Yes, the Foundation will award grants to fiscal sponsors if the non 501(c) (3) organization applies and attaches the signed fiscal sponsor agreement.
Grantmaking FAQs
Below are frequent questions nonprofits ask about our grantmaking priorities and processes. If your question is not answered below, please contact a member of our Community Impact Team.
Fiscal sponsorship
Yes. The organization needs to sign a fiscal sponsor agreement with the organization that is applying for the grant.
Types of funding support
Yes. An organization may submit a request for funding for a new or existing project.
- General operating grants are intended to cover the ongoing expenses and day-to-day activities that a nonprofit organization needs to sustain itself. General operating grants are unrestricted funds that nonprofits can use to cover these costs. Examples include covering basic operating costs like rent, utilities, salaries, etc. Please note that the nonprofit’s mission must align with one of our funding priorities to be considered.
- Capital/facilities grants are for physical project costs, like equipment purchases or building renovations, including essential upgrades or expansions. The purpose of a capital/facilities grant must align with one of the Foundation’s funding priorities. Examples include the purchase and installation of new playground equipment for an early childhood facility or a new roof for a food pantry. Please note that contributions to a general campaign are ineligible.
- Project/program support are restricted funds for specific activities aligned with at least one of the Foundation’s priority areas. These grants are typically tied to a specific project- or program-based outcome defined by the applicant(s) seeking the funding. Examples include increasing the number of participants receiving a nonprofit’s workforce development services, launching a new mental health initiative or food distribution site, or two or more nonprofits collaborating to improve healthy birth outcomes.
- Multi-year grants are for nonprofits seeking general operating or project/program support for up to a three-year period.
- Emergency funding is available on a limited basis each year. The Foundation tries to be as responsive as possible as community needs arise. We consider emergency funding requests on a case-by-case basis. Contact a program officer aligned to your nonprofit’s emergent funding need to discuss.
- Sponsorships are available on a limited basis for special events aligned with the Foundation’s priorities and requirements. Please submit requests via our online form.
- Individuals or individual private businesses
- Debt reduction or agency endowments
- Sectarian organizations for religious purposes
- For-profit organizations
- Partisan political activities
No.
The Foundation occasionally provides underwriting support for nonprofit programming events such as convenings, forums and conferences on a limited basis.
The Foundation also provides sponsorships for nonprofit charitable fundraising events, such as annual luncheons and galas, on a limited basis from its annual operating budget, which can fluctuate from year to year.
All requests are subject to the availability of resources. Sponsorship awards may vary. A typical sponsorship award is $1,000.
Grant application process
Activities that have been proven effective through a valid outcome evaluation.
First time applicants need to create a username and password before they can submit a grant application. View the Applicant Tutorial for assistance.
The Grants Portal is for grantees only. If a donor or fund adviser needs access to their fund or the donor portal, please contact your relationship manager.
An organization with an open grant may apply when the current grant ends.
Other
We define racial equity and inclusion as equal access for all people, so all can reach their full potential and are less likely to encounter barriers or benefits based on race or ethnicity.
Yes. Religious organizations are eligible to apply for support of nonsectarian projects if they provide Group Ruling documentation and a W-9.
An organization must fill out an authorization form and either send it to our office or email grants@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org.