Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find your answer? Contact HEKF and we’ll be happy to help.

Funding Information

  • The Fund awards grants for programs, projects, general operating support and capacity building, and in special cases, seed funding and capital improvement projects.

    Applications are welcomed for the following 7 program areas including: Health, Human Services, Arts & Humanities, Community Development, Environment, Education, and Preservation. For more information, please visit the Program Areas page. For specific inquiries, please contact the Kempner Fund office.

  • The Fund provides grants for programs and projects, general operating support, capacity building, and in select cases, seed funding and capital projects.

  • Yes, in limited instances.

    Program Related Investments (PRIs) are recommended by Fund directors for Galveston projects. PRI’s are below-market rate loans with terms customized for each agency. These loans are made to non-profit organizations, must have a charitable component, and require a source of collateral.

    Contact HEKF for more information.

  • The Kempner Fund Match Program is restricted to Kempner family members and directors of the Kempner Fund.

Application

  • While we do not provide a grantwriting service, we encourage you to follow the directions and examples in our online application and contact us if you have a question.

    Our grants staff will assist wherever they can with the process.

  • Applicants will receive acknowledgment via email confirming receipt of an application to The Kempner Fund.

    Applicants will be notified via email in May for the March 15 deadline and in December for the October 15 deadline.

  • Directors will consider one proposal per program area per year.

Eligibility and Timelines

  • The Fund accepts proposals twice a year: March 15 for program areas: Health or Human Services; and, October 15 for program areas: Arts & Humanities, Community Development, Environment, Education, and Preservation

  • Directors will consider one proposal per program area per year.

  • The Kempner Fund primarily supports proposals to Galveston-based or Galveston-serving organizations. If you have a director-special request or for more information, please contact: information@kempnerfund.org

  • Eligible applicants are USA-based 501 (c)(3) organizations and may include non-profit, governmental, and faith-based organizations