FAQs
What doesn’t the Foundation fund?
The Foundation generally does not consider requests:
- which are part of a general fundraising campaign
- to reduce accumulated capital or operating deficits
- for endowments
- involving partisan political activities
- for research or activities involving healthcare (unless linked to one of our grant programs)
- for purely academic research
- oriented to third world development
- for emergency funds
- for video and film production
- for publication of books or theses
- to promote religious teachings
What is the first step to obtaining support from the Foundation?
The best course is to carefully review our program guidelines to determine eligibility and areas of focus.
Can I meet with someone from the Foundation?
We recommend making a telephone call before submitting a letter of inquiry. A meeting may follow from the call.
How often does the Foundation make grants?
The Foundation makes grants four times each year.
Is there a deadline for submitting our application?
Yes, each program has its own deadlines. Please refer to the guidelines.
How quickly will I hear from the Foundation?
You will receive a response to your letter of inquiry within a month of the deadline for submission of letters.
What happens to our request after we send it in?
The request is reviewed by staff. If the Foundation invites a full proposal it will be reviewed by a committee of external advisors and by staff.
How long does it take to get a decision?
You will be informed of our decision within a week of a board meeting.
What is the maximum/minimum amount of a Metcalf Foundation grant?
There is no maximum or minimum grant size. We simply ask that applications be submitted with budgets appropriate to the organization's size and human resources capacity.
Can we submit our application by email? By Fax?
No. We can only accept letters and applications by mail.
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