Ready for School
Empowering students to meet their potential

To apply for a grant from the Raymond James Ready for School program, your organization/initiative must:

• Be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for a minimum of five calendar years at the time of application, not classified as a private foundation and not operating through a fiscal agent or sponsor.
• Have a physical presence in and serve the Pinellas and/or Hillsborough County communities and be a direct service provider.
• Fit within one or more of the focus areas:
  • Investments that enhance classroom innovation, primarily focused on the benchmarks of the ability to read by third grade and algebra proficiency by ninth grade.
  • Evidence-based outside-the-classroom programs with an emphasis on safety, enrichment opportunities, academic achievement and/or mentorship.
  • Basic needs for students such as food security, shelter, clothing and mental health.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility, sustainability, positive reputation management, strong organizational and board leadership and diverse revenue streams.
• Retain a board member who is employed by or affiliated with Raymond James Financial and/or has an opportunity to engage a Raymond James employee on a leadership committee and/or board of directors.
• Agree to consistent reporting as part of the grant lifecycle including verification by Raymond James that the funds were used as agreed upon.
• Partner with Raymond James on mutually approved communication regarding the grant and impact.

• Specific emphasis will be placed on proposals that aim to drive systems change, demonstrate measurable outcomes and prioritize collaboration.
• Grant requests may range from one to three years in duration.
• Grant requests may range in total value and are meant to propel meaningful programmatic change for an organization with the ability to sustain programming beyond the Raymond James Ready for School funding duration.
• Organizations that have already received a Ready for School grant but have not completed an impact report may not be eligible to apply or receive a new grant.

• Grant applications will be accepted on a semi-annual basis.
• The next application period is TBD. Please check back to this page for updates.
• Applications may be submitted at any time during each funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed prior to the next funding cycle.
• Proposals must be completed in full and submitted online to be considered. There is no guarantee of funding.
• Organizations may only submit one application within each grant cycle.
• Organizations will be notified of any decision via email. All funding decisions are final.

• Consistent with the firm’s core values, Raymond James does not endorse or contribute to charitable organizations that discriminate against any person or group based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief.
• Raymond James does not make charitable donations to religious institutions, with the following exceptions:
  • The charity does not require religious affiliation as criteria for receiving assistance.
  • The charity does not require religious observance as a condition of receiving either initial care or ongoing assistance.
  • The charity’s aims, either directly or indirectly, do not further a specific cause in a public or political arena, which may be deemed controversial or harmful to the interest of Raymond James, its shareholders and/or employees.
  • We will support certain shelters, food pantries, etc. which may be affiliated with religious organizations if the organization meets the above criteria and provides service to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation.
• Other programs that are ineligible for funding include:
  • Political, labor, fraternal organizations, or civic clubs.
  • Government organizations or municipal agencies.
  • Community foundations.
  • Crowd-sourcing fundraisers.
  • Contributions to youth sports.
  • Individual fundraising efforts (such as a walk or run).
  • Individual scholarships or fellowships.
  • Memorial campaigns.
  • Travel-related events including student trips or tours.
  • Development or production of books, films, videos, television programs, etc.