What was the overall relationship with the funder?
How many hours did the grant application process take?
8 hours
Median
93%
7%
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
92%
8%
How successfully do you think the funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Important Information
2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
Interests/Priorities
Key Personnel
Financial Summary
For Fiscal Year
Total Assets:
Total Grants:
Change in Assets FY :
Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Sample Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits in
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Top descriptors for this funder
60Culturally sensitive55Responsive50Positive leader in the field42Friendly41"Gets" nonprofits and issues40Builds relationships33Openminded26Gives more than money26Insightful20Risk taker11Likes site visits1Bureaucratic
Advice from a Friend
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Jul 20, 2022
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
I am not as familiar with this funder but their reputation is deeply relationship-oriented - my advice is always to call and ask if they take introductory phone calls - but to make sure the colleague has read all the details of the website first.
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded, tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Good
I don't know they well but reputation is accessible
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Good
Wonderful reputation for funding deeply important priorities
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Continue with the format of the Rapid Response Fund application - thank you for how it was structured!!
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The grant application process was clear and asked just the right amount of questions in an open format without too many attachments - perfect (and felt very fair) for the grant opportunity presented
How many hours did the grant application process take?
8
Jul 14, 2022
Reviewer 1921 -
Grant Applicant - applied in 2021
It is best to read the grant guidelines and then communicate directly with the staff who is in charge of the grant application.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded, tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2021
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Average
How many hours did the grant application process take?
12
Jun 10, 2022
Grant Applicant - applied in 2022
Make sure that your mission and goals aligns with NMEF. And develop a working relationship with the foundation so they get to know who you are and your work.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded, tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2020
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Good
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Good
How many hours did the grant application process take?
10 to 15 hours
May 25, 2022
Grant Applicant - applied in 2022
We have been funded before and are hoping to be again. This funding opportunity was by invitation so we are appreciative of the opportunity and have given it our all. The funder is accessible and helpful, truly open to helping us deliver our best proposal.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded, tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2022
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Good
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Good
Enter funding details
Current grant pending
How many hours did the grant application process take?
5 to 10 hours
Apr 22, 2022
Reviewer 1991 -
Grant Applicant - applied in 2022
Nellie Mae is very accessible to answering any questions you have. Just do your homework to make sure what you are asking aligns with their mission.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Make sure to create a grant in excel. They don't mention that in the RFP but they ask for it when you are uploading. Make sure to have org details on hand like EIN when you are ready to upload the grant.
They are very clear about their funding focus areas. If you're not sure whether your proposal fits within one of those areas, call them. They are very responsive and helpful.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded, tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2021
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Good
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its current philanthropic goals?
Good
This foundation focuses on equitable access and opportunities, and has structured their funding opportunities to support their priorities. Their RFPs are clear, and they are eager to support.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Great at building relationships.
How many hours did the grant application process take?
5 to 10 hours
Would you like to share your experiences about this funder?
