The Foundation is pro-active in seeking grant proposals from qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, the Foundation accepts unsolicited proposals from qualifying organizations.
An initial letter of inquiry must be submitted on organization letterhead and received by January 1st of the year in which a grant is requested. The initial letter of inquiry should include the background of the organization, a description of the proposed project detailing the time frame and anticipated outcomes, and a high-level project budget. If the proposal meets the stated guidelines and priorities of the Foundation, a grant application form will be forwarded.
All grant applications must be submitted using the Foundation grant application form and must be received by April 1st of the year in which a grant is requested. The following information must also be included with the formal grant application:
- Executive summary (not to exceed one page)
- Detailed project budget including itemized expenses and sources of income
- Listing of the Board of Directors including names and board positions held
- A copy of the organization’s 501 (c) (3) determination letter from the IRS
- Most recent audited financial statement
- Organization budget
Failure to provide all of the required information will result in the rejection of the grant application.
The Foundation may require additional information and possibly an interview or site visit. Any discussions or indications of interest should not be construed as a commitment by the Foundation. All complete grant applications are carefully considered and evaluated by the Foundation. Applicants are notified in writing of the Foundation's decision by July 1st. All approved grant applicants are required to sign and return a Grant Acceptance Agreement prior to any funds being released by the Foundation.
The Foundation will periodically consider off-cycle grant proposals between July 1st and December 1st for projects whose timing does not fall within the standard grant application cycle outlined above. These proposals must be submitted using the Foundation grant application form and must include all supporting documentation as noted above. The funding for these proposals fluctuates yearly based on investment performance as well as prior grant commitments. The grant seeker must contact the Foundation and obtain approval prior to submitting an off-cycle grant proposal.