Before You Apply
How well does the project fit within our funding areas and/or how well do the goals of the project fit with our funding goals?
- Is the project clear on what it wants to achieve – social change, long-term impacts, or the benefits of quality service?
- Does the project have a way to measure its goals? Are there appropriate milestones?
- Does the project or organization have a reasonable plan for achieving its goals?
- Is now the right time to invest in this effort?
- Will the organization track its progress and modify its methods based on that feedback?
- Is the work proposed consistent with the organization’s history and does the project seem achievable for the organization?
- Are the skills and experience of the primary people involved aligned with the work to be done?
- Are the timelines and budgets reasonable?
- Does this appear to be the best approach and organization to achieve these goals? Are there other non-profits doing the same work or providing the same service?
- Is the organization well managed? Is there solid Board oversight? Does the management team have the vision and experience necessary to guide the organization?
- Is the financial accounting clear and in order? Are the statements straightforward? Have they been audited? Does the organization have a solid budget? Does it use ancillary foundations or other groups to obscure endowment funds or overhead costs?
- Are overhead and fundraising costs reasonable? Does the group hold itself to high ethical standards in fundraising? Does the group sell its donor lists?