Organization and Objective Category Descriptions

To help you make your choice(s) for services your organization provides and objectives for which you request funding, below is a description of each service category as we interpret them. This list isn’t meant to be all-inclusive. If you feel none of the categories below characterize your organization or the program objectives for which you request funding, please provide a brief description in the “other” field provided on the LOI or Application form.

Categories for Human Services Focus Area	Description
Children’s and Family Services	Provide child care, adoption, foster care, family counseling, parenting education, and other advocacy/child welfare services that strengthen families and promote the well-being of children.
Domestic Abuse	Provides programs addressing the needs of individuals experiencing domestic abuse.
Food Banks, Food Pantries and Food Distribution	Provide hunger relief in communities.
Homeless, Shelter & Crisis Services	Provides assistance to homeless individuals and families through direct social services as well as advocacy.
Mental Health	By invitation only, provides programs addressing the prevention and early intervention needs of primarily children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues.
Multipurpose Human Service Organizations	Promotes volunteerism (like YMCAs, YWCAs, the Red Cross, Salvation Army) and provide a broad range of direct services in the communities they serve.
Social Services (not Multipurpose Organizations)	Provides programs addressing the needs of the disadvantaged, the elderly and disabled and other specific populations; grief support; individuals experiencing human trafficking; and, community centers that provide integrated services.
Youth Development	Includes group homes, camps and youth ranches serving the needs of at-risk children, and recreation and youth service organizations providing camping experiences.
Categories for Education Focus Area	Description
Adult Education Programs and Services	Services focused on leadership and/or professional development for adults. These programs typically operate outside the formal educational system and provide an array of opportunities for adults to expand knowledge in a particular field or discipline, including adults who are encouraged to learn English or complete their high school education.
Early Childhood Programs and Services	Nursery schools and/or other education services that provide foundation-level learning and/or literacy for children prior to entering the formal school setting.
Scholarship and Financial Support	Provides support and enables students to obtain the financial assistance they require to meet their educational and living expenses while in school.
Special Education	Provides services, including placement and individualized programming, instruction, and support services, for children and youth who are gifted or have disabilities that require appropriately modified curricula, teaching methodologies, or instructional materials in order to learn.
Youth Education Programs and Services	Provides programming, classroom support, after-school tutoring and/or instruction to school-aged students regarding a variety of disciplines and other classroom programs that enhance formal education. Post-secondary programs are included and typically offer formal preparation for semi-skilled, skilled, technical or professional occupations for college-age students.
Categories for Health Focus Area	Description
Diseases, Disorders and Disciplines	Promotes medical disciplines by providing direct services or advocating for public understanding and support.
Patient and Family Support	Offer wish granting programs, camping programs for individuals diagnosed with a specific disease/disorder, housing or travel assistance and other services for family members and patients diagnosed with a serious illness.
Treatment and Prevention Services	Services devoted to providing direct medical services and educating the public on ways to prevent diseases and reduce health risks.