Charitable organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Organized and operates for charitable purposes which are:

        a. tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and can produce IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter; or

        b. tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and is an organization described in Section 509(a)(1) without a determination letter; or

        c. an organization to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v); and

2. Completed three or more years of continuous operation, 

3.  Annually file IRS Form 990 or 990EZ or other annual form as required by the IRS in accordance with your nonprofit designation,

4. Be registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions. To verify your organization's compliance click this link, Check-A-Charity

5. The project in which funding is sought must assist residents in one of the following SECO Territories: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and/or Sumter Counties.

The Foundation does not award grants to:

• Individuals
• For-profit organizations
• 501(c)(3) entities not organized for charitable purposes
• Fundraising or sports-related events
• Non-charitable event or corporate sponsorship requests
• Religious organizations, unless the gift is designated to a program that is secular in nature and benefits a broad range of the community (e.g., soup kitchens and homeless shelters that meet the minimum grant eligibility requirements). Additionally, the program must have a formal mission and separate budget and staff.
• Political organizations or lobbying activity
• Labor unions
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans or disability statuses in the delivery of services or in their employment practices.

The Foundation will generally not consider applications to fund:

• Expenses that are not directly related to the project or program;
• Salaries of administrative and executive staff; 
• Administrative, Managerial or Fundraising Costs;
• The purchase of vehicles.

Grant Award Range: The SECO Energy Foundation has two grant tiers.

1. Community Grants:  These grants are limited to $25,000 in any 12-month period. As part of our commitment to being responsible stewards of public donations, Community Grants require an audit or review by a certified, independent auditor.
2. Mini-Grants: These grants are limited to $5,000 per grant application submission. Once the program/project is complete and a Final Grant Report has been submitted, organizations may reapply for another grant. Mini-Grants are limited to $10,000 in any 12-month period. These grants do not require an audit or review from a certified, independent auditor.

      The Grant Application includes an option to specify whether the application is for a Community Grant or a Mini-Grant. In unique cases, an applicant may request more than these established limits upon a proper showing of need. The Foundation Board may request additional information to substantiate any grant application.

The Grant Application requests the following information:

1. Brief Description of Your Organization
2. Primary beneficiaries or participants in your program/project
3. Brief explanation of the program/project in which you are seeking funds
4. The importance of your project/program
5. Timeline for executing the project/program
6. Budget for the program/project (not an organizational budget; only the program in which funds are sought.)
7. Organizational Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet for the preceding 12 month period;
8. The sustainability of the project or program once Foundation funding ends.
9. Form W-9 
10. State of Florida Solicitation of Contributions Certificate. To determine whether your organization is in compliance with the State, visit Check-A-Charity
11. Most recent IRS Form 990 or 990EZ.
12. 501 (c) 3 Determination Letter
13. Optional Photos and/or video

Grant applications will undergo a preliminary review to confirm they meet the minimum eligibility requirements before the Board meeting. The Foundation may request additional information from applicants as needed.

The Foundation Board meets four times a year to review grant applications. See “Grant Deadlines” for specific grant application deadlines and Board meeting dates.  

Grantees will be notified of the award status via email or phone within 10 days of the Board’s decision.

To ensure transparency and accountability, all grantees are required to complete a Grant Report Form upon the completion of the program or project funded by the grant. This form helps us understand the impact of the funding and includes the following:

1. Program Summary: Provide a brief description of how the grant funds were used.
2. Number Served: Share the total number of unduplicated individuals who benefited from the program.
3. Demographics: Describe the demographics of the population served, such as age groups, geographic focus, or specific community needs addressed.
4. Outcomes: Highlight measurable goals achieved through the program.
5. Challenges (Optional): Share any significant challenges encountered during the program.
6. Supporting Documentation: Attach receipts, photos, videos, testimonials, or other materials to illustrate the program’s impact.