Scharbauer Foundation Grant Program

The Scharbauer Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Midland, Texas, dedicated to supporting nonprofit initiatives that enhance community well-being within its defined geographic focus. The Foundation prioritizes investments in projects that strengthen the quality of life in Midland and Odessa, aligning its funding with clearly defined focus areas that include Education, Healthcare, Quality of Place, and Human Services. Through a structured and selective grantmaking process, the Foundation seeks to ensure that funded initiatives demonstrate meaningful impact, organizational readiness, and alignment with its mission. The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial support primarily for capital projects and programmatic expansion efforts. The Foundation shows a strong preference for funding construction, renovations, repairs, and equipment acquisition or installation. In addition, support may be extended to program or project expansion where there is a demonstrated need and capacity for growth. However, the Foundation explicitly does not fund consecutive-year grants, reinforcing its emphasis on discrete, high-impact investments rather than ongoing operational support. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposed use of funds aligns with these priorities before initiating the application process. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that meet strict nonprofit criteria. Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and classified as public charities under Section 509(a). Documentation of this status, including an IRS determination letter, is required. Government entities may also apply but must provide proof of tax-exempt status. Additional procedural requirements apply to certain applicants, such as colleges and universities, which must submit applications through their development offices. Organizations with outstanding reporting obligations from prior grants are not eligible for new funding until all required reports have been submitted and accepted. The application process is structured in multiple stages, beginning with a mandatory pre-application phase. Eligible organizations must submit a pre-application through the Foundation’s online portal during the designated grant cycle window. For the Fall 2026 cycle, the pre-application window runs from July 30 through August 13, 2026, with submissions due by 5:00 p.m. on the final day. Late submissions or those submitted outside the designated window are not considered. Following review, selected applicants are invited to submit a full application, with further instructions and deadlines communicated directly by the Foundation. Once applications are reviewed, selected grantees receive a formal grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the award, including payment structure and reporting requirements. Grant recipients are required to submit progress or final reports through the same online portal by assigned deadlines. These reporting obligations are critical to maintaining eligibility for future funding and ensuring accountability for the use of awarded funds. The Foundation encourages prospective applicants, particularly first-time applicants or those proposing projects outside standard guidelines, to engage with Foundation staff prior to submission. Key contacts include Megan Lea for questions related to project eligibility and alignment, and David Guerrero for technical assistance with the application portal. The Foundation can be reached at its Midland office via phone for general inquiries. This proactive communication approach helps applicants refine their proposals and improves alignment with funding priorities. The grant program operates on a recurring cycle, with structured deadlines and a competitive review process. While only one specific cycle is detailed, the presence of a defined “next grant cycle” and seasonal window indicates an ongoing, likely annual funding opportunity. Organizations should plan accordingly, ensuring readiness to meet both pre-application and invited application requirements within the specified timelines.

Contact the Foundation prior to applying to confirm eligibility and alignment; ensure project fits focus areas and geographic scope