Stuart Foundation : Connecting with those who create lifelong impact
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Grant Application FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Foundation's funding limited to certain geographic locations?
A:
Yes, the Foundation's funding is limited to organizations whose work benefits children and youth in the States of California and Washington.
Q: Does the Stuart Foundation require that a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) be submitted before a formal proposal?
A:
Yes, an LOI must be submitted first. Foundation staff may request a proposal after reviewing an organization's LOI. Please do not submit a full proposal unless requested by Foundation staff.
Q: Does the Foundation have deadlines for Letters of Inquiry?
A:
No. The Foundation accepts LOIs on a rolling basis.
Q: How many copies of the LOI and proposal should we send?
A:
The Foundation only needs one copy of the LOI, preferably submitted by email using our electronic
forms
. If you are invited to submit a proposal, an electronic copy is preferable. If you choose to submit a hard copy, we prefer that you do not use binders or thick binding materials.
Q: What happens after we submit a Letter of Inquiry?
A:
Program staff will contact your organization within approximately 60 days after we receive your LOI to inform you of whether you have been selected to submit a full proposal. If no decision has yet been reached, staff will contact you to provide a status update on your request.
Q: How long does it take to receive a final funding decision?
A:
The entire process from initial application to Board decision generally ranges from seven to twelve months. We receive hundreds of requests per year and our review process is comprehensive. From initial LOI to Board decision, staff conducts a significant amount of due diligence, including but not limited to site visits, follow-up meetings, reference checks, and financial and program assessment. Program staff work closely with each potential grantee to set realistic and measurable goals, craft a detailed budget, and when appropriate, explore partnership opportunities with others in the field.
Q: When are grants approved?
A:
The Stuart Foundation Board meets three times each year to consider and take action upon grant recommendations.
Q: We are not classified as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Can we apply?
A:
Certain organizations that qualify as tax-exempt within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Service code are eligible to apply to the Foundation. Examples are school districts, universities, and government entities, such as city or county agencies.
Q: We do not have a 501(c)(3) classification. Can we apply through a fiscal sponsor?
A:
Yes, the Foundation will accept Letters of Inquiry from projects with fiscal sponsors. If a full proposal is requested, the program staff will include instructions for your project's fiscal sponsor.
Q: What is an appropriate request amount? Is there a maximum grant size?
A:
The amount that you request from the Foundation should be proportionate to your organizational budget, project budget, and expected income from other sources. While we have no restrictions regarding the maximum size grant you may request, program staff will take into consideration your track record in implementing projects of a similar size and scope.
Q: What is the Foundation's policy regarding indirect costs?
A:
It is the Stuart Foundation's policy not to pay indirect costs to organizations, universities, and public agencies. If you have any questions regarding indirect costs, please contact program staff or the Grants Manager.
Q: Our LOI was declined. Can we reapply?
A:
Yes, but please carefully consider the reasons given for the decline and any feedback from Foundation staff before submitting another LOI. Generally, it is not recommended that you reapply for the same project for at least one year.