Before a request is made for a grant or program-related investment, a brief letter of inquiry is advisable to determine
whether the foundation’s present interests and funds permit consideration of the request.

The letter should include:

• The purpose of the project for which funds are being requested
• Problems and issues the proposed project will address
• Information about the organization conducting the project
• Estimated overall budget for the project
• Period of time for which funds are requested
• Qualifications of those who will be engaged in the project

After receiving the letter, foundation staff members may ask the grant seeker to submit a formal proposal.
There is no grant application form. The proposal should include:

• The organization’s current budget
• A description of the proposed work and how it will be conducted
• The names and curricula vitae of those engaged in the project
• A detailed project budget
• Present means of support and status of applications to other funding sources
• Legal and tax status

In some instances, the foundation requires the grantee organization to match the foundation’s grant with funds from other sources.

The foundation supports pluralism and equal opportunity in its grant making and in its internal policies. The opportunities that prospective grantee organizations provide for minorities and women are considered in evaluating proposals.

Applications are considered throughout the year. Normally applicants may expect to receive within six weeks an indication of whether their proposals are within the foundation’s program interests and budget limitations. Activities supported by grants and program-related investments must be charitable, educational or scientific, as defined under the appropriate provisions of the international Revenue- Tax Codes and Regulations.

The foundation monitors grants through regular financial and narrative reports submitted by the grantee.

Requests should be e-mailed to: office-secretary@gisedfnd.org