How to Apply

The Process
Because we commit significant resources to individual projects, our application process is very thorough. To make the best use of your time, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Research
Review our program objectives, key elements, and list of previous grants to determine whether your program fits within all or most of our stated guidelines. Once you have determined that your project is a good fit for one of our program areas, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Send us a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). The Foundation accepts LOIs on a rolling basis: there are no deadlines for LOIs. Scroll down for a downloadable version of the LOI Template. No more action is needed on your part until we contact you with a decision, which will happen within approximately 60 days.

Step 3: Invitation to Submit a Proposal
A Program Officer will contact you to let you know if you are invited to submit a Proposal.

Step 4: Review Proposal Submission Guidelines
A Program Officer will direct you to specific Proposal Guidelines for the appropriate program area.

Step 5: Submit a Full Proposal
A Program Officer will offer planning support and work with you to strengthen your final submission.

Step 6: Due Diligence
Generally it can take an additional 5 to 10 months for a Program Officer to conduct the necessary due diligence, site visits, meetings, and assessment necessary to make funding recommendations to our Board.

Step 7: Decision
The Stuart Foundation Board meets three times a year to approve funding recommendations. In 2005, the Board met in March, August and November.

Note: Stuart Foundation does not fund capital campaigns or projects whose beneficiaries are outside the states of California and Washington.

Download Related Documents

LOI Template (41K) [download]

LOI Budget Template (20K) [download]