The Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations that meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Organized and operates for charitable purposes which (1) is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and can produce IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter; (2) is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and is an organization described in Section 509(a)(1) without a determination letter; or (3) is an organization to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v);
2. Completed three or more years of continuous operation;
3. Annually file IRS Form 990.

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.

Types of Preferred Projects or Programs*

The following Types of Projects or Programs may be considered for SECO Energy Foundation grants if the applicant demonstrates their project will strengthen the quality of life in the communities served by SECO Energy:

a. Educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Projects
b. Environmental Projects
c. Energy-Related Projects
d. Veterans Initiatives
e. Public Safety Programs
f. Health/Human Services

*This list is not exhaustive but is meant to be used as a guide.

General Grant Criteria

An applicant should present details on the following:
• Practical and detailed plans and timeline for executing the project or program deliverables;
• The project or program budget and amount requested from the Foundation;
• The sustainability of the project or program once Foundation funding ends; and
• The ability to complete the project or program on time and within the identified budget.

The Foundation will generally not consider applications to fund:
• Expenses that are not directly related to the project or program for which funding is sought;
• Salaries of administrative and executive staff; or
• Administrative costs.

Grant Range
A. Grants are generally limited to $25,000 in any 12-month period.
B. An applicant may request more than this established limit upon a proper showing of need. The Foundation Board may request additional information to substantiate any grant application.

The Foundation Board meets at least four times a year to review grant applications. The Foundation Board may request that any applicant provide additional information for a grant application.