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 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who is Eligible to Apply for funding? Eligible organizations range from 501C(3) organizations to municipalities. In some cases, the Trust will also fund individuals, provided they have a fiscal agent to accept financial and fiduciary responsibility for grant performance. top^ How do I know which program to apply under? Within the Unrestricted General Grants Program are three sub-programs: Environmental Education, Human Health & the Environment, and Ecosystem Health and Biological Diversity. Please visit the Request for Response ("RFR") (link) for descriptions and the specific guidelines for each program. Be sure to specify the program under which you are applying with your letter of inquiry and full proposal. top^ What are the deadlines for the Unrestricted General Grants Program? Letters of Inquiry are due November 1st and, for those invited to submit a full proposals, proposals are due March 1st. All deadlines are by U.S. Postal Service postmark or hand delivery to the Trust's Union Street office by 5:00 p.m. top^ What is a 'postmark' deadline? A 'postmark' deadline means that Letters of Inquiry, full proposals, and reports must be stamped at the post office no later than the required date for submission. The Trust also accepts submission via hand delivery at the Trust's 100 Cambridge Street office by 5:00 p.m. on the required date for submission. top^ The Trust does not fund general operating expenses, fringe benefits, or staff time not directly associated with project activities. The Trust will consider providing support for operating expenses for approved projects, not to exceed 25% of the proposal request. The Trust does not generally fund capital purchases, defined as those with a lifespan of longer than five years. The Trust, however, does support minor purchases of materials that are integrated and essential to specific project activities. Such purchases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. top^ Can I apply for multi-year funding? Yes. Applicants proposing projects for multi-year funding must provide a clear program design for multiple years, and a clear, step-by-step progression of activities and corresponding goals, objectives, and outcomes. Renewal of the second or third year of contracts is contingent upon satisfactory completion of first year obligations. Multi-year projects may also include an interim site evaluation prior to renewal of the second or third year of the contract. top^ Can I apply for a grant under more than one program? Although you may apply for grants for multiple projects, we will not review duplicate Letters of Inquiry submitted under more than one program area-Environmental Education, Human Health & the Environment, and Ecosystem Health and Biological Diversity. Each Letter of Inquiry must specify one program area under which it is submitted. top^ Please provide 10 copies of all documentation you are submitting. These copies are given by Trust staff to members of the Advisory Committees to begin the review process. The copies should be all-inclusive. top^ Can letters of support be sent individually to the Trust rather than with the full proposal? No. Please provide all letters of support along with the full proposal and attachments. Any letters of support received under separate cover will not be considered by the advisory committees. top^ How are funding decisions made? Advisory committees comprised of Trustees, staff, and environmental specialists appointed by the Trust review Letters of Inquiry and make recommendations for organizations to submit full proposals. The advisory committees review full proposals and make recommendations for funding to the Board of Trustees. top^ What is the disbursement schedule? Generally, grant monies are paid in installments three times per fiscal year, the first 50% as an advance payment at the beginning of the fiscal year, a second 25% upon receipt of an interim report, and the final 25% upon receipt of a final report at the end of the fiscal year. top^ |
