General Questions

• How does the grant making process work at The Atlas Family Foundation?
  During the grantmaking process we as a Foundation consider ourselves partners and we look for a congruence of values and the development of trust with our grantees.

  We will have an initial meeting in which we will have the opportunity to get to know each other as people. This is our opportunity to introduce the Foundation and our philosophy to your Executive Director and Board Member.

  Following our initial meeting, your organization could be invited to submit a brief letter of inquiry seeking a grant with aims consistent with those of the Foundation.

  If your program is of interest, you will be requested to submit a full proposal. If your program is not of interest you will be notified as well.

  Once your organization has been invited to submit a full proposal, the Foundation Executive Director and Staff is available via phone and/or e-mail to help you create the best proposal. Our long term goal is to not only create a one-time proposal, but to help you formulate a grantseeking template that can be used in the future with other funders as well.

• What is the average size and duration of your grants?
  The average size of TAFF grants is $50,000 for one year funding cycle.
• How many grants do you award each year?
  Approximately 16 grants a year.
• Do you have formal application forms? Can you send me an application?
  The Foundation Application Forms are available in the password protected area by invitation only.
• Do you fund general operating expenses?
  Grants specifically for core operating support are funded after the foundation and the non-profit organization have had an opportunity to partner. Historically, when the Foundation has awarded funding for core operating support it has been to an agency with which we had a long established relationship.
• Does funding allow for general operating expenses?
  Yes, we fund general operating support as a component of our grants. We believe that a strong administrative capacity is central to the agency's long-term success.
• Do you give grants to for-profit organizations?
  No.

Grant Application Questions

• Does the Foundation award multi-year funding?
  The Foundation operates with the philosophy that achieving sustainable change requires building long-term relationships with our Grantee Partners. While our grant awards are for one year only, we enter each relationship with the goal of continual funding after financial and programmatic review.
• What are your deadlines for receipt of proposals?
  We fund year-round.
• How long does it take for a grant to be approved?
  Approximately 30 days from the receipt of the proposal with funding shortly thereafter.
• What help is available in preparing a grant proposal?
  Janis Minton, Executive Director and Cristina Conchi, Administrator, are available for support during your application process.
• How will I know if you received my letter of inquiry or proposal?
  After the receipt of your letter of inquiry or proposal you will receive an acknowledgement letter/phone call, notifying you of the receipt of proposal. If any additional material is required, or if we have any questions, we will contact you.
• When and how will I know if my proposal has been accepted or rejected?
  You will be notified in writing within 30 days if your proposal has been accepted.
• Should we send letters of support with our letter of inquiry or with a proposal?
  No.
• Does the Foundation conduct site visits to potential grantees?
  Site Visits to grantees or potential grantees prior to an invitation to apply are a standard component of our grantmaking process.
• If we are invited to submit a full proposal, what kinds of supporting documentation will we be asked to submit?
  In the Grant Application Guidelines you will find a detailed list of the required supporting documentation.