Grant Application Process

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

We support organizations whose work qualifies as charitable, according to the IRS definition. This includes organizations with a 501(c)3 status, public agencies and projects sponsored by public charities. We do not make grants to individuals or contribute to capital campaigns.

Step 2: Determine your project’s fit with our goals

Review our strategy, key elements, and list of previous grants to determine whether your efforts advance one or more of the Foundation’s goals and objectives. If you determine that your project/program aligns well with our strategy, please proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Submit a Letter of Inquiry

A Letter of Inquiry (LOI) provides our staff more detailed information about your organization, program, and overall alignment with the Stuart Foundation. You can submit your LOI electronically by downloading the forms and emailing them to us. Please review the LOI instructions carefully to ensure that your submittal includes all of the required information. There are no deadlines for LOIs; the Foundation accepts them on a rolling basis.  The Foundation responds to all LOIs within 60 days.

Please note that our email system will not accept emails 10MB or larger in size. To reduce file size, consider removing logos or graphics or reducing resolution for .pdf files. If needed, send attachments in separate emails.

Download LOI Application Packet WORD

Download LOI Budget Form EXCEL

Step 4: Submit a Proposal (by invitation only)

Program staff will contact you if you have been selected to submit a proposal. The proposal application package will consist of instructions, a checklist of required documents, and information regarding expectations for the proposal and its submittal date. You may review the Foundation’s proposal forms below to get a better sense of the documentation that will be required. Please note that these forms are to be used only when you have been invited to submit a proposal.

Proposal Instructions and Checklist.WORD

Successful Grant Elements.WORD

Tips for Drafting Quality Goals & Objectives.WORD

Proposal Information Form.WORD

Proposal Narrative.WORD

Proposal Budget Instructions.WORD

Proposal Budget.WORD

Please note that it can take approximately 4 to 8 months for Program staff to conduct the necessary due diligence (which may include but not be limited to a site visit, follow-up meetings with key staff, reference checks, and program and financial assement) to bring funding recommendations to our Board of Directors. During the review process, staff will be in touch to keep you informed about your proposal’s status.

Step 5: Proposal review and funding determination

Program staff will notify you if your proposal will be presented to the Board of Directors and when to expect a decision. The Board meets three times each year to make final funding decisions.