The Country Friends™

Agency Funding Guidelines

Each agency or entity seeking the financial assistance of The Country Friends is periodically reviewed by our Agency Funding Committee to determine the practical results of its concepts and procedures.

Every request is considered on its own merit and we fund with two firm provisions:

Maintaining flexibility within its goal of “intelligent giving”, the Agency Funding Committee is presently using the following criteria:

We Fund:
1. Agencies offering preventative programs (e.g. child abuse).

2. New or continuing programs directed by established agencies.

3. New agencies in the process of becoming established (CF to conduct detailed due diligence prior to funding).

4. Established agencies that encourage self improvement and/or job training.

5. Medical facilities with special needs.

We Do Not Fund:
1. Building funds.

2. Agencies that send any portion of our funds to a state or national headquarters.

3. National research foundations or medical research foundations (e.g., Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Salk Institute).

4. Cultural and civic projects (e.g., art galleries, museums, theatres or orchestras).

5. Projects involved with the care and/or protection of animals, parks, wildlife.

6. Organizations similar to our own which are also dedicated to philanthrophy (e.g., Assistance League, Las Patronas).

7. Auxiliary groups associated with any institution (e.g.,colleges, hospitals, libraries).

AGENCY FUNDING PROCESS

AGENCIES CURRENTLY BEING FUNDED OR FUNDED IN THE PAST:

AUGUST
Agency Funding Committee meets to identify Agencies to be considered for funding in the next calendar year.

SEPTEMBER
Agencies are sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding consideration.

OCTOBER
Request for Proposal is due back to The Country Friends (specific date indicated in request letter)
Agency Funding Committee meets to select Agencies for funding for next calendar year

FEBRUARY
Agencies are notified if they have or have not been selected for funding.

NEW AGENCIES SEEKING FUNDING:

If you are a new Agency that has never been funded by The Country Friends,
Send us a letter no later than July 31st to:

                     The Country Friends, Inc.
                     Attn: Agency Funding
                     P.O. Box 142
                     Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Provide the following:

1. Mission statement.
2. Agency age and founding history.
3. Current and planned projects
4. Number of persons served in past fiscal year, or average daily attendance in your programs/facilities.
5. Sources of funding with approximate percentages (federal, state, private grants, etc.).
6. A copy of your non-profit charitable exemption certificates (federal and state).

AGENCY VISITS:

Annually The Country Friends schedules periodic visits to Agency’s we fund. An appointment will be scheduled if you are selected for a visit.