The McPherson County Community Foundation has reopened its grant application process and announced several changes that will take effect with the new grant year beginning July 1.
The foundation’s regular grant cycle closes each year on May 15 before reopening July 1. The updates are designed to enhance security, better align grantmaking with applications and improve the online experience by making grant opportunities easier to identify.
W-9s now required for grant recipients
To improve the security of grant payments, the foundation will now require nonprofit organizations or their fiscal sponsors to submit a W-9 form before receiving grant funds.
A W-9 is an Internal Revenue Service form that verifies an organization’s Employer Identification Number, or EIN.
DJN Legacy Fund adds letter of intent
Organizations seeking funding through the David J. Nutt Fund Legacy Grant will now be required to submit a Letter of Intent before completing a full application.
The letter will be reviewed by the David J. Nutt Fund committee, which will invite selected applicants to continue through the full grant process. Foundation officials said the change is intended to better align applicants with the fund’s grantmaking priorities.
“We also really want to adjust the timeline for our committee,” said Betsy Davis, MCCF director of community services. “Letters of intent give our committee a better understanding of the potential funding amounts and projects before the grant due date. It also gives MCCF the opportunity to offer guidance to potential applicants on the types of projects and funding amounts the DJN Fund is able to support.”
The Letter of Intent is now open and must be submitted by Sept. 30. Organizations selected to move forward with a full application will be notified before October 15. Final grant applications will be due Jan. 15, 2027.
Grant deadlines move to noon
Beginning with the July 15 general grant deadline, all grant applications must be submitted by noon on the deadline date. The foundation said the change will allow staff to complete the grant submission process during regular business hours, particularly when deadlines fall on weekdays.
The McPherson County Community Foundation will continue reviewing its grantmaking processes to better serve nonprofit organizations, donor partners and communities throughout McPherson County.
