How to Apply: Carnival Foundation Application Guidelines

ATTENTION: Effective November 1, 2018, Carnival Foundation will launch its online application portal and no longer accept requests by mail. While the application process is changing, our requirements and review process will not. The link to our online portal will be accessible through this page and go live on November 1, 2018.

Please note that due to the high volume of requests we receive, applications that do not meet our guidelines will no longer receive a written response. We understand our application process requires time and substantial information. Therefore, we ask you to carefully read our guidelines to see if your organization qualifies for consideration for a grant, sponsorship or in-kind donation.

Grants or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must submit a letter of request (emails and fax will not be accepted) with the following information:

A brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
Purpose for which the grant is requested
Grant amount requested
Listing of other sources of financial support
Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
Organization’s annual budget
Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
Organization’s completed W-9 form
Geographical area(s) served

Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award.

In-kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit a letter of request (emails and fax will not be accepted) with the following information:

A brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
Name and date of the event
Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
Geographical area(s) served

Requests for sponsorships and/or in-kind donations must be received four to six months prior to the event.

All requests must be mailed, until November 1, 2018. Requests sent via email or fax will not be accepted.

Giving Priorities

Carnival Foundation supports a broad range of causes and organizations with primary funding interests in:

Arts and Culture
Community Affairs (human/social needs, children, social welfare)
Education
Health and Human Services
Special emphasis is given to requests focusing on youth education and welfare.

Eligibility

Carnival Foundation only makes contributions to organizations that have been granted an exemption from federal income tax under Section 501 c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Carnival Foundation will not consider requests from/for:

Individuals, including participation in events or fundraisers
Religious, fraternal, political or athletic organizations
Rotary Clubs
Animal welfare organizations or causes
Labor/Union groups
Elementary or secondary schools
Film production, including documentaries

Geographic Focus

Preference is given to South Florida and other homeport communities throughout the United States.

Review Process

Funding proposals are received and reviewed on a continuous basis throughout the year. Requests are screened for thoroughness and compliance with Carnival Foundation’s requirements. If applicable, a meeting with a representative from the organization and/or a site visit may be conducted.

Qualified applicants should allow up to two months before receiving a written response. Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, submissions that do not meet our guidelines will no longer receive a response.

All requests must be submitted, in writing, to:

Linda Coll
Executive Director, Carnival Foundation
Carnival Corporation & plc
3655 N.W. 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178