8.4.10:
“The Foundation continually strives to improve its grant applications and application processes. Our applications are tweaked between grant cycles to make them more user-friendly and reader-friendly. As a result, our on-line application system cannot be accessed from February 3-May 15 and August 3-November 15 while changes are made.
However, we have posted PDFs of our grant applications so that potential applicants can view the most recent versions of the applications. We expect that minor changes will be made prior to the next deadline, but the general framework of the application and the gist of the questions will remain the same. Thus, if someone wishes to begin completing an application while our on-line system is down, s/he may begin crafting answers to the application questions and can paste the answers into the application once the system is turned back on.
If you wish to apply for a grant, please revisit the web site after May 15 for the August 1 deadline and November 15 for the February 1 deadline in order to access our on-line application system.”
For solutions to technical issues related to the online application, click here.
For answers about required financial information (budgets, etc.), click here.
Pre-Application Calls or Visits
Should I call the Foundation or meet with someone before submitting my application? Should I submit my idea for review in advance of the deadline?
Because of the large number of proposals the Foundation receives, it is not possible for staff to meet with all potential applicants or review ideas for proposals prior to the grant cycle. Please review the Foundation’s
focus areas and
grant eligibility guidelines before applying.
If we know a trustee, may we contact her or him?
Trustees generally prefer that applicants utilize the
staff of the Foundation for discussions and correspondence regarding their organizations and grant applications. Some trustees are willing to communicate with applicants and each has expressed the method of preferred contact. You may
contact the Foundation office for a list of
trustees and their stated preference for how they wish to be contacted.
Completing the Online Application
If I do not have access to the Internet to apply for a grant online, what should I do?
You may work on your application and save it online using any computer with Internet access. For assistance in finding a location in your community with internet access,
click here or check your local public library. Please contact the Foundation if you cannot locate a computer equipped with high-speed internet; staff will provide you with an alternative method of submitting your application.
What font should I use if I type my answers in a word processor, then copy-and-paste into the online application fields (as recommended)?
The Foundation suggests, but does not require, the use of Times New Roman, Arial, or a similar universal font in size 12. Please do not use smaller fonts, except for when necessary in budget documents.
Will the online application system alert me when I have exceeded the number of words allotted to answer each question?
Yes. The online application will not allow you to continue if you exceed the word limit(s) on one or more questions. When you try to advance to the next page of the application, an alert will appear in red next to each response that exceeds the word limit. You must edit your answer(s) to meet the word limit before continuing the application.
Submitting an Application
Do you accept applications by mail, fax or e-mail?
The Foundation will not accept proposals by mail, fax or e-mail; such proposals will not be considered. All applications must be submitted using the
Foundation’s online system.
How can I tell if my submission went through?
You will receive an e-mail from the Foundation confirming that your application has been received.
If we are submitting more than one application, do we need to submit each individually?
Each application should be submitted separately through the Foundation’s online submission system.
If I am submitting an application on behalf of a college or university, are there special instructions?
Yes. Please use either the
Strategic Grant Project application or the
Small Grant Project application. Please place the name of your center/department/institute in the project title. Please submit financial information that pertains to your center/department/institute rather than the entire college or university financial information.
Deadlines and Grant Decision
For a timeline of dates related to the grant application process, click here.
When are deadlines for grant applications? When are grant decisions made?
Grant application deadlines are in February and August (please check the website for exact dates). The Board of Trustees meets on the third Friday in May and the third Friday in November to make grant decisions.
When and how will applicants be notified of the grant decisions?
The Foundation notifies applicants in writing within a week of the Board meeting date. Formal notices to organizations receiving grants may take two or three weeks to process.
If a grant is made, how soon will the funds be available?
Payment of grants may be requested as soon as the grant paperwork is complete. Grantees should request payment at least 30 days prior to the desired payment date. Checks will be issued during the first week of the month following the request for payment.
