CenterPoint Energy 2022 CenterPoint Foundation Charitable Giving Guidelines Instructions

Please read all information before applying for a grant.
CenterPoint Energy 2022 CenterPoint Foundation Charitable Giving Guidelines
Instructions

2022 CenterPoint Foundation Charitable Giving Guidelines

Who We Are
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to be a catalyst in our communities by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to achieve extraordinary outcomes. That’s why we invest in initiatives that not only improve our stakeholders’ lives today but also build a strong foundation for tomorrow. Our corporate giving focuses on fostering a high quality of life in the communities we serve.
CenterPoint Energy recognizes that our success – and the success of our neighbors – is inextricably linked to the vibrancy of our communities. We seek to improve the communities we serve by supporting programs that encourage community connections, improve quality of life and promote inclusion to help communities thrive. We recognize that an educated and engaged community is critical to the future of our business and our communities. We are committed to ensuring all students have the opportunities and tools they need to succeed academically, explore potential careers, and be equipped to enter the workforce.
Key Facts to Understand Before You Apply
The Foundation awards grants annually to eligible organizations in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas, where our company has a business presence. A list of counties CenterPoint Energy serves is located in Appendix A attached to this document.
We will review proposals from eligible organizations where our company has a business presence during the grant cycles below. We encourage organizations to submit requests during the cycle that works best for their budget as funds are available in each cycle. Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for funding.
2022 Grant Cycles:

• Cycle 1 : February 1 st -March 8 (cycle closes at 5:00 p.m. CST)
  o Grant decisions will be communicated by end of May 2022

• Cycle 2 : June 1 st -July 6 (cycle closes at 5:00 p.m. CST)
  o Grant decisions will be communicated by end of September/early October 2022

Submitting Grant Applications
All grants must be submitted via our online grants application system: https://www.cybergrants.com/centerpoint/CNPGives_EligibilityQuiz.
Due to the volume of grant applications we receive, each application is evaluated on a competitive basis as we strive to fund programs with strong impact and measurable outcomes within our funding priorities. While CenterPoint Energy values our business relationships and takes tremendous pride in serving our communities, the Internal Revenue Service stipulates that the Foundation may not consider business relationships when making grant-award decisions in order to avoid self-dealing practices.
Any changes to the application process will be posted on www.centerpointenergy.com/foundation.

**Funding Priorities

**

Our funding targets innovative, effective and measurable programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities and support the following giving pillars: Community Vitality and Education. Priority consideration is given to programs that serve low- to moderate-income families and underrepresented populations. Consideration is also given to initiatives that focus on diversity and inclusion. Key focus areas within the giving pillars include:
Community Vitality

• Thriving Communities – Quality of Place and resident-led initiatives leading to vibrant neighborhoods, cities, and states
• Affordable Housing – Initiatives leading to increased access to quality, affordable and energy-efficient housing
• Environment – Energy Efficiency and conservation  efforts as well as environmental education programs

Education

• Quality Literacy Programs –Literacy and tutoring programs focused on early childhood through adult learners

• STEM Programs – STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education programs targeted to underresourced areas and/or underrepresented populations; Digital
  device access

• Workforce Development – Programs addressing the needs of our communities; credentialing programs providing skills for living wage jobs

Foundation Charitable Giving Programs

The Community Relations staff administers the following primary charitable programs, which are detailed below. If approved for funding, all payments will be made electronically as outlined in more detail in one of the Frequently Asked Questions.

• Foundation Grant
  This grant application is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that meet the eligibility requirements as outlined on the next page. Organizations must be located within our corporate footprint and carry out
  programs related directly to our funding priorities, mission, and vision. Applicants should expect a waiting period of up to 90 days from submission to final decision making.

• Easy Match
  Easy Match (the company’s matching gifts program) furthers CenterPoint Energy’s charitable giving by matching employees’ personal donations dollar- for-dollar to eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

• Volunteer Grants
  The Volunteer Grant program provides a grant to employees who volunteer 40 or more hours with a sing501(c)(3) non-profit in a calendar year.

