1. 3 Focus Pillars for Funding
We provide grants to nonprofit organizations that align with our mission and demonstrate a clear ability to create lasting impact in one or more of the following areas: 

• At-Risk Women & Children – Programs providing shelter, education, job training, crisis intervention, and long-term support to vulnerable populations. 
• Mental Health & Addiction Recovery – Programs and services that improve access to care, support recovery, promote emotional well-being, and help individuals build healthier, more stable lives. 
• Environmental Conservation – Focus on addressing water scarcity, improving access to clean water, preserving forests and natural resources, and advancing environmental education and sustainability.

2. Restricted Grants 
Funds are awarded for a specific program, project, service, or purpose approved by the Foundation and may not be used for general operating expenses, fundraising activities, debt reduction, capital campaigns, or any purpose other than that which was approved in the grant request.  All requests must note specific use of funds; general statements are not acceptable. Examples:  

Example 1  
Not acceptable: Renovating our kitchen so we can provide healthy food for our clients.   
Acceptable: Renovating our kitchen at a cost of $25,000.  Requesting BRFF funds for appliance and installation costs, total of $12,500. 

Example 2 
Not acceptable: Expanding our counseling program to serve more clients.
Acceptable: Hiring a part-time licensed counselor for 12 months at a cost of $30,000. Requesting BRFF funds for $15,000 toward salary expenses. 

Example 3
Not acceptable: Supporting our after-school program.
Acceptable: Purchasing educational supplies, books, and learning materials for our after-school program at a cost of $8,000. Requesting BRFF funds for $5,000 toward these materials. 

Additional factors that may preclude approval: 

• General Operating Expenses – Grants must be project-specific and cannot be used for administrative costs, salaries, or overhead expenses.  
• Political or Religious Activities – Funding cannot be used for lobbying, political campaigns, or religious-based programs that require participation in faith-based activities.  
• Direct Individual Support – Grants are awarded to organizations, not individuals or personal fundraising efforts.  
• Debt Reduction, Academic Research Projects, Event Sponsorships, Fiscal Agents, or Endowments – Funds cannot be used to pay off existing debts, support research-focused initiatives without direct community impact, sponsor fundraising events, conferences, or galas, serve as a pass-through entity for another group, or contribute to an endowment fund.

3. Eligibility Requirements 

• Organizations must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding: 
• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a qualified fiscal sponsor.  
• Filed most recent IRS Form 990  
• Operate within the United States; however, certain international requests will be considered.  
• Have been in operation for at least two years, with financial statements available for review.  
• Demonstrate a track record of effective programs and measurable outcomes. 
• Demonstrate financial strength and responsible stewardship of resources, including adequate liquidity, sustainable operations, and transparent financial reporting. 
• Ensure that restricted grant funds will be used exclusively for the approved project as outlined in the application and grant agreement.  
• Align with our core values of Purpose, Action, Opportunity and Love, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.  
  

4. Reporting & Compliance  
Grantees must comply with all terms outlined in the grant agreement, including:  

• Use of Funds – Any deviation from the approved purpose requires prior written approval from the Foundation.  
• Final Report Submission – A financial and programmatic report detailing how grant funds were used and the impact achieved must be submitted by January 10 of the following grant year. 
• Recognition – The Grantee agrees to acknowledge the Foundation’s support in public communications regarding the funded project.  
• Legal & Tax Compliance – The Grantee must maintain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.  
• Grant Compliance – The Foundation reserves the right to terminate the grant and request the return of funds if grant terms are not met, reporting requirements are not met, or funds are misused.  
• Use of Logo & Content - The Grantee grants the Brent Reese Family Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use and display provided logos and photographs for promotional and informational purposes, including but not limited to the Foundation’s website, social media, and marketing materials.  

5. Spotlight Grants 
Spotlight Grants are a special grant category designed to support exceptional opportunities that arise outside of the Foundation’s annual grant cycle. These grants may fund initiatives within our focus pillars or projects outside of them, provided they align with the Foundation’s mission and values. 

Spotlight Grants offer the flexibility to respond to unique needs, time-sensitive opportunities, and innovative initiatives throughout the year. Organizations applying for a Spotlight Grant must meet the same eligibility requirements as all Brent Reese Family Foundation grant applicants. Applications for Spotlight Grants may be submitted at any time.