Grantmaking FAQs
Q: Do I need to contact the Foundation prior to submitting a Letter of Inquiry?
A: No. If you are confident that your project fits within the priorities of a particular Foundation program, you may complete the online Letter of Inquiry form without discussing your project with Foundation staff.
Q: How long does the application process take and/or how soon can I expect a response from the Foundation?
A: In general, you can expect a response to your Letter of Inquiry within 45 days although some proposed projects require more time to scrutinize. You will receive an automated email response to your Letter of Inquiry. If your project is accepted for a full proposal, you can expect a response within another 45 days after submission of a full proposal, budget, and supporting documents.
Q: Can a for-profit organization apply for a grant?
A: In some instances the Foundation provides consulting contracts to individuals or firms. These awards are most often for commissioned work. Unsolicited proposals from individuals or firms are never accepted.
Q: Is a 501(c)(3) designation required when applying for a grant?
A: Yes.
Q: May I submit a Letter of Inquiry if it does not include Texas in its scope?
A: Projects must be skewed to the state of Texas in order to be considered for funding. In rare cases, projects that are regional or national in scope with direct involvement in or impact on Texas will be considered.
You may submit a Letter of Inquiry only if you can thoroughly demonstrate (with specific project activities, strategies, or outcomes) that your program will directly and immediately impact Texas, and it fits within the Foundation’s program priorities.
Q: What are the Foundation’s expectations after a grant is awarded?
A: The Foundation sees grantees as strategic partners in a mission-driven process of change in Texas, and expects to be engaged by grantees on an ongoing basis. Foundation staff looks to grantees to help keep the Foundation strategies current and cutting-edge. If you are interested in establishing a long-term relationship with the Foundation, you should include your program director/officer in your strategic events, inform us of major problems or organizational issues that you encounter during your project, and engage staff on a regular basis to keep us updated on project status, specific practices, and upcoming milestones and deliverables.