pageants).
• Grants are not made to organizations that discriminate against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.
• Elections, political candidates or political campaigns.
• Fundraising dinners or events.
• Third-party funding and/or funding for redistribution to other groups.
• Organizations that spend more than 25% of their operating budget on administrative overhead and fundraising costs.
• Requests to fund the majority or total cost of a project. Diversification of funding is required for a request.
• Religious organizations seeking funding for religious purposes. Only religious organizations that have received 501(c)(3) designation that seek funding for projects outlined in our Giving Pillars are eligible to apply.
• Booster Clubs. Clubs are encouraged to work directly with school principals on school applications.