Foundation fundamentals

Are foundations the right source?

Because foundations, by IRS definition, are nonprofit, mission-driven entities, and they seek to make a difference in society (whether at the grass-roots level or via policy change), the best possible scenario is for an academic project or program to help achieve the foundation’s goals. Most foundations seek to address a specific set of unmet needs, and your proposed project should be presented as the best method by which they might do so. Therefore, while a project might seem extraordinary in concept to you, the applicant, in order to be funded, it must also fulfill the needs of the funder.

Foundations often have a specific area or areas of interest in which they want to invest and/or a specific, disadvantaged population they seek to assist. While there are exceptions, foundations are less likely to fund general operating support, construction, endowments or conferences unless these are part of a larger project.

What do foundations like to fund?

Foundations award grants in many areas and for a variety of projects; however, there are common attributes that most often help define foundation-"fundable" projects:

• "Doable" projects with a beginning, middle and end (or a credible plan for sustainability after the grant).
• Projects where a need has been clearly expressed and where well-defined goals are tied directly to the need.
• Projects where the goals are congruent with the foundation’s expressed interests.
• Projects that commit to providing measurable or quantifiable results. (How will you know when you have reached your goal?)

In developing your project, it is important to create answers to the following questions:

• What social, educational or research question will you address?
• What will change as a result of your proposed work (and what will happen if you do not conduct your project)?
• How much will it change? (A standard of measurement that makes sense given the problem addressed.)
• How will you know? (How will your work be evaluated?)

How to strengthen your project’s “fundability”

• Demonstrate institutional support (your chair, dean and the leadership of the institution have endorsed your project and it fits into the university’s strategic plan).
• Leverage support from other places using collaborators and/or other funders/partners.
• Demonstrate community involvement (other organizations, participation from citizens or government).
• Illustrate involvement of those most affected by the outcomes of the project.
• Use a novel approach - what sets you apart?
• Outline your unique qualifications - why you are the person/institution best suited to conduct this project?
• Ease of replication - are you creating a model that can be implemented elsewhere or can you continue to do your work or utilize your findings to bring about additional advances?

- Adapted from materials prepared by Deborah S. Koch, Kochworks.