Funding Criteria
What it Takes to Be Part of the John M. Belk Mission
We look for partners who share a common purpose to transform postsecondary education in North Carolina. Our staff will assess funding opportunities for potential associate organizations based on several criteria:
- Alignment of request to JMBE’s funding focus areas: Access, Completion and Workforce Relevance
- Demonstration of a focused approach aimed at increasing postsecondary access, persistence and attainment
- The proposed impact, scope, sustainability and scalability for underrepresented populations
- An organization’s internal capacity to move a proposed issue forward, and demonstrations of partnerships and/or integrations with other organizations
- An organization’s ability to meet JMBE’s eligibility requirements
Eligibility for funding is also based on the following financial requirements:
- Organizations must be either tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code and not classified as a private foundation, accredited educational institutions or government agencies
- Organizations should be able to present their tax-exempt letter at time of request (pending letters will not be accepted)
- Organizations must serve communities in North Carolina. Out-of-state organizations that run programs or initiatives in North Carolina are eligible to apply
The following programs and organizations are not eligible for funding:
- Foreign organizations
- Organizations providing pass-through funds to an ineligible organization
- Individuals or families, including those requesting scholarships or fellowship assistance
- Small businesses or private business ventures
- Fundraising events or sponsorships that would provide the John M. Belk Endowment tangible benefits (e.g., tickets or tables at events)
- Athletic or sports related events, league or team sponsorships, school affiliated orchestra, band, choir, student trips or tours
- Political campaigns, labor, fraternal or civic clubs
- Ongoing operations for schools
- High school drop-out prevention programs or K-8 programs
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or national origin