How to Apply: General Proposal Requirements


In addition to the following general requirements, please be sure to provide the information requested in the specific Funding Priority relevant to your proposal.

Submit a one-page executive summary accompanied by a five-page proposal narrative and attachments. Proposals submitted by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

  1. Executive Summary
    Briefly summarize the key points of your proposal, describe the purpose and relevance of your request, and indicate the dollar amount of the grant that you are seeking.
  2. Narrative
    1. Organizational History and Purpose
      Tell us about the organization's history, mission, governing structure, principal activities and population served. What distinguishes your organization from others in the field?
    2. Statement of Need
      Identify the needs that the request addresses. Substantiate your case with pertinent data, including detailed demographic information about the populations you seek to assist.
    3. Program Description
      Identify the program's goals and objectives, activities, numbers served, facilities, timeline and staffing plan, and potential impact.
    4. Evaluation
      Indicate how program outcomes and effectiveness will be measured and include findings from previous evaluation efforts, if available.
    5. Conclusion
      Summarize the proposal's main points.
  3. Attachments

    The following supporting documentation is necessary to ensure a complete and fair review of your grant application.

    • Organizational operating budget for the previous and current fiscal years and explanation of any deficits.
    • Program budget for the previous and current fiscal years.
    • List of foundation and corporate grants for the previous and current fiscal years, for both the organization and program. Include the dollar amounts of each grant of $50,000 and above.
    • Current market value of institutional endowment.
    • Names and primary affiliations of officers and board members.
    • Current IRS documentation certifying that the applicant is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not a private foundation under Section 509(a). The applicant should be listed in the current IRS Cumulative List of Tax-Exempt Organizations (Publication 78).
    • Most recent audited financial statements. If you are presenting a qualified audit, please explain corrective action.
    • Most recent annual report.
  4. Supplemental Materials

    Supplemental materials should be held to a minimum.
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