[Amarillo Area Foundation](https://amarilloareafoundation.org)

March 1, 2027 | June 30, 2026 | November 1, 2026

$2,500–$20,000 per award; single-year funding

Supports smaller or all-volunteer nonprofits in the Texas Panhandle with a streamlined application and community-based review.

Applicants may submit to either the Catalyst or Discretionary Program once per calendar year.

--- ## Description Catalyst Grants are designed to support nonprofits—especially smaller or all-volunteer organizations—serving the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle. The program features a simplified application process, making it accessible for organizations with limited grant-writing experience. All applicants receive feedback, regardless of funding outcome, and a committee of local residents (aged 45 and under) reviews applications and recommends awards to the Amarillo Area Foundation Board of Directors. The program encourages community engagement in philanthropy and provides an entry point for organizations new to grant funding. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Catalyst Grants submission deadline (annual cycle; historically June 30 at noon) - November 1, 2026: Catalyst Grants submission deadline (annual cycle; historically November 1 at noon) - March 1, 2027: Catalyst Grants submission deadline (annual cycle; historically March 1 at noon) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Grant requests may range from $2,500 to $20,000 per application. - Awards are for single-year projects only. - Requests over $20,000 must apply to the Discretionary Grant Program instead. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be one of the following: - 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations - Recognized government entities for public charitable purposes - K-12 public schools, community colleges, or universities - Churches/faith-based organizations (projects must benefit the broader community) - Projects must serve residents of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle. - Individuals are not eligible. - Parochial/private schools are not eligible. - Applicants may not submit to both the Catalyst and Discretionary Programs in the same calendar year. - Organizations must be in compliance with all previous grant reporting requirements. - Financial documentation requirements vary by organizational budget size. --- ## Application Process - Review [grant requirements](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/grant-requirements/). - Complete the online application via the [Catalyst Grants portal](https://aaf.spectrumportal.net/accounts/signin). - Prepare required financial documents (IRS 990, internal statements, audit if applicable). - Provide a project summary, budget, and supporting documentation as outlined in the application. - All attachments must be under 10MB; larger files can be emailed or delivered to the Foundation. - Applicants receive feedback on their proposals, funded or not. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must not serve communities outside the 26-county region. - Funding exclusions include religious activities for specific groups, direct political lobbying, debt retirement, completed projects, and fundraising events. - The Foundation does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or other protected categories. --- ## External Links - [Catalyst Grants Program Page](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/catalyst-grants) - [Foundation Grant Requirements](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/grant-requirements/) - [Apply Online](https://aaf.spectrumportal.net/accounts/signin) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sample-Catalyst-Grant-Application-2017-1.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Contact Options | |------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sarah Griffin | Director of Grants and Community Investment | [Contact Form](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/contact/) or call 806-376-4521 | | Beth Cameron Gunn | Grants Program Officer | [Contact Form](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/contact/) | | Raul Rodarte-Suto | Grants Program Officer | [Contact Form](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/contact/) | General inquiries: [Amarillo Area Foundation Contact Page](https://amarilloareafoundation.org/contact/) Phone: 806-376-4521

Catalyst Grants

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