For Grantseekers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PLEASE NOTE: The foundation is not accepting unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals. (Updated July 2010)

What is the process for applying for a grant?

The foundation is currently not accepting unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals.

The first step in the application process is to submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) by mail. LOIs may be submitted at any time during the year. Foundation staff will respond within 30-60 days indicating whether or not a full proposal is invited. Please see the Guidelines section of our website to read more about our grantmaking process.

Can we submit more than one letter of inquiry at a time?

No. Organizations may only submit one LOI at a time. Organizations that submit multiple LOIs will be asked to withdraw all but one letter from consideration.

Will The Siragusa Foundation staff discuss proposal ideas before submission?

The foundation is only accepting solicited proposals at this time, so grantseekers invited to submit proposals may Contact our program staff to discuss whether the project/program aligns with the foundation's program priorities.

What if we are not invited to submit a full proposal?

Applicants may not be invited to submit a full proposal because the proposed project does not fall within the foundation's guidelines, because the project is not developed sufficiently, or because the project has limited reach or impact. You may review the foundation's guidelines for additional clarification.

Does The Siragusa Foundation have deadlines for proposals/applications?

Yes, however, the foundation is currently not accepting unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals. Typically, complete proposals are reviewed once per year, in the summer/fall preceding our mid-November Board meeting.

Is there a standard format for proposals?

Yes. If you are invited to submit a proposal for consideration by the foundation, please visit our Guidelines page, and complete and submit The Siragusa Foundation Grant Application, including all attachments, as directed

For how much should we apply?

Organizations should submit proposals requesting a reasonable amount of financial support for efforts that most closely match the foundation's priorities. The amount that you request from the foundation should be proportionate to your organizational budget, project budget and expected income from other sources. The foundation is rarely the sole funder of a project and encourages applicants to develop a variety of individual, government and private funding sources for their programs. T he board will take into consideration your track record in implementing projects of a similar size and scope, as well as the foundation's own resources to support the many projects proposed for the coming year. Applicants are welcome to review our awards for current and past grantees to get a sense of the size of our typical grants and to discuss amounts with program staff at the foundation as necessary.

May I e-mail my application materials?

No. Only hard copy applications are accepted.

How many copies of the proposal do I need to include?

One copy, including all attachments.

We don't have an audited copy of our financial statements-can we still apply?

Yes, you can still submit a letter of inquiry even if you do not have an audited copy of your financial statements. However,if you are invited to submita proposal, please be prepared to send a copy of your form 990 and any other relevant budget information. If you expect to receive an audited statement within six months of when you were invited to submit a proposal, please send a copy to the foundation when you receive it.

May we apply for a grant while we are awaiting 501(c)(3) ruling?

Proof of 501(c)(3) status is required with the application. If it is not included with your application, the application will be considered incomplete.

We do not have a 501(c)(3) classification. Can we apply to the through a fiscal sponsor?

Yes, the foundation will accept proposals from fiscal sponsors. The LOI should be submitted by the fiscal sponsor on behalf of the organization. If the LOI is accepted, staff will contact the fiscal sponsor to discuss requirements for submitting a proposal.

Does The Siragusa Foundation make multi-year grants?

Yes. The Siragusa Foundation recognizes that some types of programs and projects can be more successful when a grant is awarded for a specific period of time, which may be longer than one year. However, the foundation rarely funds multi-year projects for a period longer than three years.

If my organization has received grants in the past, are there limitations to how many years we can receive grants?

No. Consecutive-year-funding requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, if the foundation has terminated support for a program within your organization, the organization must wait a minimum of three years before reapplying for funding.

Does the foundation offer challenge grants?

Yes, the foundation recognizes challenge grants as effective tools for leveraging additional financial support for certain projects.

Does the foundation fund operating expenses?

Yes, the foundation funds both program-related costs and general operating expenses. It should be clearly stated what aspects of operating expenses funding from the foundation will help cover. Furthermore, the foundation will support expenses associated with implementing the specific project for which you are requesting funding. These expenses may include administrative costs, such as salaries and facility usage, and should be included as specific line items in the project budget submitted with your application.

Is there anything that the foundation doesnotsupport?

The foundation typically does not support capital expenditures or endowments. The foundation also does not support individuals or advocacy initiatives.

Does my organization or project have to be located in the greater Chicago area?

The foundation's priority is to fund projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the greater metropolitan Chicago area. There is a small percentage of funding granted to initiatives outside the area, based on the interests and relationships of foundation board and family members.

Do I need to choose the program area to which I apply?

Yes, the project or program for which your organization is applying for funding must fall into one of the foundation's five priority giving areas: arts and culture, education, the environment, health services and medical research, or human services. You can read more about these areas here.

What is your grant review process?

LOIs and proposals are reviewed by staff and the foundation's board to determine which projects best meet the foundation's funding priorities and review criteria. Staff may contact you for additional information if needed throughout the review process. If a proposal is viewed favorably, the foundation may partially or completely fund the request. Funding is ultimately contingent upon the board's decision regarding alignment with the foundation's priorities and availability of funds within the foundation's annual budget.

How long does the review process take?

The foundation generally responds to grant requests within four to five months after receiving a complete proposal, typically after our board meets to render decisions in mid-November.

When are applicants notified of funding decisions?

Organizations invited to submit proposals that are approved for grants at the foundation's mid-November board meeting will be notified shortly thereafter via an award letter. The letter will stipulate the terms of the grant, distribution date(s) of the funds, and other relevant information regarding your relationship with the foundation as a grantee.

If we are not approved, how soon can we re-apply?

Potential grantees may apply for funds once per calendar year.

What can I expect after my organization's proposal is funded?

The foundation will mail your organization an award letter that includes the grant terms, conditions and expectations. The letter will also outline the payment schedule and other pertinent details and requirements, including acknowledgements and reporting. Please visit the Grantee section of the website for additional information.

Will I need to turn in grant reports?

Yes. All foundation grantees are required to submit a Year-End Grant Report, detailing the activities carried out during the year as supported by the foundation. The report is due approximately one month following the end of the grant period (which is usually December 31st) and may be completed and submitted online.

Does the foundation conduct site visits?

All grantees are encouraged to coordinate with foundation staff at least one site visit per year so that the foundation may observe and more fully understand the programming supported. The foundation recognizes that some programs occur during certain times of the year and looks forward to working with its grantees to schedule these visits at the most convenient and appropriate time.

If I know members of The Siragusa Foundation's Board of Trustees or grants committee, does it increase the likelihood that my proposal will be funded if I contact them?

Not necessarily. The foundation encourages all trustees and/or committee members to refer calls regarding grant requests to foundation program staff. Ultimately, grants are approved by the entire board at its annual board meetings.

If I have questions about the foundation, whom should I call?

Please contact The Siragusa Foundation staff.

Contact Us