• Board Service Grants
  The Board Service Grant program provides a grant to an eligible 501(c)(3) non- profit organization for employee board service.

To be considered for grant funding, organizations must:

• Be a nonprofit organization and have obtained recognition of tax-exempt status under Section501(c)(3) as a public charity under Code 509(a) and in good standing. (If an organization is exempt under Section 509(a)(3), it must be Type I or Type II.)
• Have their organization’s primary address located within CenterPoint Energy’s footprint?

What we look for in an applicant organization:

• Financial stability
• Mission closely related to the Foundation’s priorities
• Strong leadership and governance
• Reflective of the community being served (Diverse board and staff; engaging clients in the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of programs)”

When reviewing proposals, preference is given to funding opportunities/initiatives that:

• Fit closely with the Foundation’s funding priorities
• Address community needs related to our funding priorities
• Include financial commitments from a variety of sources
• Utilize an effective evaluation plan specific to the proposed funding opportunity/initiative
• Demonstrate measurable and sustainable goals and outcomes

Restrictions
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation does not provide grant funding for the items or organizations listed below.
Please note, that this is not an exhaustive listing and additional restrictions may also apply.School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs,
PTO/PTA| Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion
---|---
Meals, tickets, dues, memberships, fees, travel, tuition,
subscriptions, and other tangible benefits| Political, labor, military, international or fraternal
organizations
Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition| Programs administered by religious organizations for religious purposes
Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons,
benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals, or other events| Debt retirement or funding of any activity that is already completed
Individuals| Contests, competitions, athletics, pageants, or talent contests
Scholarly or medical research| A 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organization charity
Endowments or scholarships| Previous grantees who have not submitted required reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the questions below for more information before starting an application.

Q: Are there deadlines for applying?

– A: Yes. The deadlines for 2022 are below:
– o Cycle 1 : February 1st -March 8 (cycle closes at 5:00 p.m. CST)
– o Cycle 2: June 1st to -July 6 (cycle closes at 5:00 p.m. CST)
– Please see www.centerpointenergy.com/foundation or contact the Foundation at CNPGives@centerpointenergy.com for additional questions.
– Please avoid waiting until the day of to submit as we cannot help with technical issues related to the grant management software and the turnaround time for answers to questions is typically 24-48 hours.

Q: Does my organization have to be located in an area served by CenterPoint Energy to receive a grant?

– A: Foundation Grants are limited to organizations that have their primary address located in a community CenterPoint Energy serves. Consideration may be given to organizations that serve communities within CenterPoint Energy territory but are located outside of it. Please email CNPGives@centerpointenergy.com if this applies to your organization. A list of counties CenterPoint Energy serves is located in Appendix A attached to this document.

Q: Are nonprofits required to have a 501(c)(3) designation to apply?

– A: Nonprofits applying for a Foundation grant must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and recognized as a public charity under Code Section 509(a) and in good standing. (If an organization is exempt under Section 509(a)(3), it must be Type I or Type II.)

Q: My organization is a current grantee. Are we eligible to apply for additional funding?

– A: If your organization has been awarded a grant or received a grant payment within the last 12 months, additional requests for funding will not be considered until after the grant period has ended and a final report has been submitted.

Q: Can I apply for multiple grants within the same calendar year or time period?

– A: Yes, however, please note that due to the volume of requests received, we will take into consideration all commitments made per organization in our overall decision.

Q: Does the Foundation provide funding to daycare or childcare centers to subsidize the cost of tuition, fees, or other childcare-related costs?

– A: Unfortunately, families across our footprint are facing rising childcare costs. Due to limited resources and a desire to remain fair and equitable, we are unable to fund tuition assistance programs or other childcare-related costs.

Q: Do you fund salaries and/or fringe benefits?

– A: We will not consider requests for salaries, fringe benefits, and overhead on a standalone basis. Please email us at CNPGives@centerpointenergy.com if you have further clarifying questions.

Q: What is the difference between a Foundation grant and an event sponsorship?

