GRANT REQUESTS
Application
Frequently Asked Questions
FORMS
Frequently Asked Questions for Grant Seekers
Will the Foundation accept a proposal in the area of Human Services or Supportive Housing if the request fits well within the published guidelines?
No, except if you are applying for funding under the guidelines in the new Youth Social Entrepreneurship Pilot, the Foundation will only consider Human Services and Supportive Housing proposals that have specifically been invited to submit a proposal to the Foundation. One of the reasons for this invitation process is to save potential grantees their important time and resources.
Do “invited proposals” in the areas of Human Services and Supportive Housing need to fit within the Sundance Family Foundation’s written guidelines?
Yes. In order to be considered for funding, all proposals, even “invited proposals,” must present projects or programs that fit within the Foundation’s guidelines.
When will the Foundation notify organizations that have been invited to submit a proposal?
The Foundation will send out “invitations to propose” by early June 2008. Proposals will be due (with a postmark) on or before July 16, 2008. Funding decisions will likely be announced by the end of October 2008.
Does the Foundation have specific themes or ideas that it is looking for in a proposal or a project?
Yes. The trustees of the Foundation have worked hard to carefully express these ideas in their published guidelines. As much as possible, the trustees work to focus their granting to projects that fit well within these guidelines. If your organization would like advice on how to construct a proposal that clearly expresses your project or program, one resource you may find useful is available through the Minnesota Council on Foundations at: www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
Does the Foundation accept the Minnesota Common Grant Form, or any other common grant form?
No. For the convenience of Minnesota grant applicants, the trustees of the Foundation have developed their application procedure so that the required format is similar to the Minnesota Common Grant Form. But it should be noted that the Foundation has a specific proposal format outlined on the Application Procedure page of its website. This format must be followed in order for an application to be considered for funding by the Foundation.
May I mail the request on the deadline date and still meet the deadline? May I use Federal Express, UPS or other delivery services?
Yes. The deadline is a postmark deadline (even when the date lands on a weekend or holiday). Your application must be postmarked on or before the deadline. If you use a private delivery service, the package must be officially dated by that delivery service, on or before the deadline. Please make sure to include both the PO Box number and the street address when you are sending material to the Foundation.
May I hand deliver the request?
No. The Foundation’s mail is received in a post office box.
May I submit my proposal by email or fax?
We are unable to accept proposals by email or fax at this time.
How will I know if you have received my application?
We will send you an email (or if you do not use email, a postcard) within one month of receiving your application.
How much money should we ask for?
That is up to you based on your project. The Sundance Family Foundation can’t answer this question in a specific way because projects vary. We estimate that the vast majority of the Foundation’s grants will be between $15,000 and $35,000. It is important that in your proposal, you clearly explain why you need the sum of money that you are requesting, and elaborate on exactly how you would use the funds.
How do we know if you decide to fund us or not?
Once the Sundance board has finalized the grant selection a letter of notification will go out to you. You can expect to receive this notification letter within one month from the time the grants are selected. Although this date may vary slightly from year to year, it will always be towards the end of October.
How can we make a presentation to the board or consultant?
If specific directors are interested in visiting your organization, the consultant will call to arrange a visit.
If you fund us one year, can we count on receiving funding in future years?
Sundance Family Foundation does not make multiyear funding commitments. However, occasionally, the Foundation may choose to fund a program more than once.
Is the Sundance Family Foundation different from the Sundance Pay It Forward Foundation?
Yes, they are two separate private foundations, each registered in the State of Minnesota. However they share mission, guidelines and priorities. One completed proposal serves as an application to both foundations.
I have questions not answered here or anywhere on your website. How can I contact you?
Please email us at sundancefamilyfoundation@earthlink.net or call 612-822-8580.
Copyright 2006 Sundance Family Foundation. All rights reserved.