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How to Apply

Home 5 How to Apply

Applications are closed for 2026 grants.

Check eligibility

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are a 501 (c ) (3)
  • Your work addresses our goals
  • You are a repeat applicant
  • You are applying for either program or operations support
  • You work in:

    Colorado

    • Eagle County

    Kansas/Missouri

    BY INVITATION ONLY*
    • Jackson County (MO)
    • Wyandotte County (KS)
    • Johnson County (KS)

    Chicago

    BY INVITATION ONLY*

    Neighborhoods of Austin and North Lawndale

    Pennsylvania

    • Lackawanna County
    • Luzerne County

    New York

    • Monroe County
    • Yates County
    • Steuben County
    • Ontario County
    *INVITATION-ONLY PROCESS

    There is no process to request an invitation. Invitations are issued solely at our discretion and cannot be requested or solicited.

    Are you a new applicant or a repeat applicant?

    New Applicant

    The Fund is not accepting applications from new organizations in the 2026 grant cycle. A new organization is one that has not applied for and received a competitive McGowan Fund Grant Award in the past three years. 

    If you have only received funding through our (invitation only) discretionary, matching, or sponsorship grants programs, you are considered a new applicant.

    Repeat Applicant

    An organization that has received a competitive McGowan Fund Grant Award in the past three years, and has submitted a final report.

    If you have only received funding through our (invitation only) discretionary, matching, or sponsorship grants programs, you are not considered a repeat applicant.

    Check deadlines

    LOI Deadline (New Applicants Only)
    Application Deadline
    Grant Award Cycle*
    January 8
    February 8
    Spring
    April 8
    May 8
    Summer
    Not applicable for fall 2026
    August 8
    Fall

    Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To be considered during a specific grant cycle, your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. CT on the deadline date. 

    If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications may be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on the following business day.

    Prepare for the LOI

    The Fund is not accepting Letters of Inquiry at this time.

    Prepare for the application

    This form collects the specifics of your organization (mission/purpose, structure, financials); population you serve; and your program(s) structure, narrative, goals, theory of change, inputs/outputs. It includes significant space for narratives.

    Submit final report

    This form serves as a self-evaluation of the success and challenges of the program(s) funded and offers grantee and grantor the opportunity to reflect and grow by examining the past year.

    Repeat applicants: Final reports must be submitted prior to applying for new funding. If you do not have access to your past applications to complete this step, please contact us for assistance.