FAQs. |
How do I apply for a grant from The Norcliffe Foundation?
As of December 1, 2019, all requests must be received through our E-Grant System. Please see the Guidelines section for information on the types of grants we make. For more detailed information and an Eligibility Quiz, please see How To Apply.
What is the application review process?
A grant decision typically is made within four months after the receipt of a complete application. Site-visits are scheduled in some cases and Foundation staff will reach-out to coordinate with you if a visit is requested.
Are there application deadlines?
No. Trustees meet throughout the year and consider completed applications in the order they were received. There is no better time of year to submit a request.
My organization has a fiscal sponsor. Am I eligible to apply?
If you have a fiscal sponsor agreement with a registered 501(c)3 organization, you are eligible to apply. Please enter your name as "XYZ fiscally sponsored by ABC" and include a letter of agreement from your fiscal agent in your support materials. Contact us to discuss your situation or if you have any questions regarding fiscal sponsorship.
Do you have a preference for the types of grants you award?
The Foundation funds capital requests, program costs, general operating expenses, and occasionally capacity building or endowment projects. No one type of support is given priority. We rely on each organization to let us know their greatest area of need. The Trustees give preference to requests that meet critical needs, employ innovative and effective approaches, fill a unique niche in their community, and have a diverse funding base.
What is an average grant size?
Typical grant size varies depending on an organization's size, project and need. Nearly 60% of the grants we make are $15,000 or less.
Do you make multi-year gifts?
Though not typical, the Foundation does occasionally make multi-year gifts. While we recognize the importance of multi-year grants, we reserve funds for emerging needs by not committing too much of our funding in advance. Multi-year commitments are generally made at the discretion of the trustees and not at the request of an organization.
Can I apply in consecutive years?
In most cases, yes. Because of the volume of requests we receive, we are not able to consider a new request until a 12-month period has passed since the last decision or payment date.
If an award of more than $50,000 was made, we ask that an organization wait at least 24 months from the date of final payment until submitting a new request.
If my organization has received a grant from the Norcliffe Foundation in the past, do I still need to submit a full proposal?
Yes. Even if you are requesting the same type of funding or for the same program or project, our process requires an organization to submit a complete and new application.
If my organization is awarded a grant, what are the reporting requirements?
Norcliffe has no formal reporting requirements. We do, however, enjoy learning about the organizations and programs we fund. You may submit updates at anytime via email. There are no requirements, formatting or otherwise, for sharing this information.
How can we show recognition for your support?
If awarded a grant, please do not give gifts to the Foundation. It is reward enough for us to be able to provide support to worthy organizations, and we want you to be able to spend your funding on programs instead of gifts. While we appreciate thank-you cards, they are similarly unnecessary. You may list The Norcliffe Foundation in funding lists at the appropriate level. Any further acknowledgement, including in the press or online, must be pre-approved by Foundation staff.
What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact the Foundation at (206) 682-4820 or email us.
For FAQs related to the E-Grant System, click here.
As of December 1, 2019, all requests must be received through our E-Grant System. Please see the Guidelines section for information on the types of grants we make. For more detailed information and an Eligibility Quiz, please see How To Apply.
What is the application review process?
A grant decision typically is made within four months after the receipt of a complete application. Site-visits are scheduled in some cases and Foundation staff will reach-out to coordinate with you if a visit is requested.
Are there application deadlines?
No. Trustees meet throughout the year and consider completed applications in the order they were received. There is no better time of year to submit a request.
My organization has a fiscal sponsor. Am I eligible to apply?
If you have a fiscal sponsor agreement with a registered 501(c)3 organization, you are eligible to apply. Please enter your name as "XYZ fiscally sponsored by ABC" and include a letter of agreement from your fiscal agent in your support materials. Contact us to discuss your situation or if you have any questions regarding fiscal sponsorship.
Do you have a preference for the types of grants you award?
The Foundation funds capital requests, program costs, general operating expenses, and occasionally capacity building or endowment projects. No one type of support is given priority. We rely on each organization to let us know their greatest area of need. The Trustees give preference to requests that meet critical needs, employ innovative and effective approaches, fill a unique niche in their community, and have a diverse funding base.
What is an average grant size?
Typical grant size varies depending on an organization's size, project and need. Nearly 60% of the grants we make are $15,000 or less.
Do you make multi-year gifts?
Though not typical, the Foundation does occasionally make multi-year gifts. While we recognize the importance of multi-year grants, we reserve funds for emerging needs by not committing too much of our funding in advance. Multi-year commitments are generally made at the discretion of the trustees and not at the request of an organization.
Can I apply in consecutive years?
In most cases, yes. Because of the volume of requests we receive, we are not able to consider a new request until a 12-month period has passed since the last decision or payment date.
If an award of more than $50,000 was made, we ask that an organization wait at least 24 months from the date of final payment until submitting a new request.
If my organization has received a grant from the Norcliffe Foundation in the past, do I still need to submit a full proposal?
Yes. Even if you are requesting the same type of funding or for the same program or project, our process requires an organization to submit a complete and new application.
If my organization is awarded a grant, what are the reporting requirements?
Norcliffe has no formal reporting requirements. We do, however, enjoy learning about the organizations and programs we fund. You may submit updates at anytime via email. There are no requirements, formatting or otherwise, for sharing this information.
How can we show recognition for your support?
If awarded a grant, please do not give gifts to the Foundation. It is reward enough for us to be able to provide support to worthy organizations, and we want you to be able to spend your funding on programs instead of gifts. While we appreciate thank-you cards, they are similarly unnecessary. You may list The Norcliffe Foundation in funding lists at the appropriate level. Any further acknowledgement, including in the press or online, must be pre-approved by Foundation staff.
What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact the Foundation at (206) 682-4820 or email us.
For FAQs related to the E-Grant System, click here.