– A: Foundation grants are provided to IRS-designated 501 (c)(3) non- profit organizations. Grants are charitable donations used to fund general operating costs, program costs, initiatives that are large in scope and impact, and other programmatic activities undertaken by nonprofit organizations. Sponsorships are monetary contributions given in support of events or activities in exchange for advertising and/or publicity. – These decisions are made at a regional level.

Q: May we submit more than one application at a time?

– A: Yes. Priority will be given to the initial application. If a grant is awarded to an organization, existing funding will be considered when evaluating any additional application within the same grant cycle/calendar year.

Q: What is the process for applying for a grant?

– A: The Foundation grant application is open to nonprofit organizations that are located within our corporate footprint and are seeking to carry out programs related directly to our funding priorities, mission, and vision. All applicants must submit their application via our online grant portal to be considered for funding. Applicants should expect a waiting period of up to 90 days from submission to final decision making.

Q: How do I apply?

– A: Applications must be submitted online through the CenterPoint Energy website. Proposals are not accepted via email, postal mail, or fax.

Q: When does the Foundation board meet?

– A: The Foundation board meets after the end of each cycle to make decisions on grant applications.

Q: What is an appropriate request amount for a Foundation grant?

– A: The amount requested from the Foundation should be proportionate to your program goals, funding opportunity budget, and expected income from other sources. Funding is ultimately contingent upon the initiative’s alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and funding available from the Foundation’s annual budget.

Q: What e-mail address should be used for the account?

– A: When setting up your online account username and password for the application, please ensure the appropriate individual has access to the account. Impact reports and communication regarding grants will be emailed to the submitter and future funding will be contingent on the successful completion of all reports. Please make sure you add CNPGives@centerpointenergy.com to your safe senders/contacts list to ensure you receive communication from the Foundation regarding your application. Organizations can edit/add/delete contacts to their profile to ensure contact information is up to date.

Q: I am locked out of my Cybergrants account, can you please reset my password?

– A: We do not have access to any account information including passwords and login credentials. Please contact Cyber Grants directly at centerpointenergy@cybergrants.com.

Q: Can I copy and paste information from a Word document into one of the application’s text boxes?

– A: Yes. The application consists of text and number fields. You can copy information from an existing document and paste it into the appropriate text box in the application. You will also be able to upload attachments to the application. However, please copy it as plain text to avoid errors related to character limits.

Q: I do not have all the required documents in an electronic format. How do I submit them?

– A: All documentation is required to be submitted in an electronic format with the application. Please scan the documents to create a PDF of your documents and attach them to your application.

Q: What is required of my organization if approved for funding?

– A: All grant applications that are approved for funding will require the following:
– Signed Grant Agreement
– Payment will be made electronically via a third-party vendor (bill.com)
– Grant Reporting – an annual impact report will be required to be submitted electronically through your online account and is due within 30 days after the grant period is over.
– Note: We have made some enhancements to our online grant applications with greater emphasis on measurable outcomes. These requirements are to be submitted in a timely manner. Overdue requirements can affect scheduled payments as well as future funding.

Q: In what form of communication will you notify my organization about our application?

– A: Communications during the application process will be made primarily by email. Please add this email address (CNPGives@CenterPointEnergy.com) to your contacts to receive all communications during the application process.

Q: How do I calculate the living wage for my community?

– A: Please visit the following website as a resource- https://livingwage.mit.edu/

**Q: What are some additional resources that I should consider if my organization/program may not be a good fit for the CNP Foundation?**

– A: The following resources may be helpful:
– Foundation Center – Find Funding – www.foundationcenter.org
– Grants Alert – www.grantsalert.com
– Chronicle of Philanthropy – www.philanthropy.com/grants

Q: What are tips for a complete application submission

– A: Here are a few tips for a complete application submission
– Make sure you review each of the 2 funding priorities and measurable outcomes prior to starting a new application. This will help you to determine which funding priority best fits your project or initiative.
– Please read each question carefully to ensure all points are addressed.
– Make sure you upload your 501c3 exemption document and not your sales tax exemption document.
– If you have computer trouble, try the following steps – clear your cache, shut down your browser and reopen, try a different browser, and try to log in again.
– We suggest creating a group for your account so more than one person has access in case you have someone leave your organization.
– For questions about the online application system and technical support, please contact centerpointenergy@cybergrants.com. You may also click on the “Need Support?” link in the application portal to access technical application FAQs and/or to submit a service request. Please note: it may take up to three (3) business days to receive a response from Cybergrants.
– For additional questions about the Foundation, giving priorities, or giving cycles, please e-mail CNPGives@centerpointenergy.com.

