How to Apply for a Grant

The Greater Alliance Foundation supports capital needs of Alliance area nonprofit organizations. The Foundation also assists organizations seeking professional fund management at no charge. Contact the foundation for more information.

The first step in applying to the Foundation for a grant is a short letter of inquiry sent to Executive Director Doug Schwarz, Greater Alliance Foundation, 960 West State Street, Suite 220, Alliance, OH 44601. We review letters on a continuous basis, and they may be submitted at any time during the year. All letters are first reviewed to determine if they fall within the Foundation’s Program Guidelines. Those that do not are immediately declined.

Letters that are within the guidelines are then reviewed to determine the following:

  • The priority of the proposed project within the Foundation’s goals
  • The impact of the potential results of the capital improvement project
  • The availability of the Foundation’s funds

Submitting a Letter of Inquiry

Letters of inquiry should be no more than two to three pages and should include the following:

  • A brief statement of the issues to be addressed, the history and goals of your organization, and your organization’s involvement with these issues
  • A brief summary of the project for which you are requesting support, including an outline of your objectives, and anticipated outcomes and implications
  • The approximate completion date
  • The total amount of funding needed, the amount requested from the Foundation, and information about other sources of support, both assured and requested

Proposals

When a letter of inquiry reflects most closely the Greater Alliance Foundation’s program priorities, we will request a full proposal. Proposals should be submitted to the Foundation only upon request.

Often the staff will request additional information from applicants. We might also consult with persons knowledgeable about the proposed activities and we welcome your suggestions as to who might be qualified to assist us in our review of your proposal.

Applications must be submitted at least one month in advance of the funding period for consideration.

Final decisions on proposals are made by the Greater Alliance Foundation’s Board of Directors. You will be informed of the Board’s decision immediately following the Board meeting at which your proposal is discussed. If a grant is awarded, you will be asked to sign a Grant Agreement that lays out reporting and other requirements.

Meetings with Staff

The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to meet with possible grantees. We prefer, however, to postpone such meetings until after we receive a letter of inquiry, in order to determine if a meeting will be useful.

Eligibility

The Greater Alliance Foundation makes grants only to tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) classifications from the Internal Revenue Service.

The Foundation will not consider requests for endowments, general fundraising, deficit financing, or loans and grants to individuals. In view of the local focus of our program, we do not ordinarily consider projects that are not primarily of local interest. The Foundation does not make grants for research projects or give support to conferences, seminars, media events, or workshops unless they are an integral part of a broader program.

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please contact us:

Greater Alliance Foundation
960 West State Street
Suite 220
Alliance, OH 44601

330-823-8560
info@greateralliancefoundation.org