Grant applications are considered twice a year, at the April and November board meetings. Starting in 2010, the Foundation will pilot a letter of inquiry process for its grantmaking. The key steps and timetable are described below. Forms, in PDF format, can be downloaded at left or at bottom.

Grantseekers should first review the grant guidelines to determine if their approach and funding needs are consistent with the Foundation’s interests. Organizations which believe that there may be mutual interests then complete a letter of inquiry and submit it via email. Letters of inquiry are due no later than January 12 for grant decisions made in April and no later than August 12 for grant decisions made in November.

Grantseekers are welcome to contact the Foundation with questions or to discuss their ideas with Foundation staff at any time, even before submitting a letter of inquiry.

Foundation staff will contact each applicant within two to three weeks of the letter of inquiry deadline to either invite or decline a full application. An invitation to submit a full application is no guarantee of a grant. This is an indication that the Foundation wants to hear more about the proposal because it appears to meet the basic requirements for funding. As time allows, the Foundation is also willing to provide feedback on a full proposal before it is finalized.

The full application must be postmarked or delivered to the Foundation office by the deadline of February 22 or September 22 (tentative). Two complete copies of the narrative, financial information, and other supporting materials specified on the full grant proposal requirements should be submitted. The Foundation requests no binders, plastic sleeves, or special presentation formats.

Upon receipt, each full application is assigned to a foundation program officer. S/he may contact the applicant with questions and schedule a site visit, if deemed necessary. Recipients will be notified of the grant decision within three weeks of the board meeting. Grant awards may include a reduction in the amount of funding, a full or partial matching challenge, a modified payment schedule, or other stipulations. Any restrictions will be described in the grant agreement, which will also specify a reporting schedule.

Proposals that are funded generally have interim and final report requirements, including both narrative and financial information. Grantee reports may be used as a learning tool to help other organizations and guide future Foundation funding.

Download the Letter of Inquiry Form as a PDF

Download the Full Grant Proposal Requirements as a PDF

Download the Fiscal Sponsor Information Form as a PDF

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader free here.