Funding Process: How to Apply
Funding Process:
1. Confirm eligibility
Please review the eligibility criteria and complete the eligibility self-assessment before applying. If your organization is not eligible, please do not submit a Letter of Intent or funding request.
2. Submit a Letter of Intent (if required)
Organizations that are new to the Foundation or requesting a significant increase in funding must first submit a brief, one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) to info@davisfdn.org. The LOI should include:
- Your organization’s connection to Hampden County
- A brief overview of your funding request
- The goals of the proposed work
If your work aligns with the Foundation’s funding areas, you may be invited to submit a funding request.
3. Submit a funding request
Approved and returning applicants are invited to submit a funding request through the Foundation’s website.
- New applicants are encouraged to describe their organization’s connection to Hampden County, how the request aligns with one or more funding areas, what success would look like, and how it will be measured.
- Returning applicants are encouraged to reflect on prior goals, describe progress and outcomes, and outline what the current request would support. Organizations requesting an increased amount should explain why additional funding is needed.
- Funding requests are reviewed by the Foundation team, which may follow up with questions. Organizations may submit one funding request per calendar year.
Funding Cycle
The Foundation Board meets quarterly to review applications and recommendations. Funding decisions are communicated by email. Awarded organizations are asked to sign a grant agreement outlining the terms of the grant. The Foundation reviews request on a quarterly timeline:
- Quarter 1: Applications due February 1; notifications by March 31
- Quarter 2: Applications due May 1; notifications by June 30
- Quarter 3: Applications due August 1; notifications by September 30
- Quarter 4: Applications due November 1; notifications by December 31
Learning in Partnership
The Davis Foundation values learning and open communication with grantee partners and invites organizations to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Funded organizations are asked to submit a brief overview that addresses:
- Progress toward the goals outlined in the funding request, including key accomplishments, early outcomes, challenges encountered, and lessons learned
- Any significant changes to the project, timeline, or organizational context
The Foundation may follow up with questions or request additional conversations as part of this ongoing learning partnership.
Questions?
If you have questions at any point in the process, please contact info@davisfdn.org.
Ready to apply?
Download a PDF preview of the application.
Complete the application.