Grant Application Process

Organizations seeking financial assistance must apply through the Foundation’s grant application process.

1. Telephone Inquiry
2. Grant Application Summary
3. Full Grant Application

Telephone Inquiry

All potential applicants must first inquire to the Foundation by phone to discuss the funding request with a Program Officer and request a Grant Application Summary. In that conversation, the organization representative should be prepared to discuss background information about the organization, including mission, budget, board, target demographic, current service levels and impacts, collaborators and sustainability. Basic information about the intended request will also need to be discussed, such as the use of funds, project budget, timeline and planned outcomes. If the request is consistent with the Foundation’s interests and priorities, the Program Officer will invite the organization to begin the formal, two-stage application process by submitting a Grant Application Summary.

Grant Application Summary

The Grant Application Summary is a one-page form that the applicant completes and submits along with a cover letter signed by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer or Chair of the Board asking for consideration of funding. It is intended to provide the Foundation staff with enough preliminary information to assess whether or not the request can be considered, without requiring as much depth and detail as the full Grant Application. Grant Application Summaries are considered on a rolling basis; however, in order to be eligible for consideration in a particular full Grant Application cycle, Grant Application Summaries must be submitted and received no later than 10 full business days prior to that full Grant Application deadline. (See current Grant Cycle deadlines). Grant Application Summaries should be submitted in hard copy. Emailed or faxed submissions will not be accepted. For more information and tips on the completion of this requirement, please visit the Grant Application Tutorial.

Grant Application

If the Grant Application Summary receives an affirmative decision, the Foundation will provide the applicant with a Grant Application in order to proceed with formal consideration of the funding request. The applicant must submit the completed Grant Application along with any required attachments to the Foundation by one of the three Grant Cycle deadlines each year. Grant Applications should be submitted in hard copy. Emailed or faxed submissions will not be accepted. For more information and tips on the completion of this requirement, please visit the Grant Application Tutorial.

At the Foundation’s discretion, interviews at the applicant’s office, the project site and the Foundation office may be a part of the review process.

Once the Grant Application is deemed complete, the Foundation will begin its formal review process. The Foundation discourages unsolicited phone calls from applicants during the review period.

Please note that the Foundation may amend these guidelines and procedures at any time without notice to applicants or grantees.

Terms and Conditions Under Which Grants are Awarded

Grant decisions are made based upon Board action. If a request for funding is approved, the Foundation will notify the applicant via a Grant Award Letter. Returning the executed copy of the Grant Award Letter to the Foundation constitutes an agreement to the terms and conditions of the grant. No organization should make commitments or plans based upon discussions about a grant until an executed copy of the Grant Award Letter has been returned to the Foundation.

Procedure for Exercising Supervision Over Grants

Periodic follow-up consistent with the terms and conditions of the grant award occurs during the term of the grant. Organizations receiving grants will be required to submit annual written reports to the Foundation regarding the use of grant funds. Evaluation forms are supplied by the Foundation. Depending on circumstances, more frequent reporting may be required by the Foundation. Monitoring may also include site visits and interviews with the grantee's staff.

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