APPLYING FOR A GRANT
Important Information for all AFF Partners and Applicant
Andrus Family Fund's grantmaking practice and strategy.
Before Applying
Applicants should carefully review materials describing our programs and mission. In particular, applicants should pay special attention to AFF's overarching grantmaking theme of the Transition approach (For more information about the Transition Framework, see www.transitionandsocialchange.org).
Statement of Inclusion
All applicants are required to join AFF in agreeing not to discriminate in any way including, but not limited to, access to program participation or employment against any person or group on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. If a program is designed for a specific population defined by any of these criteria, this policy shall be subject to appropriate adjustment in consultation with AFF.
Faith-Based Organizations
Faith-based organizations should carefully review the Advisory to Faith-Based Organizations on the "Applying for a Grant" page of this website and be sure to fill out the appropriate section of the grant application.
Proposal
The first step in applying for a grant is to submit an Online AFF Application, which includes an explanation of the project for which funds are sought. The letter should include: a succinct description of the application organization; a brief description of the project and how it accomplishes AFF's program strategies; information about the key participants, including staff members and beneficiaries; and a section on how you envision the Transition framework will be intentionally and consistently incorporated into your work.
AFF makes its best effort to conduct a preliminary review of an applicant's proposal within forty-five days of its receipt. After this initial review, AFF will either decline funding the proposal or the applicant may be asked to submit more information. In some cases, AFF may ask to meet with the applicant organization to further discuss the applicant's plans.
Formal Proposal
If a formal proposal is requested, AFF provides applicants with a detailed list of requirements including: description of the applicant organization, including its background, mission, and relevant experience in the area for which funds are sought; a statement of need for the proposed project; a complete description of the project, including your thoughts on how Bridges' Transition framework will enhance and be incorporated into your work; the plan of operation for carrying out the project; qualifications and experience of principal staff members involved; the amount of funds requested from AFF; the duration of the project; measuring success; an itemized project budget; plan for sustaining the project post-AFF; and a list of board members, advisors, and affiliates of the organization. Applicants are also required to attach copies of the organization's tax exemption notice and classification from the IRS, and most recent financial statements.
AFF notifies applicants of its decision on the formal proposal within ninety days of receipt of all materials.
Transition Coaching
While the willingness to intentionally and consistently pay attention to Transition throughout your project is a condition to being considered for funding by us, we recognize the challenges inherent in taking advantage of this theory to enhance your practice. In order to help grantees face this challenge, each is assigned a Transition coach - an experienced consultant who has been trained extensively in managing Transition - who provides Transition training and Transition-related program development assistance to project staff, stakeholders and beneficiaries. The costs for this consultation will be added to a successful applicant's grant budget.