GRANTMAKING PROCESS

DF follows the following process for its programmatic and general operating grants.  See What We Fund  for more information on the types of grants DF considers.

Proposal Planning

The grantmaking process starts with what may be a series of conversations between the organization and Deaconess Foundation staff. Proposal planning discussions are intended to be substantive conversations through which Deaconess Foundation and the organization can work together to shape a project for consideration. Once both Deaconess Foundation and the applicant are satisfied with the content, a proposal will be invited. Please note that this process may take some time; it may not always be possible to meet the next upcoming deadline from that point at which the conversations begin.

To begin a conversation with Deaconess Foundation, please contact Danielle Crawford by email.

Application Submission

Once an invitation to submit a proposal has been extended, the organization will be given an access code that can be used to enter our grants dashboard. Application questions for DF’s regular grants can be viewed here.

Proposal Review

Deaconess Foundation staff will follow up on grant applications to learn more. A visit to the organization and/or a conversation with agency leadership and relevant program director(s) may be scheduled. The staff then prepares materials for review by the Grants Committee, which then makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. The Board makes the final decision on all grant proposals at its regularly scheduled meetings.  Board meetings are generally held in February, May, September and November. 

Communication

Applicants will learn of the Board’s decision as soon as possible, and no later than two business days after the Board meeting, by phone or email to the primary contact.

Grant Agreement

The specific terms and conditions of each grant are summarized in a Grant Agreement, which is to be submitted through the Grants Dashboard.

Grant Payment

Funds will be transferred via ACH. Grantees will be asked to complete a Payment Information Form through the Grants Dashboard. Funds will be released within two weeks of receipt of the Grant Agreement and Payment Information Form.

Grant Follow-Up

Deaconess Foundation staff hold follow-up conversations quarterly during the grant period. A written report on progress towards performance metrics is requested at the 6 month mark, and a final report 12 months after the grant award or at the same time as the next request to the Foundation, whichever comes first. Grant Follow-Up Forms are specific to each grantee and are available on the Grants Dashboard.

Special Grantmaking

DF offers some special grantmaking programs, which may follow a different process. Learn more on the Special Grantmaking or Mission Outreach pages.