FAQs

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Can I apply for a grant if my organization is located outside your service area, but has programs within your service area?

In order to be eligible under our guidelines, the program must have a track record of at least 12 months of operation within our service area and show other funders from the local community supporting your work here. Frankly, these types of requests are less competitive, unless the program is well established with documented success and impact. It is best to call us to discuss your plans before applying, so that we can be sure your application will fare well in our evaluation process.

Can I apply for a grant if the town my organization serves is outside your service area, but includes clientele from the towns you serve?

This is an area where it might be best for you to call and speak to us before you apply. Technically, you would not be eligible to apply, but if a large percentage of your program participants (50% or more), live within our service area and you can document this fact, we may accept your application.

Can I ask for the maximum grant award amount ($25,000), even if you rarely fund at that level?

Our hope is that before making such a high request, you will contact us to discuss your proposal.

Can I include support material with my application?

The review committee will decide on your grant based on the application only; it will not be given any other support materials.

How often can I apply to the Foundation?

You can apply for consideration once a year for one of our two grant cycles. Our board reviews grant recommendations at its March and September board meetings, for which the application deadlines are December 1st and July 1st , respectively. You cannot re-apply for the September board meeting, if your request was declined at the March meeting. However, if you were declined in September, you may file an application by December 1st for the following March board meeting, because that meeting falls in a new calendar year.

How will I be notified of the Board’s decision?

Notifications informing applicants of the Board’s decision are emailed within a week of the scheduled board meeting.

If our organization is located outside your service area, but would like to start up one of our successful programs within your service area, can we apply?

We do not fund the start-up of programs for organizations who are located outside our service area seeking to expand programming within our service area. Unfortunately, we have limited resources, so we cannot fund many worthy programs.

If the Foundation cannot fully fund my request, will you fund a part of it?

Yes, we may decide to fund a portion of your request. Our constraints often challenge us, but we will try to support your good work as best we can.

Is there any advantage or disadvantage to the type of request I make? In other words, will I have a better chance of getting a grant if I apply for sponsorship instead of general operating support?

We treat each type of grant we make equally, so there is no advantage or disadvantage whether you apply for general operating support, a project grant, sponsorship or capital grant. You should choose what you request based on what you need most, and how you can leverage other funders to support your work.

Should I call the Foundation to discuss my application before I apply?

It is a good idea to give us a call only if you are a new applicant to the Foundation and have not received a grant from us in the past. This allows us to discuss your funding needs to ensure they align with our funding priorities and mission. If you have received a grant from us in the past, it is not necessary to contact us before you apply again.

What are the reporting requirements?

If you receive a grant from us, you are required to submit a final report to tell us how you spent the funds. Final reports on previous grants must be submitted before you can apply for funding again. You can find the guidelines on preparing final reports here: final report form.

What type of budget do I need to enclose with my application?

If you are applying for General Operating Support, we need your operating budget for your last completed fiscal year. We like to know about your other funders, so listing corporations, foundations and businesses strengthens your application. Please do not submit your audit.If you are applying for a Project/Program Grant, Sponsorship, or Capital Grant, please include the current budget associated with the specific request. Be sure to itemize the other funders supporting your project and note what has been confirmed to date and what is pending.