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 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
The foundation supports pluralism and equal opportunity in its grant making and in its internal policies. The opportunities that prospective grantee organizations provide for women and other disadvantaged groups 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. If the proposal is being considered for a grant, the approval process is generally completed within three months. Activities supported by grants and program-related investments must be charitable, educational or scientific, as defined under the appropriate provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations. The foundation monitors grants through regular financial and narrative reports submitted by the grantee.
The foundation’s funds are limited in relation to the great number of worthwhile proposals received. For example, in 2004 the foundation received about 41,000 grant requests and made 2,091 grants. The foundation directs its support to activities that are within its current interests and are likely to have wide effect. Support is not normally given for routine operating costs of institutions or for religious activities. Except in rare cases, funding is not available for the construction or maintenance of buildings.
Requests in the United States should be e-mailed to: office-secretary@fordfound.org or mailed to:
SecretaryThe Ford Foundation
320 East 43 StreetNew York, N.Y. 10017
Related Links
View Grants DatabaseCurrent Interests 2005 Recent Changes to Ford Foundation Grantee Policies The Ford Foundation’s Values and Grant LetterPursuing our Mission as a Responsible Philanthropic Institution