Application Process

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if our organization is eligible to submit
a request?

A1:  If you have received a capacity building grant from the O'Neill Foundation in the last five years, and the O'Neill Foundation is still funding in your geographic area, you are most likely eligible to apply. Call the foundation office if you have questions.

However, as announced on the website's home page, the eligibility process has been suspended and no organizations new to the foundation will be able to submit a request for a capacity building grant, pending the completion of the Foundation's review of all of its grantmaking in light of its new mission statement.

Q2: How do I know what geographic areas are funded?
Do they change?

A2: To be considered for funding, the location of an organization's operations must fall within the metropolitan area where O'Neill family members who are active in the work of the foundation reside. This could change if, for example, the active family member moves to another city. The current geographic areas are listed on the Application Process Overview page.

Q3: Can I apply for support for a grant that is not capacity building, for example an operating or special project grant?

A3: The O'Neill Foundation's responsive grantmaking is limited to capacity building projects only. Refer to our discussion of Capacity Building Grants Program on our website for further information.

Q4: We received a message that a report is due to the foundation. Is there a particular format we should use? 

A4: Grant recipients are typically advised that a report will be due at the close of the grant period.  A report form, and information regarding reporting requirements, is sent as a reminder one month before the grant period ends. If you need a copy, send an email request to cdrennan@oneillfdn.org. (Soon you will be able to download a copy from the website.)

Q5: How do I know if the foundation has received my application or if I am awarded a grant?

A5: Receipt of letters of inquiry and proposals are acknowledged as they are received, typically by email. An award/declination letter is sent out by regular mail within a week of a Grantmaking Committee meeting. If you have not received notice within the designated time, please feel free to call Cynthia Drennan at 216-831-4135.

Q6: Do you provide multi-year funding?

A6: No, although we realize that some projects require 2-3 years of funding to get off the ground. In some cases, we will consider second year funding for the same project, but only based on the evaluation of the first year. You must re-apply for a new grant after the initial year.

Q7: Do you fund projects that have already been paid for?

A7: We do not grant "retroactive" funding, even if you had to take funds from other items out of your general operating budget to pay for them.

Q8: How soon after the LOI submission deadline will you make a site visit?

A8: Site visits are scheduled by Foundation staff within three weeks after the LOI deadline, but the actual site visit may not take place for several weeks. We try to complete all site visits at least two weeks before the proposal deadline. Refer to the information about Site Visits and Tips for Grantseekers on our website for more information about site visits.

Q9: If we are declined funding, how soon can we return with
a new LOI?

A9: You can return at any time in the same calendar year with a new LOI. If your LOI is  declined, Foundation staff will make every effort to explain why you were declined.