SUBMISSION INFORMATION (from the guidelines PDF)

Logistics

All proposals must be submitted in English.

If you wish to submit your application on paper, please email SMCF to schedule an appointment to deliver the proposal. You will need to submit a total of 11 copies.

Organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for grants only for projects specifically based in and benefiting San Miguel de Allende and its surrounding communities.

Terms and Conditions

Grants are awarded subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by April 15 or October 15 of current year (no extensions).
• Quotes Required: Every grant proposal must include two vendor quotes (estimates) for the project.
• Use of Funds: Grant funds must be used exclusively for the approved project as outlined in the guidelines. Any unused funds or improperly invoiced amounts must be returned to SMCF.
• Budget Modifications: Grantees must obtain prior written approval from SMCF before making any changes to approved budget line items.
• Eligible Expenses: SMCF funds cannot be used for general operating salaries, overhead expenses (e.g., rent), or utilities (e.g., CFE, Telmex, etc.). However, labor costs directly tied to the approved project are eligible.
• Language & Signatures: Proposals must be submitted in English and signed by the organization’s President, Treasurer, or Secretary, including contact details (email and phone number).
• Final Reporting: A final report in English—including a summary of outcomes, original invoices corresponding to SMCF funds, and project photos—is due within 30 days of project completion. Failure to submit this report will result in ineligibility for future grants. See the reporting guidelines for details.
• Acknowledgment: Any public reports, announcements, or publications regarding the project must acknowledge SMCF as a funding source.
• Board Discretion: The SMCF Board reserves the right to make reasonable exceptions to these guidelines under extraordinary circumstances.

Matching Grant Description: A matching grant requires the NGO to contribute funds alongside the grant provided by SMCF to complete the project. These matching funds may be used for expenses such as transportation, salaries, or other costs necessary to carry out the project. SMCF funds, however, must be used exclusively for the approved project and may not be applied to salaries, transportation, utilities, or general operating expenses. Only invoices corresponding to the SMCF-funded portion are required for the final project report. However, the matching funds must clearly indicate their source and how they were used to support and complete the project.

If you do not have any of the required documents, instead upload a letter to that field signed by the President, Secretary, or Treasurer of your organization explaining why you do not have that document.