• What is the process for applying for a grant?
• Does the DEW Foundation require that a letter of inquiry (LOI) be submitted before a
   formal proposal?
• Can we submit more than one letter of inquiry at a time?
• What are your letter of inquiry deadlines and when are applicants notified of funding decisions?
• How many copies of the LOI and proposal should we send?
• What is your grant review process?
• Do you fund capital projects?
• We are a tax-exempt organization, but are not classified as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity.
   Can we still apply to the DEW Foundation?
• We do not have a 501(c)(3) classification. Can we apply to the DEW Foundation through
   a fiscal sponsor?
• What is an appropriate request amount? Is there a maximum grant size?
• Does the DEW Foundation offer multi-year grants?
• Does the Foundation offer challenge grants?
• Does the DEW Foundation fund operating expenses?

Q: What is the process for applying for a grant?
A: The first step in the application process is to submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) via the Foundation's Web site or by mail. LOI's must be received before September 1st. Foundation staff will respond indicating whether or not a full proposal is invited. Please see the How To Apply section of our Web site to read more about our grantmaking process.

Q: Does the DEW Foundation require that a letter of inquiry (LOI) be submitted before a formal proposal?
A: Yes, an LOI must be submitted first. Foundation staff may then request a proposal after reviewing an organization's LOI.

Q: Can we submit more than one letter of inquiry at a time?
A: No. Organizations may only submit one LOI at a time

Organizations that submit multiple LOIs will be asked to withdraw all LOIs from consideration except one.

Q: What are your letter of inquiry deadlines and when are applicants notified of funding decisions?
A: LOIs are accepted before September 1st. Invited proposals that are received by October 1st are eligible for an award in the current year. Invited proposals received after October 1 are eligible for an award in the following year.

Q: How many copies of the LOI and proposal should we send?
A: We only need one copy of the LOI. If you are invited to submit a proposal, only one copy of the proposal is needed. When submitting a proposal, we prefer that you do not use binders or thick binding materials.

Q: What is your grant review process?
A: LOIs and proposals are reviewed by the Foundation's board to determine which projects best meet the Foundation's funding priorities and review criteria. If a proposal is favorably reviewed, the Foundation may partially or completely fund the request. Funding is ultimately contingent upon the alignment with the Foundation's priorities and availability of funds within the Foundation's annual budget.

Q: Do you fund capital projects?
A: Yes, we fund major construction, expansion or new facility programs. Funding is limited to projects that directly benefit the organization's constituents and communities, demonstrate a high demand for the applicant's programs and services, and demonstrate a sustainable business plan.

Q: We are a tax-exempt organization, but are not classified as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Can we still apply to the DEW Foundation?
A: Organizations that qualify as tax-exempt within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Sections 170(c) or 170(c)(2)(B) are eligible to apply to the Foundation. Examples of these organizations/entities are school districts, libraries, and tribes. You must provide a valid Employee Identification Number (EIN) when submitting your LOI. If you are invited to submit a proposal, documentation must be provided with your application that demonstrates the tax-exempt status of the organization (such as a photocopy of the statute granting tax exemption).

Q: We do not have a 501(c)(3) classification. Can we apply to the DEW Foundation through a fiscal sponsor?
A: Yes, the Foundation will accept proposals from fiscal sponsors. The LOI should be submitted by the fiscal sponsor. If the LOI is accepted, staff will contact the fiscal sponsor to discuss requirements for submitting a proposal.

Q: What is an appropriate request amount? Is there a maximum grant size?
A: The amount that you request from the Foundation should be proportionate to your organizational budget, project budget, and expected income from other sources. While we have no restrictions regarding the maximum size grant you may request, the board will take into consideration your track record in implementing projects of a similar size and scope.

Q: Does the DEW Foundation offer multi-year grants?
A: Yes, depending upon the scope and duration of the project.

Q: Does the Foundation offer challenge grants?
A: Yes, the Foundation recognizes challenge grants as effective tools for leveraging additional financial support for certain projects.

Q: Does the DEW Foundation fund operating expenses?
A: Yes, the Foundation actually prefers funding operating expenses. We still require information about organization projects.