RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES®
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

GUIDELINES FOR GIVING

These guidelines will help your organization prepare a successful grant application. Please study them carefully, and be sure to include all requested information with your proposal. Due to the large number of requests received, the RMHCNC Grantsmaking Committee will not review incomplete proposals. Also, we unfortunately cannot fund all programs; although your organization may send a completed application, it may be declined.

Keep in mind, these guidelines are just that-guidelines. Some of our most visionary projects might never have been funded had these guidelines been interpreted as rules. Our mission's success depends on finding and funding solution-driven programs that help children reach their fullest potential.

RMHC-NC's mission is to help as many children as possible in our community by supporting the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House®, Camp Ronald McDonald® at Eagle Lake and other programs that help children reach their fullest potential. We provide grants to not-for-profit organizations whose programs provide services in three distinct areas:
  • Civic and Social Services
  • Education and the Arts
  • Health Care and Medical Research
Funding Considerations
To be considered for funding, an organization must be designated as not-for-profit and tax-exempt as defined under IRS code. RMHCNC Grantsmaking Committee is most interested in organizations that have:
  • A program that directly benefits children
  • Consistent and effective management
  • Clear goals and objectives
  • A broad base of funding support
  • A demonstrated ability to respond to the needs of specific groups of children in a manner that yields measurable results
  • A request for funds for specific program support
RMHCNC does not fund:
  • Advertising and fundraising drives
  • Partisan, political or denominational programs
  • General and administrative costs
  • Intermediary funding agencies
  • Endowment campaigns
  • Ongoing salaries or travel expenses
  • Requests that are not in writing
Awarding of Grants
All Committee decisions on request are reported by mail. The applicants whose proposals have been approved will receive a Letter of Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the grant. An authorized organization official must sign and return the letter to RMHCNC, thereby indicating acceptance of the terms and conditions of the award. This letter will also highlight arrangements for payment of the grant.

Responsibility of Recipient
The recipient of any grant from RMHCNC must use the funds awarded for the specific purpose for what they were originally intended. RMHCNC requires that a detailed accounting of all funds along with a follow-up report be submitted no more than a year from the date of the award. Any funds not used in the above manner specified must be returned to RMHC-NC.

For Further Information
If you have any questions about the grant program or wish to obtain an application, please contact Catherine Ithurburn at:

Ronald McDonald House Charities - Northern California