Frequently Asked Questions
What elements should be included in my proposal?
Please check our website here for the most up to date information on the Arca Foundation's upcoming docket.
Typically, grantees should be prepared to submit the following:
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE (8 pg. maximum)
- Summary. To include the following information:
- Arca Foundation Focus Area
- The organization's mission
- A list of current programs and activities
- Summary of the grant request (purpose, goals & objectives of the proposed programming)
- Request. Please discuss the following:
- Problems or issues the project addresses
- Goals and objectives of the proposed programming
- Timelines for proposed activities
- Discussion of potential challenges and how staff will troubleshoot
- Discussion of current and potential partners and how these partnerships will strengthen your work
- Explanation of how you will use this funding to leverage additional support
- Evaluation. Explain what method of evaluation will be employed and what benchmarks will be used to track the progress of the grant.
- Organization Structure & Administration. Identify the role and responsibilities of key board members, staff, volunteers and members.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
- The most recent IRS letter documenting the organization's 501(c)(3) status or the fiscal sponsor's 501(c)(3) letter
- A list of 2010 funders, including the purpose and amount of funding
- A copy of the 2010 organizational budget
- A copy of the 2010 project budget
- A list of board members and their affiliations
- Short biographies for key staff members
- Lobbying Expenditure Form
- If fiscally sponsored, a letter on your fiscal sponsor's letterhead acknowledging they assume full fiscal, legal and programmatic responsibility for the organization applying for funding
- If fiscally sponsored, an organizational budget for the fiscal sponsor's current fiscal year
- If fiscally sponsored, a list of the fiscal sponsor's board members and their affiliations
What is the average size of Arca’s grants?
The Arca Foundation’s average grant is approximately $50,000. However, many are less and a few are larger grants, depending upon the project.
Should my organization submit a letter of inquiry?
No, the Arca Foundation has a small staff. We are unable to respond to letters of inquiry, but we accept complete proposals submitted according to our application requirements on regular grant deadlines.
What is the proposal deadline?
The Arca Foundation typically has two deadlines annually, on March 1 and September 1, for consideration in June and December respectively. When deadline dates fall on a weekend, the deadline is effective on the next weekday. Late proposals will not be considered, and extensions are not available for any reason. Check the application requirements for the most up to date information on the current deadline before submitting. Proposals must be received by 5:00 pm on the deadline date.
Should I contact Arca regarding the status of my proposal?
No. Once you have submitted via our online system, your application is complete. If we have additional questions about your project or organization, we may contact you for details. You will be notified by email once the Board has made a decision with regard to your proposal.
Do I need to meet with Arca staff regarding my proposal in order for it to be considered?
No. Given the tremendous number of proposals we receive, it is not possible to meet with every applicant. However, if schedules permit, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your work either by telephone or in person. The Arca Foundation Board and/or staff may request a site visit at your offices under some circumstances.
When and how will I find out whether my proposal has been funded?
You will be notified by email once the Board has made a decision with regard to your proposal. We try to send this information out within a week of the Board’s decision at the regular semi-annual meetings.
Does Arca renew grants?
The Arca Foundation does not automatically renew grants to former grantees. Each new proposal and project is evaluated on its own merits, regardless of whether we have funded a particular organization or project in the past. Previous grantees may reapply for grants, although we typically do not award more than one grant to an organization in any one-year period. Thus, if your organization received a grant during a Spring funding cycle one year, you should not plan to submit another proposal until the following Spring except under exceptional circumstances.
Are former grantees guaranteed funding in the future?
No. Because we are a small foundation, we do not see ourselves as long-term sustaining funders. Rather, we see ourselves as “seed” funders—providing initial funding for new projects or organizations that are on the leading edge of progressive policy. We do, however, sometimes provide grants to former grantees if their work merits continued funding over the years, or in very limited instances multiyear grants for longer term projects.
Does the Arca Foundation consider requests for emergency funding or funding between grant cycles?
No, we do not accept unsolicited proposals between grant cycles. If we receive your proposal after the deadline, or well in advance of one, we may ask you to re-submit your proposal for the next funding cycle, but such a request should not be seen as a guarantee of future funding in that next cycle. We may make a grant for travel that is of special circumstance, presents as a unique opportunity, and might not be the subject of an ordinary request for funding.