Grantmaking Procedures

INITIAL LETTERS OF INQUIRY: Applicants seeking funds for programs that have not been reviewed by the Foundation in the past should submit an initial letter of inquiry. The letter of inquiry should not exceed two pages, and should include: (a) the mission/purpose of the organization; (b) a clear, succinct summary of the proposed project (why it is needed, the activities that will be undertaken, and the expected outcomes/results); (c) an approximate budget; and (d) the amount that would be requested from the Foundation. Please also include a copy of the current IRS tax exemption letter, as well as contact information (i.e. contact person's name, telephone, fax and e-mail). After reviewing the initial letter of inquiry, the Foundation's staff and/or Grants Committee will determine whether a full proposal should be submitted and will contact you regarding our decision.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR 2008

LETTERS OF INQUIRY: Due Thursday, May 1, 2008 by 12:00 p.m. (noon) You will be notified by May 30, 2008 as to whether you are invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals for this cycle would be due by July 1, 2008 and the Foundation's Board would make final funding decisions in mid-November 2008.

FULL GRANT PROPOSALS: Due July 1, 2008

If you are submitting a full proposal: PLEASE BE SURE TO CAREFULLY REVIEW AND COMPLETE ALL COMPONENTS OF THE "APPLY FOR A GRANT" SECTION OF THIS WEBSITE.

Printed materials to submit (to the Stranahan Foundation) include:

  • a copy of the above-described initial letter of inquiry, if applicable.
  • a completed online grant application, which can be filled out in the "Apply for a Grant" section of this website.
  • copies of all of the additional required documents and materials listed in the online grant application (under tab 5).

Please do not bind or put your documents in a notebook (simply staple or paperclip together).

If staff or the Grants Committee have questions regarding your proposal, you will be contacted via telephone, e-mail or (in some instances) an in-person meeting may be scheduled. The Stranahan Foundation trustees will meet in mid-November to make funding decisions. Applicants are notified regarding decisions within three weeks following the Board meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact our Grants Manager, Pam Roberts, at proberts@stranahanfoundation.org.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Stranahan Foundation will establish additional deadline dates (for both letters of inquiry and full proposals) in mid-2008. PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE IN LATE JULY FOR AN UPDATED LETTER OF INQUIRY AND PROPOSAL DUE DATE SCHEDULE.