Once received, the LOI is reviewed to determine its support of the mission and vision of the Foundation. If the proposed project is determined to be a strong match with the Foundation's interest, a site visit will be requested.

 

Purpose

 

The site visit provides Foundation staff and Board with detailed information to evaluate prospective grant requests. Additionally, the site visit provides an opportunity for Foundation staff to update our community partners regarding the Foundation's initiatives and activities. In general, site visits are held at the applicant organization's site and last one to 1 1/2 hours.

 

Responsibilities - Applicant Organization

 

Applicant organizations should plan the site visit to ensure a clear presentation of the organization and the proposed project is provided to the Foundation. To that end, the applicant is encouraged to:

1. Assemble the principals of the proposed project - key agency personnel, representatives from collaborating organizations and any other individuals deemed important to the project discussion. Executive Directors and Board Members are key in demonstrating an organization's commitment to the proposed project.
2. Develop an agenda for the site visit that includes:

• an overview of the organization's mission, vision, and primary programs
• a description of the assessment process used to determine the organizational/community need the project addresses
• a discussion of the project's logic model, evaluation plan, and budget

The logic model, completed in the Letter of Inquiry, is the primary document used by the Foundation's staff and Board to determine if a proposal will be requested. The site visit provides an opportunity to clarify and review the process objectives, short-term outcomes and long-term objectives outlined in the logic model.

 

Responsibilities - Foundation

Foundation staff and Board view the site visit as an opportunity to clarify the funding request and gather additional information to determine if the project is an appropriate match for the Foundation. To that end, we will:

1. Fully describe the Foundation's grantmaking process and provide deadline and notification dates.
2. Share any concerns regarding the proposed project and present a clear understanding of the project's standing within the Foundation's grant cycle.
3. Share information regarding similar programs the Foundation has funded in the past and make referrals to other organizations, consultants, or funders the applicant may want to consider.

 

 

 

Decision Making

 

In deciding whether or not to request a proposal, the Foundation assesses the degree to which:

• The project addresses a significant community need, impacts people's lives and is consistent with the Foundation's mission and vision
• The project has clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a plan for evaluating progress
• The project is fully conceptualized and designed in such a way as to increase the likelihood that it will be successful
• The project has sufficient community support and involvement to increase the likelihood that it will make a difference
• The organization has the leadership, staff, and infrastructure in place to carry out the project
• The project and its benefits will live beyond Foundation funding
• The costs proposed are reasonable and appropriate