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:
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Average Grant:
Top descriptors for this funder
57Culturally sensitive53Responsive46Positive leader in the field40Friendly39"Gets" nonprofits and issues38Builds relationships32Openminded25Gives more than money25Insightful19Risk taker11Likes site visits1Bureaucratic
Advice from a Friend
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
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?
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?
Average
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
While it is critical to address the issues of marginalized populations, Nellie Mae used to have a very STRONG philosophy around evidence-based practice, especially as related to student-centered learning practices. SCL can be one of the great equity levers and it is such a shame to see the migration away from such a powerful pedagogy.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communications
How many hours did the grant application process take?
Review the previous grants funded by this foundation. Is your request relative to past funding? Does it need to be?
Make sure their mission/philosophy aligns with yours.
Pros
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, 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
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
There are some grants that I believe we are perfect for, but that are by invite. I wonder if there could be some information on what "invite" means and the criteria used to assign invites for future cycles.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The application was really straightforward.
How many hours did the grant application process take?
10 to 15 hours
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