FAQs

See the eligibility criteria on the “Strategy” page.

The Foundation accepts LOIs on a rolling basis; however, organizations can only submit one LOI during The Foundation’s July 1-June 30 fiscal year i.e. we reserve the right to turn down a repeat request for funding made in this time period. Visit the “How to Apply” page of our website to begin the LOI process.

No. Due to the overwhelming volume of requests we receive, Foundation staff do not consult on LOI submissions.

Typically, the Foundation declines an LOI submission because an organization is:

• A start-up and/or requesting funding for a unproven program
• Not registered as a 501(c)(3)
• Not eligible per our eligibility requirements
• Requesting funding twice for the same project in a given 12-month period
• Operating outside of the Foundation’s geographic focus
• Operating outside the Foundation’s mission area focus
• Experiencing significant leadership turnover
• Making less impact than other similar programs in the Foundation’s portfolio

Grants are approved only by action of the full Board of Directors following a rigorous internal review process.

For general operating grants, deadlines and award notification periods are determined by the assigned quarter in which you apply for funding. Our due diligence process lasts approximately four months which is then followed by an internal review and evaluation period. While it is possible to receive an award notification before the end of the quarter, the decision may extend an additional period of time. Once awards are determined, Foundation staff will notify applicants. For all other grant types, the due diligence process lasts until all areas of review have been completed, which is determined on a case-by-case basis. Your program officer will be better able to give you a timeline.

The Foundation rarely provides organizational start-up funding and/or seed money. The Foundation evaluates leadership, sustainability, and track record of success when reviewing grant requests. Per the Foundation’s Board of Directors, a sustainable organization should typically have at least $500,000 in contributed revenue prior to applying for a grant.

The Foundation awards general operating support, project/program support, capital campaign support. The primary focus for new funding opportunities is on bold, transformative ideas aligned with our strategic priorities.

If the majority of your organization’s programs are a mission fit, consider applying for general operating support. When the Foundation is confident in the strength of an organization’s leadership, track record of success, and sustainability, it is common for the board to award general operating funds to be used at your discretion.

However, the primary focus for new funding opportunities is on bold, transformative ideas aligned with our strategic priorities. These have a greater chance of funding success when tied to strong organizations as defined above.

Ultimately, the amount is up to you. The Foundation does adhere to grant sizing guidelines set forth by its board. The Foundation:

• Is rarely the largest donor to an organization
• Is rarely the only funder of a specific program
• Is typically in the organization’s top 5 private donors

The Foundation’s board also typically sizes grants at or below 10% of the applicant’s contributed revenue (as stated on the organization’s most recent 990). This guideline helps prevent an unhealthy dependence on The Foundation support.

A naming opportunity does not drive the Foundation’s decision to participate in a project. The Foundation’s board will consider naming opportunities as part of a comprehensive request.

Yes. If your LOI or renewal request is approved and you are invited to submit a grant application, the Foundation staff will review your application materials and contact you regarding next steps. Typically, we’ll schedule a meeting at your location. These visits last for approximately one hour and should include 2-3 members of your executive leadership team, including board representation. We’ll begin our site visit by sitting down to ask questions and learn more about the mission; we’ll conclude our site visit with a brief tour of your facility.

Visit the Foundation’s grantee portal through “For Grantees” to view deadlines for your organization.

After you submit your renewal application materials, staff will schedule a time to further discuss your request and pertinent organization updates. This due diligence process takes approximately one quarter to complete, at which point, your request is given to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Throughout the subsequent quarter, the board reviews requests in the context of the entire Foundation portfolio. This process can take some time, so we don’t set a specific board meeting date; instead, we give our partners a window of time in which to expect award notification.

Once the board communicates award decisions, the Foundation’s staff contacts each renewal applicant. At this time, we provide further direction on how to formally acknowledge and accept a potential award, when to expect payment, and how to publicly announce the award, should you choose to.

Yes, please see the TLLF Portal Toolkit.