The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit organizations seeking full or partial funding for special projects or ongoing programs to improve the lives of children in need

Call for Grant Proposal Submissions - 2012

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit organizations seeking full or partial funding for special projects or ongoing programs to improve the lives of children in need.  Proposals must demonstrate how grant funds will help fulfill the Toy Industry Foundation’s mission to bring joy, comfort, and learning to children in need through play.

TIA Members interested in nominating a local-area charity for a Play Connects grant through TIF, please disregard these guidelines and use our Play Connects application.

Areas of Interest

Nonprofit organizations and projects in North America that enrich the lives and increase the well-being of children (infants through adolescents) or families in need through play by focusing on one or more of the following areas:  

• Education (Summer and School Year Programming)
• Health and Safety
• Youth Development and Leadership
• Play and Recreational Activities
• Arts and Culture

The term “in need” refers to, but is not limited to, those affected by poverty or low-income households, homelessness, special needs, pediatric illness, natural disasters, and disparity in access to education or recreation. 

Eligibility

TIF accepts proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations based in North America.  Proper documentation is required for:

• U.S.-based organizations recognized by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code or educational organizations as defined in USC 26 § 170 (C) 
• Organizations based in other areas of North America (outside of the U.S.) holding similar nonprofit status designations

The following are INELIGIBLE for TIF grant funding:

• Programs that do not focus on helping children in need
• Organizations based outside of North America
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation
• Sectarian or religious groups whose programs only serve their sectarian population 
• Individuals
• Scholarships or tuition costs
• Political or partisan activities, including lobbying
• Capital campaigns, endowment fund drives, annual appeals, advertising, fundraising events such as galas, or foundations and other organizations that redistribute grant funding
• Payment of debt 
• General operating or overhead costs unrelated to specified programming
• Fraternal organizations or athletic teams
• Toy purchases (charitable toy requests may be submitted at www.thetoybank.org)

Proposal Checklist

• Brief description of the organization's history and mission statement 
• Funding request overview, including: 
  • Amount, Program description, Utilization of funds with project budget, Expected impact on children/families in need (including the ages and number of children impacted), Accomplishment of TIF’s mission, and Project evaluation methodology
• Board of Directors list with titles and affiliations 
• Annual operating budget
• Most recent audited financial statement 
• Proof of organization’s nonprofit tax-exempt status (or equivalent documentation for organizations outside of the U.S.)

Submit Proposals to:mmedina@toyindustryfoundation.org
Toy Industry Foundation
ATTN:  Marisa Medina
1115 Broadway, Suite 400
New York, NY  10010