Frequently Asked Questions about the 2008 Proposal Process for
Archdiocesan High Schools
Category: All proposals
Q. What types of requests are eligible?
A. Grants to Archdiocesan high schools are awarded for the purpose of introducing, strengthening, replicating or proposing collaboration on educational projects that enhance students' learning experiences or present a unique marketing opportunity to improve or stabilize enrollment.
Please note: In view of existing programs and commitments, requests for endowment or tuition assistance cannot be considered.
Q. Will the Foundation consider capital expenditures?
A. Yes, provided they are necessary and relevant to the delivery of an academic program.
Q. What about operating costs?
A. The Foundation is very cautious about awarding funding for operating costs. It does not provide grants toward facility operations or toward salaries for existing faculty or administrative positions. In rare cases, it may consider salary support for non-faculty positions, provided:
- the support is short term; and
- a viable plan for ongoing support is presented.
Q. What makes a proposal strong?
A. Some of the elements the Foundation looks for when reviewing proposals include:
- thorough compliance with Connelly Foundation Guidelines
- clear vision and strong leadership
- fine tuned rationale for the project or program, with reference to research or models that support it (if applicable)
- demonstrated capacity to implement the program and achieve its stated objectives in a reasonable time frame
- capability to assess outcomes and sustain the work at the end of the grant period
Q. What happens to the proposal upon receipt?
A. The Foundation acknowledges receipt of each proposal by mail within a week. It is assigned to a program officer(s) for an in depth review, which may include telephone communication, requests for additional materials and/or a site visit. This process ranges from two to four months. Once the Foundation approves or declines the proposal, the organization is notified of the decision in writing.
Q. Are there pre-proposal meetings?
A. No. The Foundation believes that all parties benefit from a process that begins with a written proposal as the starting point of a discussion, and therefore earlier communication is discouraged.
Q. How many copies of the proposal are required?
A. Please send only one copy.
Category: Requests under $100,000
Q. Does the Foundation ever fund 100% of project costs?
A. Provided the amount requested does not exceed $100,000 and the proposal is particularly compelling and achievement of stated goals appears certain, the Foundation may elect to award 100% of project costs.
Q. Can high schools request a multi-year grant within the $100,000 limit?
A. No. Please confine requests to projects or programs that require expenditure of the grant within a one-year period, with implementation to begin not later than January, 2009.
Q. Are there deadlines?
A. Typically it takes approximately two months to review proposals up to $100,000. Since the pool of funds is available for distribution in calendar year 2008, it is strongly recommended that proposals arrive no later than October 1, 2008.
Category: Requests $100,000
and over
Q. How large a grant can be requested?
A. Grants can range in size from $100,000 dollars to seven figures. The Foundation will consider funding 40% - 80% of total project costs, depending upon the scope of the request and project viability, particularly as it relates to the potential to secure additional funding. Please note: The higher the project cost, the lower the percentage of contribution by the Foundation.
Q. Are other sources of funding required at the time the proposal is submitted?
A. Confirmed commitments for funding from other sources or constituents definitely strengthen the proposal and its prospects for funding.
Q. Does the Foundation award challenge grants or multi-year pledges?
A. Yes. The Foundation awards challenge grants, as well as multi-year pledges, to help stimulate and leverage donations within a defined period of time. A detailed plan and timetable for fundraising should be included as part of the proposal.
Q. Are there any deadlines?
A. No. The Foundation considers requests in excess of $100,000 on a rolling basis.