Amount
$5,000 – $10,000 (recent awards cluster at $7,500–$10,000).
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Douglas County Philip S. Miller Grants
Deadlines
Philip S. Miller cycle: October 26 2025 (11:00 p.m. MT).
Impact Grants: July 7–27 annually (expect similar 2026 window).
Cycle
Semi-annual. Summer Impact Grants followed by the fall Miller cycle with decisions ~1–2 months later.
Effort & Priority
Effort: 3 | Priority: Worth Exploring
Expected success: Medium.
Why It Matters
Douglas County Community Foundation is prioritizing mental health. A Miller or Impact grant helps SungateKids spotlight Douglas County families, keeps prevention assemblies running in local schools, and strengthens ties with county leadership.
Eligibility Requirements
- Org type: 501(c)(3) in good standing serving Douglas County residents.
- Geography: Demonstrate significant service to Douglas County youth and families.
- Budget/focus: Programs creating lasting community change, with current emphasis on mental health.
- Exclusions: DCCF discourages requests centered on salaries, stipends, fundraising, or efforts disconnected from Douglas County impact.
Application Requirements
- Online application outlining need, methodology, outcomes, and budget (portal hosted by DCCF).
- Character-limited narrative (~4–6 prompts) plus financials, Form 990, and proof of nonprofit status.
- Letters are optional but MOUs or partner support from Douglas County agencies strengthen alignment.
- Plan 30–40 hours to gather data, craft the narrative, and tailor attachments.
Strategic Fit
Why this works: SungateKids’ forensic interviews and therapy directly support Douglas County law enforcement and families, answering the foundation’s mental wellness priority.
Proof points: Prior awards to the Crisis Center, Advocates for Children CASA, and youth mental health projects show precedent for trauma-focused services.
What DCCF is saying: The foundation emphasizes “lasting change” and mental health outcomes—frame the application around improved child well-being and resilient families.
Competition: ~20–30 behavioral health proposals vie for ~$195K per cycle. Our child abuse specialty differentiates us among more general counseling agencies.
Relationships: Warm contact is helpful but not required. Showing integrated work with county MDT partners and thanking DCCF post-award builds goodwill.
Success Factors
- Quantify Douglas County reach (e.g., clients served, therapy outcomes, prevention touchpoints).
- Highlight culturally responsive care (Spanish-language interviews, trauma-informed therapists).
- Share an anonymized Douglas County family story that illustrates recovery and justice outcomes.
- Showcase collaboration with county agencies (Sheriff’s Office, Human Services, school districts).
Risks & Mitigation
- Restricted uses: Avoid budget lines DCCF flags (core salaries, fundraising). Tie funds to program delivery.
- Outcome scrutiny: Provide clear, data-backed mental health results to meet the “outcome-driven” review lens.
- Competition: Larger mental health agencies may have robust data—match that rigor to stay competitive.
ROI & Next Moves
~35 hours of work for a likely $7,500–$10,000 award (≈$714/hour) plus strong renewal potential. Prepare localized stats and stories now so the October filing is largely assembly work.