The majority of Countrywide's grant funding is allocated to programs and projects that encourage the dream of home ownership among low-income families and underserved populations. Countrywide's strategy is to form collaborative relationships with targeted nonprofits who share the mission of lowering the barriers to homeownership and providing financial education. We develop alliances proactively and focus our funding on a few large-scale programs. In choosing nonprofits for collaborative relationships, we look for well-managed, innovative programs that are scalable and replicable at the national level and have well-defined, measurable goals. Programs benefiting low-to-moderate income individuals and families and to revitalize economically distressed areas are particularly favored. Grants are awarded based upon the project description and available funding. Countrywide is not accepting unsolicited grant or charitable event sponsorship proposals at this time. Countrywide is not accepting unsolicited grant or charitable event sponsorship proposals at this time. We may contact a particular community organization to explore a strategic collaborative relationship at any time throughout the year. Organizations eligible for funding may be asked to complete an online application form, submit additional documentation, and/or meet with our staff before a final funding decision is made. Grant applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a nonprofit organization that is exempt from income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and be defined as a public charity Have organizational objectives that align with one of Countrywide's core funding areas of affordable housing or financial education Have organizational overhead/administrative costs that generally do not exceed 25% Applications that meet the following criteria will be considered the most competitive, and will be given priority: Target population to be served: Low to moderate income level ($35,000 or less) Ethnicity of African American, Hispanic or Asian Target geographic area: Los Angeles/ Ventura / Orange Counties, California Dallas/ Ft. Worth/ Plano/ Richardson, Texas Phoenix/ Chandler, Arizona Washington, DC Organization/Project qualities: Addresses a significant need Utilizes an innovative approach with the potential for a broad impact Outstanding, qualified leaders with a track record Strong sustainability plan Measurable objectives and outcomes Correlates with Countrywide's goals and values, including potential for employee involvement or donations; leverages Countrywide's resources to provide a transformative effect Countrywide will generally not make grants to support: Individuals For-profit entities, including start-up businesses Private foundations Organizations that channel or pass through funds to third parties Colleges/Universities Organizations designed primarily for lobbying Endowment or capital campaigns Start up funding for new organizations Political causes or candidates Travel, including student trips or tours Scholarships, stipends or fellowship assistance Fundraising events, dinners, sponsorships or other business- or marketing-related activities Religious organizations that do not have a separate 501(c)(3) or Board of Directors for their secular programs to operate independently of a religious sect or fellowship* *A secular designation is defined as an organization separate from the church or religious organization that provides services to people regardless of their religious beliefs and does not propagate a belief in a specific faith. Countrywide is not accepting unsolicited grant or charitable event sponsorship proposals at this time.