Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled this list of questions that grantseekers ask us most.
How do I know if I am eligible for a grant?
The Community Foundation considers proposals from tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) organizations which are public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Community Foundation’s discretionary grants are made to nonprofits whose work benefits the residents of the Washington DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Arlington County, City of Alexandria, County of Fairfax, Fairfax City, City of Falls Church, and Loudoun County. In addition, The Foundation channels donor distributions anywhere in the country, as long as recipients are nonprofit organizations qualified as 501(c)(3).
Does The Community Foundation award grants for capital campaigns or to individuals?
The Foundation does not make grants or loans to individuals. However, The Foundation administers several donor-advised scholarship funds that can be accessed by contacting your local school, college or university. Funding for capital campaigns is available through select donor funds. See the "What We Fund" section of our website.
How do I apply for a grant?
Each fund has specific funding guidelines defining the priorities and criteria that aid staff and/or donors in making funding decisions. Contact our Community Investment team to learn more.
What happens after I submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)/Request for Proposal (RFPs)?
The Community Foundation utilizes a standard due diligence process to assess the qualifications of each proposal for funding. The basic steps in the due diligence process include:
- Review grant proposals, budget and supplemental documents;
- Conduct additional preliminary research;
- Conduct interviews with organization and project leadership via a site visit (in person or via phone);
- Conduct additional follow-up research as needed;
- Analyze and apply due diligence findings;
- Synthesize information and present recommendations;
- Grant recommendations ratified by the Foundation’s board of directors; and,
- Applicant notified of decision.
Note: not all applicant organizations will proceed through the full review process if significant deficiencies are identified.
Can I receive a grant from a donor advised fund?
As a community foundation, we operate an innovative funding model that comprises: 1) non-competitive donor advised funds allowing individual, family and institutional donors to direct allocation from their funds; 2) competitive donor -advised funds open for application from nonprofits; and 3) initiative grants supporting work focused on our community leadership agenda – increasing economic opportunities for youth and low-income families through education and career development opportunities. Only competitive donor advised funds and initiatives are open for application by nonprofits. See "What We Fund."
Does The Foundation provide multi-year grants?
The funding time period is dictated by each fund. However, there are several funds at The Foundation that due offer multi-year funding. More information about funding opportunities can be found at "What We Fund."
How long does it take for my proposal to go through the approval process?
After proposals are submitted, it takes typically between 3-4 months for the review process to be completed. Your organization will then be informed of whether or not your proposal will be accepted for further consideration. If accepted, proposals will be submitted to and reviewed by a program officer and, in some cases, a steering committee members of a funding collaborative. (Note: A funding collaborative is a fund housed at The Foundation and lead by a consortium of local and/or national foundations that pool their funding in support of specific initiatives.) Finally, all grants recommended must receive approval by The Community Foundation's board of trustees.
I'm thinking about preparing a grant proposal. What steps should I follow?
First, download the guidelines for the appropriate grant program. Identify the program officer managing the fund. If you feel you qualify, you may apply for the grant by submitting a proposal by mail or courier to our offices:
The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
Attn.: Identified Program Officer/Fund Name
1201 15th Street NW
Suite 420
Washington, DC 20005
Note: faxed or e-mailed proposals are not accepted.
My organization does not have tax-exempt status. Can I still apply?
The Community Foundation funds nonprofit organizations having evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation. We also accept letters of inquiry/proposals from organizations operating under a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. In these cases, the fiscal sponsor submits letters of inquiry/proposals and provides its 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Can I submit proposals to multiple funds?
Yes. We encourage nonprofits to take full advantage of available funding opportunities. Organizations are welcome to submit applications to multiple funding categories if the organization/project/program meets the priorities of the identified fund(s). Applicants may receive more than one Community Foundation grant at any given time.
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