TRENDS CHARITABLE FUND HISTORY
The Trends Charitable Fund (TCF) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1995 to issue grants to Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations that meet the TCF mission to support programs in need that positively impact Arizona women, children and their families. Funds have been granted for both operational and capital expenditures.
The TCF mission is carried out through the volunteer work of dedicated TCF Board Members, Trendsetters (women honored at an annual “Beat the Heat” event for their community leadership), and other community volunteers. Funds are raised through two major fundraisers (Beat the Heat and TCF Celebrity Luncheon). Grant selections are made public in November by majority decision of the TCF Board of Directors after careful review and discussion.
TCF FUNDING PRIORITIES
1. TCF Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Trends Charitable Fund to support programs in need that positively impact Arizona women, children and their families. Programs can be existing or proposed programs and can relate to any aspect of lifestyle, including but not exclusive to health, welfare, safety, education, arts, leadership and athletics.
2. Geographic
TCF grants are restricted to programs serving women, children and families in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Due to the current economic climate, TCF has determined that its focus will be placed on areas of greatest need, such as the health, well-being, food, education and shelter in our community. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you read the TCF Applicant Requirements closely and consider the programs for which you will be seeking funding.
TCF APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
1. 2011 TCF grants will be limited to Maricopa County, Arizona.
2. Chapter affiliates with a national or international organization are eligible this year, however funds' usage will be restricted to 100% use in Maricopa County.
3. Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status will be requested by the TCF Board before funding is granted. Using a “second party” to establish 501(c)(3) approval is not permitted.
4. One hundred percent of funding must be spent in Maricopa County, Arizona.
5. Programs must directly benefit women, children and their families.
6. Programs will be considered on a priority basis for programs that:
a. Provide critical basic human needs, such as food and shelter, to indigent and working poor
b. Provide services other than basic human needs to vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, such as health, education, literacy and legal services
3. Other programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
7. Requests for personal and/or individual use will not be accepted.
8. TCF Grants will not be awarded (1) to endowment funds, (2) to private foundations as defined in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, (3) for capital campaigns, and/or (4) for debt retirement or operational deficits.
9. TCF grant recipients from 2007/2008 and prior may reapply. Prior TCF grant recipients from 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 will not be eligible this funding cycle. Please note that effective immediately, we have simplified our grant funding calendar to a calendar year. starting this year, payments will be made to TCF grant recipients beginning January 2011.
10. TCF will not fund organizations that have deficit fundraising for two years or more. If an organization's financial statement indicates one year of deficit fundraising, a letter from the charity's Board of Directors must accompany the grant explaining the rationale for the deficit and the plan to ensure that future funding is solid.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
