Frequently Asked Questions
Do you fund programs outside your target geographic areas (Minnesota (and the Indigenous Nations sharing the same geography), the City of New Haven, and the City of Minneapolis)? What about metro areas and surrounding communities?
No. Due to the current demand on our limited resources, we have narrowly focused our grantmaking to specific geographies based on our current guidelines. Exceptions are rare and would typically be either a one-of-a-kind organization that very uniquely serves the entire region or organizations that have offices outside the geographic area but primarily serve residents of our target geographic areas.
Is there a list of recently funded grants?
Yes, please see here for a list of recent grants made.
What do you look for in grant proposals?
A clear straight forward description of what you do and the difference it makes. Use most of your space to clearly describe what you actually do. Answer for us “So what?” What difference do you make? How do you know you are making a difference?
The grant deadline falls on a holiday or weekend when do you need to receive the application? Applications are due no later than midnight the day after the weekend or holiday that is the deadline date. We encourage you to begin your application earlier than that so you have time to review your file before submitting it.
How many funding cycles does the Carolyn Foundation have each year?
There are two funding cycles per year beginning in February and August. A cycle consists of receipt of application prior to deadline, processing and review of proposals, Board of Trustees approval and award. This cycle is approximately four months. The deadlines for our grant cycles are February 15 and August 15. Grants are paid in June and January.
If my proposal was rejected last cycle may I apply again this cycle?
That depends on why your request was rejected. If you received a declination stating that your proposal fell outside of our current priorities, please do not apply again for the same program. You may have a different program request that does fit our priorities, and in that case you may apply in the next cycle. If the declination said we were constrained by limited resources, you may apply again, however you should call and get feedback before reapplying. Each cycle is different and your proposal will be compared to a different set of proposals. If you have specific questions regarding your request, please call Becky Erdahl, Executive Director, at 612-596-3279.
When will I know about your funding decision?
You will be notified as soon as a decision is made regarding your proposal; either at the time we decide to no longer consider your proposal or when we decide to make a grant. Typically the first declinations are sent six weeks after the application deadline. The foundation grant review committees work through grants in batches throughout the cycle with declinations communicated as decisions are made.
Do you want or accept letters of inquiries or meetings before an application is submitted?
No, letters of inquiry and in person meetings before submissions are NOT a part of our application process. If you have questions about the appropriateness of a project idea, we encourage you to call Becky Erdahl, Executive Director, at 612-596-3279 to discuss the proposal you are considering. If you submit a letter of inquiry or email, we will respond informally with a phone call or email.
How are grant decisions made?
Grants are recommended to the Board by the grant review committees, which are made up of thoughtful and dedicated volunteers and, on most committees, members of the community. After thorough review of applications and an opportunity for site visits, the committee makes recommendations to the Board for funding.
May we add the Carolyn Foundation to our mailing list?
Please DON’T. Especially in these tight economic times, it is not a good use of your time, money or natural resources. We simply don’t have time to read all of the paper that comes through our office. Please include your web address on your proposal so if we need additional information we can find it. If you are successful in receiving a grant, be sure to send us a grant report at the end of the year specifically outlining your use of foundation funds. Please do not add us to your mailing list.
I think I know someone connected with the family. Should I give the proposal to them? Will that increase my chances of funding?
No, this family prides itself on the professionalism of our grant review process. The grant review committees have clear responsibility to recommend grantmaking decisions based on the quality of the proposal submitted, grant review criteria, and current foundation focus areas. Ensuring the independence of the grant review committees is a foundation priority. If a family member is involved and knowledgeable about your program, you may mention that in the cover letter and we will seek their feedback as part of the review process. Please submit grant requests directly to the Carolyn Foundation through our online application process.
What is the typical size of grants?
Recently most community grants have between $10,000 – $35,000, depending on organization size and fit with foundation priorities.
Does Carolyn Foundation have an indirect costs policy?
Yes, grant funds received from Carolyn Foundation used to pay indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total grant amount.