Appendix A

List of Counties by State CenterPoint Energy Foundation Serves (as of June 2022)

Indiana Counties

Bartholomew
Blackford
Boone
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Daviess
Decatur
Delaware
Floyd
Fountain
Gibson
Grant
Hamilton
Hancock
Hendricks
Henry| Huntington
Jay
Jefferson
Johnson
Knox
Lawrence
Madison
Martin
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Parke
Pike
Posey
Putnam
Randolph
Rush| Shelby
Spencer
Tippecanoe
Tipton
VanderburghVermillion
Vigo
Wabash
Warren
Warrick
Wayne
Louisiana Counties

Acadia
Allen
Avoyelles
Beauregard
Bienville
Bossier
Caddo
Calcasieu
Cameron
Claiborne
DeSoto
Evangeline| Iberia
Jefferson Davis
Lafayette
LaSalle
Lincoln
Madison
Ouachita
Rapides
Richland
St Landry
St Martin
St Mary| St Tammany
Tangipahoa
Union
Vermillion
Vernon
Washington
Webster
Minnesota Counties

Anoka
Blue Earth
Brown
Carver
Crow Wing
Dakota
Douglas
Faribault
Hennepin
Isanti
Kandiyohi
Le Sueur
Mcleod
Meeker
Mille Lacs| Morrison
Nicollet
Pipestone
Pope
Ramsey*
Renville
Rice
Rock
Scott
Sherburne
Sibley
Stearns
Steele
Stevens
Swift| Todd
Waseca
Washington
Watonwan
Wright

Please note, that we do not serve the City of Saint Paul Mississippi Counties

Bolivar
Chickasaw
Clarke
Copiah
Covington
Forrest
George
Greene
Hancock
Harrison
Hinds
Jackson
Jasper| Jefferson Davis
Jones
Lafayette
Lamar
Lawrence
Leake
Lincoln
Madison
Marion
Neshoba
Newton
Panola
Pearl River| Perry
Pike
Quitman
Rankin
Scott
Simpson
Smith
Stone
Sunflower
Tallahatchie
Warren
Yalobusha
Ohio Counties

Auglaize
Champaign
Clark
Clinton
Darke
Fayette| Greene
Highland
Logan
Madison
Miami
Montgomery| Pickaway
Preble
Shelby
Warren
Texas Counties

Anderson
Angelina
Aransas
Atascosa
Bowie
Bastrop
Bee
Brazoria
Caldwell
Calhoun
Camp
Cass
Chambers
Cherokee
Colorado
Comal
DeWitt
Duval
Fayette
Fort Bend
Franklin
Galveston
Goliad| Gregg
Guadalupe
Hardin
Harris
Harrison
Hopkins
Houston
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson
Jim Hogg
Jim Wells
Karnes
Kleberg
Lavaca
Lee
Liberty
Marion
Matagorda
Medina
Montgomery
Morris
Nacogdoches
North Montgomery| Orange
Panola
Polk
Rains
Refugio
Rusk
San Augustine
San Jacinto
San Patricio
Shelby
Smith
Titus
Trinity
Tyler
Upshur
Van Zandt
Victoria
Walker
Waller
Webb
Wharton
Wilson
Wood

CenterPoint Energy Foundation Grant Programs Overview & FAQ
Date Revised 06/21/2022

References

• Intelligent Bill Payment Platform for Businesses | Bill.com
• CenterPoint Energy Foundation
• Candid | Foundation Center and GuideStar are now Candid
• GrantsAlert.com
• Grant Station Page
• CyberGrants Jump Page

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