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 goals and strategies.

Beginning in July 2009, all applicants seeking a grant from the Endowments must complete the "Online Letter of Inquiry" on this site. The only exceptions to this rule are requests for the Arts & Culture Operating Support Program, the Small Arts Initiative, or in response to a formal request for proposals. Applicants will be notified if additional information or materials are needed to support the form.

Your inquiry will be reviewed by program staff. If a full proposal is desired, program staff will request additional information, including:

Detailed program budget with income and expenses
List of board of directors and officers
Copy of IRS determination letter
Statement regarding Patriot Act compliance (view sample statement)
Most recent audited financial statements

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 and reflect 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 managerial, programmatic and governance capacity to successfully complete the proposed work.

WHEN TO SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

To be considered in time for the Endowments' spring board meeting held in May, applications must be received by Feb. 1. To be considered for the fall meeting held in October, 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.