Photo Credit: Literacy Lab

Full Grant Application

If you are invited to submit a full grant application, please use the following information as a guide.

Components of the Proposal

An applicant should submit a full application through our online grants portal, which can be accessed here. The form available through the online portal will specify the items that should be submitted. Note that if you have already submitted an application or proposal for the work or project to another funder, please feel free to submit that application or proposal to us through the online portal; we will reach out to you if we need additional information.

Proposal Narrative

You may wish to include the following information in your narrative.

  • Organizational Background. Briefly share your organization’s history, mission, activities, and accomplishments.
  • Statement of Need. Describe the need you are working to address and the location and demographic information for the population you will benefit.
  • Purpose of the Grant. Describe the work for which you are requesting funding and the activities you will complete to accomplish that work. Provide information about the frequency of activity and number of people to be served, if known and if applicable.
  • Timeline for Implementation. Provide a timeframe for the project or the work.
  • Goals. Describe your goals and anticipated outcomes. How will things be different if you are successful? How will you assess effectiveness during the grant period?
  • Staffing. Describe who will do the work in your organization. If specific expertise or education is needed by staff members, share their experience.
  • Collaborations. List any community organizations and/or individuals with whom you will be collaborating to accomplish this work. If you have formal partnerships, please describe them.
  • Other Funders. List other funders of the project or work (both committed and pending) and the amount of funds (both committed and pending) from each.
  • Fiscal Agent. If you work with a fiscal agent or are an affiliate of another organization, please describe the relationship.

Required Attachments

A grant proposal should generally include the following items:

  • Proof of Tax-Exempt Status (a copy of the organization’s current IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status)
  • Organizational Operating Budgets (budgets for the current year and last year including actual vs. budgeted revenue and expenses and a draft budget for the upcoming year, if available)
  • Projected Project Budget (if applicable)
  • Most Recent Audited Financial Statements (if you have audited financial statements)
  • Required Board Information (a list of the organization’s Board members, their roles and affiliations, the Board’s total giving to the organization last year, and the percent of the Board contributing)

Optional Attachments

You may attach other documents that you believe will support your request.

Timeline for Application Review

We will review your application and will notify you within 30 days of receipt whether additional documentation is necessary for a meaningful review, whether we would like to visit your organization prior to making a decision, and when you should expect a decision. Once we have all of the necessary information, our staff and Board will evaluate your application. You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your request.

Happy children with a white trash back

Photo Credit: Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

“The foundation is making a difference in the lives of children in Baltimore. The foundation’s support of UMBC’s work in southwest Baltimore is helping ensure that all children – from their earliest ages–have a chance to thrive in school and live rich full lives.”

— Greg Simmons, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, UMBC
From AJWS grantee empowering women and girls in IndiaPhoto Credit: American Jewish World Service

“The Richmans embody a deep commitment to tikkun olam—the Jewish responsibility to repair the world. Since 2004, the Richman family’s support of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) has propelled our work to pursue social justice and build more equitable communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Their investment ensures that AJWS can continue to fight poverty, protect the environment, and advance equality for women and girls around the globe.”

— Robert Bank, President and CEO, American Jewish World Service

“The foundation’s support of the Mead Maternal Health & Preventive Care Center will empower vulnerable people from underserved communities to take a more active role in managing their conditions. This philanthropy is advancing the high-quality health care, education, and compassionate services that Mercy is able to offer to all those in need—and to ensure we address each patient’s unique challenges in a way that honors their dignity. We are so thankful to the foundation for its investment in Mercy’s mission and the health of our shared community.”

— Sr. Helen Amos, RSM, Executive Chair, Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Services