The mission of the Three Lakes Community Foundation is to support and strengthen opportunities that make Three Lakes THE place to live, work and play.

The Three Lakes Community Foundation awards grants based on these guidelines. Grant applications are evaluated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Applications are evaluated with consideration to the policies, funding objectives, and – most importantly – the mission of the Three Lakes Community Foundation. (See above). Final decisions are made by the Foundation Board of Directors.

What We Support

The Three Lakes Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting innovative ideas for:

  • Projects involving other local nonprofits that strengthen and enhance the Three Lakes community.
  • Projects that support human services, education, health and recreation, arts and culture, the environment and community development.
  • Projects that enhance the quality of life for Three Lakes’ citizens and visitors; and that protect those characteristics of our community that are so loved.
  • Projects that foster community efficiency.
  • Projects that differentiate Three Lakes from other communities.

Who May Apply

The Three Lakes Foundation welcomes grant requests from organized groups throughout the Three Lakes area, including:

  • Independent nonprofit organizations
  • Charitable organizations classified as 501(c)(3), 509(a), or considered tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code
  • Local units of state or national organizations
  • Schools, governmental entities and religious institutions providing community programs benefit the public at large

Eligible Projects and Program Priorities

Projects are prioritized based on the grant project eligibility criteria and priorities set forth in the Three Lakes Community Foundation Guidelines.

In general, the Funds do not support:

  • Costs not directly associated with or necessary for the implementation of the project.
  • Costs associated with regular ongoing operating expenses or debt retirement.
  • Costs associated with needs more properly funded through the operating budget of the applicant organization or by other sources.
  • Grants to individuals or loans of any type.
  • Projects associated with political candidates or groups.
  • Projects for sectarian or religious purposes that do not benefit the public at large.
  • Projects from organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin or physical disability.
  • Projects more appropriately funded by State, County or Local taxes.

How to Proceed

  • Read the attached guidelines relating to Grants.
  • Discuss your project proposal with a Three Lakes Community Foundation board member or the contact listed below to insure it is eligible for grant funds.
  • Complete ALL Sections of the application.  Section 4 may not be more than 4 pages typewritten.  
  • Assemble your signed application package.

Review of Documents Required for a complete application:

  • List of current board of directors
  • Copy of IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) or 509(a) tax exempt status, if applicable
  • Signed letter indicating sponsorship, if sponsored by another organization, if applicable
  • Copy of most recent annual financial statement
  • Copy of project authorizing document – board meeting minutes or authorizing resolution
  • Project Cost Estimate

What Happens Next?

Your grant application will be reviewed and evaluated by the Foundation Board of Directors to make the final decision. (Funding for grants comes from two sources: The Three Lakes Community Endowment Funds or the Current unrestricted undesignated funds.) You may be asked to provide additional information. Applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome. If your grant is denied, you may call a board member for an explanation.

If you are awarded a grant, you will need to:

  • Be available for a grant presentation ceremony
  • Complete and submit a project final narrative report within 90 days of project completion or one year from award date, whichever comes first.
  • Include the following statement in all material related to your project: “Support for this project was provided by the Three Lakes Community Foundation.”
  • Include all press releases, photos, or articles in the project final report.

We wish you success with your projects and look forward to being your partner in bettering the Three Lakes Community for our residents and visitors. Please contact us with any questions.