Grant Application Process

Organizations can apply online anytime between January 1 – November 15 each year. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a quarterly basis.

Organizations who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the U.S. and Canada in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Operate within proximity to a Sun location.
• Aligning with at least one of Sun’s focus pillars.

The following organizations are eligible for Sun Unity Program grants:

• Individuals or for-profit organizations.
• Political groups or causes/activities.
• Sports teams or athletic competitions.
• Faith-based organizations for religious purposes. Consideration will be made for the following:

Faith-based organizations applying for funding to support programs that are open to all individuals and benefit the community at large. The program must also serve a purpose that the organization doesn’t use to promote any religious beliefs, such as operating a food pantry.

• Organizations that support activities conflicting with Sun's policies, values, culture, and ideals, or engage in controversial tactics or activities.
• Organizations that primarily function as membership organizations, including alumni foundations, athletic funds, fraternities and sororities, or trade associations.
• Organizations that do not adhere to and attest to the anti-discrimination commitment within the portal.

We are proud to have our team members working with the nonprofit organizations they care about and encourage you to apply. We do ask this is disclosed during the application process, however, specifically in the section about team involvement.

Sun currently awards grants in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.

Team members of the Sun Unity Program are available to answer process-related and technical questions. To promote an equitable process, however, the team cannot offer support on individual applications. These questions can be sent to sununity@suncommunities.com.

Organizations are permitted to submit up to one grant application each calendar year.

You will receive an email confirmation and can log back into the profile you created to view the status at any time throughout the process.

All grant requests are reviewed by the Sun Unity Steering Committee, a group of diverse team members varying in background, position level, department, and geographic location. Once reviewed by the committee, recommendations are sent for final review to the executive leadership team. The review process considers several factors inclusive of, but not limited to, eligibility, budget, alignment to Sun's pillar focus areas, feasibility of project plan, and anticipated impact.

You will receive an email either way based on the award schedule below. You can also view your status at any time throughout the process when you access your account.

Quarterly Application Periods

• January 1 – March 30
• April 1 – June 30
• July 1 – September 30
• *October 1 – November 15

Award Notification Dates

• April 15
• July 15
• October 15
• December 15

Once an award notification is received and the grantee completes all payment information, they can expect to receive funding within four to six weeks. Grantees can view check status within their portal profile at any time.

Grantees are required to complete a post-award report within 12 months of receiving their award. We know nonprofit partners are busy serving communities and have ensured reporting meets our requirements, while allowing simplicity and efficiency.

Yes, applicants are encouraged to re-submit if organization eligibility was not the reason for the declined application.