DEW Foundation

Absolutely. DEW is, in most cases, interested in supporting your vision and mission more than imposing our opinion on how you meet these goals. We still require information about organization projects to help us with our grant making decisions.

Visit the “HOW TO APPLY” page to determine deadlines and which form you need to submit.

DEW on occasion has, as part of an NPO fund-raising project, made grants that, up to a maximum grant amount, match contributions made by other contributors. The twofold objective of matching grant offers is to incentivize and assist an NPO to broaden its support base and to incentivize potential contributors to become involved and make contributions they may not otherwise make.

DEW does not generally respond to matching grant offers initiated by other individuals or organizations. Our view is that matching grants are made to incentivize and assist NPO’s to broaden their support base and to incentivize potential contributors to make contributions they may not otherwise make. DEW, on the other hand, is not incentivized by matching grant offers.

Yes, depending upon the scope and duration of the project. In some cases, approved grants are required to submit a progress report before subsequent funding is released. However, returning applicants who have received funding for five or more consecutive years are required to submit a new LOI. Visit the “HOW TO APPLY” page to determine which form you need to submit.

DEW Foundation, as a rule, does not grant above 10% of your operating budget.

The amount that you request should be proportionate to your organizational budget, project budgets, 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.

Please refer to our Grant Guidelines page.

Yes, the Foundation will accept proposals from fiscal sponsors. If the LOI is accepted, staff will contact the fiscal sponsor to discuss requirements for submitting a proposal.

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 EIN when submitting your letter of inquiry (LOI).

Our Guidelines state that DEW does not contribute to political parties or associated political organizations. Grass roots organizations supporting nonpartisan issues may be considered.

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.

LOIs and grant requests are reviewed by Foundation staff and then by the Foundation’s board to determine which projects best meet the Foundation’s funding priorities and 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.

LOIs and grant applications must be completed online and submitted. Neither LOI submissions nor grant applications are accepted by mail.

After the LOI is reviewed you will be contacted with instructions to complete an application or receive notice of a denial. Grant applicants will be notified of the final decision after the Foundation’s fall meeting.

No. Organizations may only submit one letter of inquiry (LOI) at a time. Grant writers representing several non-profits may submit one LOI per organization.

An LOI is required under certain circumstances regardless of previous funding. Please see the How To Apply section of our Website to see if your organization needs to submit an LOI.

Yes, an LOI must be submitted first. Foundation staff may then request a proposal after reviewing an organization’s LOI.
All new applicants and returning applicants who have been funded for five or more consecutive years must submit an LOI first. If the LOI is approved, you will receive further instructions to complete a grant application. Visit the “HOW TO APPLY” page to determine which form you need to submit.

The first step in the application process is to submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) via the Foundation’s Website. Foundation staff will respond indicating whether or not a full proposal is invited. Please see the How To Apply section of our Website to read more about our grantmaking process.

Yes, however DEW Foundation grants almost exclusively to organizations that our Board Members are personally involved with in some way.

Yes, you will need to complete the LOI process before the LOI deadline, and be approved to apply for funding. Visit the “HOW TO APPLY” page to determine which form you need to submit.