A two-step process is followed. All applicants (regardless of whether they are prior grantees) should first submit a letter of inquiry, which can be submitted directly from this Web site (Letter of Inquiry). The letter (1-2 pages) must contain a brief statement describing the applicant and the need for funds with enough information for the foundation to determine whether or not the application falls within its program areas. Proposals submitted without an initial letter of inquiry will not be reviewed by the foundation.

Applicants should briefly and clearly provide a statement of their needs and the specific request to the foundation, taking into account other possible sources of funding.

Letters of inquiry will be acknowledged upon their receipt, but because the foundation operates without a professional staff, a more detailed response may be delayed.

Normally an inquiry will be assigned to a director responsible for the corresponding general area of foundation support. He or she will either: (1) in consultation with the president decline those requests that seem unlikely to result in a proposal the foundation can support; (2) request further information if a decision cannot be made on the basis of the initial inquiry; or (3) contact the applicant and invite the submission of a formal proposal. Applicants who have not had a substantive reply after a reasonable period of time should feel free to make a follow-up inquiry.

Applicants who receive a favorable response to their initial inquiry will be invited to submit a grant application. The foundation accepts the Common Grant Application of San Diego Grantmakers, which can be downloaded from this Web site.

Five copies of the application (proposal) should be submitted. Only one copy of required attachments need be submitted.

The application should be signed by the organization's board chair or the executive director (or equivalent individuals).

Restrictions

The foundation does not consider grants for individuals, scholarship funds or sectarian religious activities. Normally the foundation will not consider requests for general fundraising drives. It will not make grants intended directly or indirectly to support political candidates or to influence legislation.

Grant Approval Dates

Grants must be approved by the board of directors, which meets semi-annually for this purpose. Grant proposals received by March 15 will be considered for decision/funding in June. Grant proposals received by September 15 will be considered for decision/funding in December.

Depending upon the number of grant proposals received and the need for evaluation and site visits, some proposals may need to be delayed to a subsequent meeting. All inquiries and proposals are reported to the board, including those that are declined without full board consideration.

Reporting

Grantees will normally be required to submit reports at least annually including self-evaluation of the project or program effectiveness.