How to Apply for a Grant

The Foundation uses a two-phase application process. The first phase involves a short informational application. After reviewing Phase 1 applications, the Foundation may request an organization submit a complete second phase application.

Phase 1: Short Information Application

For organizations that have not been previously funded by the Foundation, we request that those grantseekers introduce themselves to our staff with a short informational application. This will be used by the Foundation to determine if it has any interest in receiving a full proposal. This may be mailed, emailed, or faxed.

The application should contain the following in no more than two pages.

• A short introductory paragraph with a concise statement of the purpose of the request and the amount requested.
• A brief project description covering the issue(s) being addressed, the outcomes to be achieved; the plans for accomplishing the outcomes and the timetable for doing so; if this is a collaborative effort, the role of each collaborator; how the success and effectiveness of the program or project will be evaluated.
• A brief description of the history, mission and activities of the applicant, including whether the applicant is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

This should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the July 15 and January 15 deadlines for complete grant applications, so there is ample time for the Foundation to respond whether a full application should be submitted. We suggest that this be submitted no later than June 1 or December 1.

Phase 2: Complete Application by Request of the Foundation

If the Foundation has interest in the project based on the Phase 1 application, we will ask for a complete application, and may ask for supplemental information or material. The Foundation may ask that a staff member and/or Board member make a site visit, as well. The applicant would prepare a complete application and mail or hand-deliver it. E-mailed or faxed materials are not acceptable. Supplemental materials, such as photographs, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, and the like cannot be returned to the applicant.

The complete application would include the following:

• A two-page summary of the application, including in the order specified:
  • A short introductory paragraph with a concise statement of the purpose of the request and the amount requested.
  • A detailed project description covering the issue(s) being addressed, the outcomes to be achieved; the plans for accomplishing the outcomes and the timetable for doing so; if this is a collaborative effort, the role of each collaborator; how the success and effectiveness of the program or project will be evaluated.
  • A brief description of the history, mission and activities of the applicant, including whether the applicant is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
• A completed Grant Application Form dated and signed by the head of the board of the applicant or by its senior executive officer. Download an application now.
• A description of the applicant (no more than five pages), including:
  • Applicant's background
  • Applicant's mission and objectives
  • Applicant's target beneficiaries of its programs and activities
  • Type(s) of programs or activities undertaken
  • Major accomplishments
  • Number of staff, and staff's organization
  • A summary of applicant's strategic or long-range plan
• A copy of the applicant's current operating budget including anticipated sources of income or receipts and projected outlays and expenditures, and a budget versus actual year-to-date report.
• A roster of the members of the applicant's board with occupations and affiliations; and a roster of the applicant's senior staff members with occupations and affiliations.
• The applicant's financial statement for the fiscal year most recently ended, preferably audited, including as a minimum an income statement and balance sheet.
• A copy of the determination letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regarding applicant's exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, and a copy of the most recently filed IRS Form 990 with Schedule A.
• A description of the project (no more than five pages) for which funds are being requested, including:
  • The need for the project or program and how the need was determined
  • The expected results of the project or program
  • The means and standards for measuring the project's success and effectiveness
  • Plans and timetables for implementing the program or project
  • Identity of the staff or volunteers responsible for its implementation
  • A project or program budget which includes anticipated sources of income or receipts and projected outlays and expenditures.
• A list of other funding sources to which applicant has applied (or to which applicant intends to apply) for support of the program or project.
• Other materials that the applicant believes may be important for the Foundation to consider in reviewing the application.

The Foundation will review the application, supplemented by such additional information or material as may be requested by the Foundation's staff or Board members; and the application will be scheduled for review at the next semiannual review meeting. The Foundation will notify the applicant of the Board's decision promptly after the review meeting.

Download an application now.

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