LOYD & CO.

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Grant Requests from the Loyd Family Foundation

The Grants Program supports projects in the broad area around Chicago and Seattle and we accept applications from charities or similar organizations that fit within the categories above.

 

1. Local and community initiatives

Small grants of up to $2-$10,000 (though more typically of around $3,000) are made for projects that benefit local people, often in the field of social welfare. Priority is given to projects helping people within 10 miles of Chicago and or Seattle  (though applications for projects within a 30-mile radius may be considered).

 

2. Priority areas

Projects that benefit our priority areas, particularly when these also overlap with our core areas of Interest, are considered where the organization (or people who will benefit) are in the broad area around Grants of up to $20,000 may be awarded, especially where there is a clear strategic element to the project.

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Our current priority areas are the youth in relation to social isolation or age-related diseases), and local and global poverty. We are especially interested in projects that address these issues.

 

There are two rounds of funding for the Grants Program June (deadline for submission is 15th March or the next working day) and November (deadline for submission is 1st September or the next business day).

 

For each round of grant requests, the Foundation conducts preliminary judging of all the presentations and within six weeks advises whether the application has moved on to the next phase or been deemed unsuited to the requirements. Organizations whose requests are suitable to proceed to the next step undergo a comprehensive, in-depth inspection which obliges submitting more detailed plans and documents, meeting with the board and project manager, and allowing a visit to the organization. The decision whether or not to bestow the grant is made following the in-depth inspection.

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Our foundation is committed to driving sustainable development and empowerment in Africa. We focus on key areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development to create lasting impact and improve quality of life.

 

Education: We build and support schools, provide scholarships, and offer training programs to enhance educational opportunities for children and adults. We aim to foster a generation of skilled, knowledgeable, and empowered individuals.

 

Healthcare: We invest in healthcare infrastructure, supply essential medical equipment, and run health awareness campaigns. Our initiatives aim to improve access to quality healthcare, reduce disease prevalence, and promote healthy living.

 

Economic Development: We support small businesses, provide vocational training, and create job opportunities. Our efforts are geared towards fostering entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth.

By collaborating with local communities, governments, and international partners, we strive to create a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.

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Our Dream It Rwanda Program

Our foundation empowers Rwandan individuals in Africa through a comprehensive and sustainable approach that addresses key socio-economic challenges. Our programs focus on providing access to flexible capital, fostering job readiness, and promoting entrepreneurship to reduce poverty and unemployment.

 

The Challenge: Two Weeks Foundation Program

We recognize that traditional microfinancing can be burdensome, so we offer an alternative path to empowerment. Our intensive two-week foundation program equips participants with essential skills to excel in the workplace and beyond. The curriculum includes:

 

Job Readiness: How to find, keep, and be promoted in a job; working to a standard of excellence; financial literacy; and principles of starting and running a business.

 

Microfinance: Access to flexible capital to jumpstart their dreams.
 

Effective Time Management: Skills to start and maintain a basic business.

 

Professional Conduct: Conducting a professional job search and effective communication with employers.
Ideological Barriers: Addressing poverty mindset, spirit of entitlement, dependency syndrome, morals, and ethics.

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Phase 2: Job Readiness

Graduates who meet the endorsement standards receive support in finding jobs through our job center. Our upskilling courses provide tangible skills tailored for the 21st-century learner, including:

- English training
- Technology literacy
- Merchandiser training
- Computer training
- Barista training
- Receptionist training
- Critical thinking

Graduates are given multiple opportunities for further training, education, and empowerment, including access to our job center, trade skills programs, and business school.

 

Phase 3: Business Accelerator

Our Business Accelerator program empowers Aspiring entrepreneurs to develop and execute their business ideas. This phase includes:

- Give Idea Wings: Further education and business school.
- Give Idea Legs: Seed capital and access to a global network.

 

Phase 4: Savings Groups

To ensure participants don’t fall back into poverty, we facilitate the formation of business savings groups. These self-generating, self-managed groups allow members to pool and access savings, providing a mutual safety net and support system. Our mentors help participants create mobile banking accounts when possible, offering ongoing protection against financial shocks and access to growth capital.

 

Impact

One center in one year can produce significant outcomes:

- Train 650-1,000 people
- Provide trade skills to 300 individuals
- Empower 50 entrepreneurs

Our foundation’s holistic approach aims to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable, long-term economic growth in Africa.