General Requests:

What is the Joy McCann Foundation?

The Joy McCann Foundation is an IRS registered 501(c)3 private grant-making organization that continues the good work of its Founders by supporting designated charitable organizations throughout the Tampa Bay Area, Florida and beyond.  The Foundation is funded solely by private funds and does not accept contributions from anyone other than its Founders.

What does the Joy McCann Foundation support; what are your areas of interest?

Current Areas of Interest are:

• Concerned efforts to build a more vibrant Tampa Bay Area community;
• Excellence in medical, nursing and science education, research and patient care;
• Educational programs that nurture individual achievement;
• The role of the visual and performing arts in enhancing community life

Who may apply for grants from the Foundation?

The Joy McCann Foundation is currently funding only organizations that were designated by the Founders as those entities they “wish to continue to support”. For a list of designated eligible charities, click here.  Organizations not on this list are ineligible for support, and therefore should not include the Foundation in their fundraising efforts.

Does the Joy McCann Foundation accept grant applications from individuals?

The Joy McCann Foundation does not accept grant applications from individuals for scholarships, individual research grants, or any other purpose.

Do you accept requests from capital campaigns?

No requests from capital campaigns will be accepted.

Do you fund start-up organizations?

The Joy McCann Foundation does not fund start-up organizations.

Are scholarships offered directly through the Foundation?

The Joy McCann Foundation does not directly administer any scholarships.  Scholarships for students studying medicine and science and for student athletes have been funded at various university and colleges.  These scholarships are administered by the schools for the benefit of their students.

Are recipients required to sign a grant contract?

Yes, we do require grant recipients to sign a grant contract letter that clarifies the use of grant funds, reporting requirements and any restrictions on the use of funds.  We invite discussion with grant recipients in clarifying the contents of grant contract letters.

Are grant recipients required to submit grant evaluations?

Yes, we do require all grant recipients to share with us an evaluation of grant supported activities. This is done in an effort to encourage self-evaluation for the purpose of assessing and improving the grantees strategies for attaining their goals, while also ensuring the proper use of grant funds. Requirements for grant evaluation will be laid out in the grant contract letter.

May we approach Joy McCann Foundation Board members about supporting my cause or organization?

NO.  Any person or organization representative who personally approaches any Joy McCann Foundation Board Member for a contribution from the Foundation will be denied their request.  As a matter of Foundation policy, all requests must be brought to the entire Board through the Foundation office. Regardless of the Board Member’s sentiment regarding the request, any request initiated through personal contact with a Board Member will be denied.

How do we apply for a grant?

Eligible organizations may apply for grants through the Community Enrichment Grants Program.  See the Community Enrichment Grants Page for detailed guidelines and application instructions.  Contact the Foundation office for any questions regarding applying for grants.

Community Enrichment Grants Program:

Who is eligible for a Community Enrichment Grant?

Only organizations designated by the Foundations Founders are eligible to apply. These organizations are largely based within the Tampa Bay Area Community, with a few interspersed throughout Florida and beyond. For a list of eligible organizations, click here.

How much support can we request through a Community Enrichment Grant?

Community Enrichment Grants are limited to $25,000 per organization per calendar year.

If we received a grant through the last grant cycle, may we apply again?

Applications are reviewed twice per year, but organizations may only receive a grant once per calendar year. Thus, if your last grant was approved during the previous calendar year, you are eligible to apply again. If your last grant was denied during any cycle, you are eligible to apply again.

May we apply for an additional grant for the same program?

Renewal grant requests will be considered for an additional year of funding for the same program. However, there is no guarantee of additional support and unless there are extraordinary circumstances, renewal grants are generally discouraged. All grantees should continue to seek funding from outside sources to assure the future stability of their program.  The Community Enrichment Grants Program is not designed as a means of long term program support.

Do funded programs or projects need to have a one year duration?

No. The Community Enrichment Grants Program is designed around a one year cycle for the Foundation’s management purposes, but we understand that organizations’ needs will not fall along our timeline.  Proposals for shorter projects or for programs with longer timelines will be considered. For longer ongoing programs, proposal budgets should be defined on an annual basis.

May we apply for general operating funds?

No. The Community Enrichment Grants Program focuses on allowing the designated organizations to tackle obstacles and emerging needs, or to increase its services to the community. It does not support general operating budgets or capital campaigns.

When are grant applications due?

Applications for the Spring Cycle are due February 1st.
Applications for the Fall Cycle are due October 1st.

Distinguished Grants Program:

Who may apply for a Distinguished Grant?

Unsolicited proposals are not accepted for the Distinguished Grants Program. According to the current budget and specific goals of the Foundation, eligible organizations will be invited to apply.  Only invited applications will be accepted.

How are Distinguished Grants selected?

The full Foundation board reviews invited proposals for Distinguished Grants. Board decisions are based on the needs of the grant recipient, their track record for success, their ability to achieve stated goals, the financial soundness of the proposal, and the needs of the community which they serve.

How much support can be requested through a Distinguished Grant?

The level of support requested will be discussed in conjunction with any invitation to submit a proposal.  Factors taken into account will be the current budget of the Foundation and the needs of the potential recipient.