Application Process

Prospective applicants are asked to review carefully the guidelines for the grant-making program from which they anticipate seeking support. Inquiries regarding funding should demonstrate a familiarity with the program's relevant goals and strategies.

There are two options for applying for a grant. One process involves completing the application available through our Web site. Applicants will be notified if additional materials are needed to support the form.

The other option is to submit a concise letter of inquiry. After Endowments staff members review the letter, they will notify the applicant by telephone or in writing about whether the request meets the basic criteria for funding. If further consideration is merited, the applicant will be asked to submit a formal proposal.

Letter of Inquiry

The letter of inquiry, signed by the head of the applicant organization or board, should address the following questions:

What is the nature of the proposed program, including its objectives, target population(s) and specific action plan?
What is the need for the proposed program? Why is it important? How is it different from existing programs or projects?
How does the proposed program advance the goals and strategies of the Endowments? How is it consistent with the foundation's work?
What is the nature of your organization? What are its qualifications to carry out the proposed program?
How will the program's effectiveness be monitored and evaluated?
What are the implications of the program in terms of public policy and public awareness? How will the program's outcomes be communicated to relevant audiences?
What is the estimated cost of the overall project and the amount of funding you are requesting?

Please do not send additional supporting materials, such as videotapes or publications, with the initial letter of inquiry. Given the large volume of requests received, Endowments staff will not be able to review these materials. Applicants should not develop and submit full proposals unless they have been asked to do so by a foundation representative.

What the Endowments Looks for

The Endowments has adopted a set of principles to guide its grant making in all program areas. Prospective applicants should be aware of these principles as they consider applying for support. The Endowments seeks to support programs that:

Will have a significant and continuing impact. The Endowments tends not to be interested in programs that are one-time events or are not integrated into a larger strategy for continuous change.
Intervene at the appropriate level. The Endowments seeks to address the causes of problems rather than simply ameliorate their symptoms.
Offer opportunities for leverage. The Endowments seeks to amplify resources by forming partnerships with government organizations, other grant makers and the private sector.
Are grounded in the community. An important aspect of the Endowments' mission is to develop models with potential application elsewhere while keeping southwestern Pennsylvania as the geographic focus of the foundation's grant making.
Are appropriate in relation to the work of other grant makers. The Endowments seeks to support work that complements rather than duplicates the efforts of other foundations. Furthermore, we tend to limit support to programs that are consistent with our areas of expertise.
Have the capacity to successfully complete the proposed work, as determined by the Endowments' assessment guidelines. Applicants will be asked to complete evaluation questions regarding their work, but will not be required to respond to the guidelines. They are made available so that applicants can understand how Endowments staff assesses organizations that are considered for funding.

Where to Send the Letter of Inquiry

Letters should be addressed to the attention of the appropriate program director at:

The Heinz Endowments
30 Dominion Tower
625 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222-3115

When to Submit an Inquiry

To be considered in time for the Endowments' spring board meeting, applications must be received by Feb. 1. To be considered for the fall meeting, applications must be received by Aug. 1. Written notification of decisions made on grants will be mailed within a few weeks of the meeting at which the proposal is considered.