19 survey respondents
Location: 1528 Walnut St Ste 1002, Philadelphia, 19102 PA
EIN: 23-1365325
100%
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8 hours
Median
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100%
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2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
For Fiscal Year
Total Assets:
Total Grants:
Change in Assets FY :
Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Fels staff is very approachable. If you are just starting and have any questions about your application process/eligibility, they will make sure to prepare you for it.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
Checking in with the guarantees, yearly reports, and meeting us where your need is.
5
Thank you for this review.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2022
I reached out to a program officer at Fels to discuss support for a new organization that was aligned with the Foundation's mission. Of all the Philly based foundations, Fels is by far the most professional, mission driven and and forth coming. I appreciated how curious the program officer was, her deep attention to detail and her ability to manage expectations without draining critical capacity from my work. Throughout the whole process she was forthcoming, supportive and highly capable. My expectations were not high, but she saw my work for what it was worthy of investment. After a few email back and forth she drafted a proposal that ultimately got funded above the formally requested amount. SR called personally to deliver the news and has made herself available to answer questions and offer technical assistance and training opportunities to the portfolio of grantees. I am certain that a significant amount of work has gone into developing processes that are aligned with Fels' stated mission, most notably, a highly flexible employee wellness fund to sustain the work. I cannot say the same for other Philly based foundations.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for greater amount
2022
Good
Always an email away
Good
This foundation is deeply committed to organizing and supporting Black led work that addresses systemic issues.
Consider making grants available for more than one year at a time.
Communication, honest feedback? accessibility.
5 to 10 hours
Thank you for this review. We aim to be transparent and work with partners to make the application process more accessible.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2022
Call them. They are really kind and thoughtful, the Executive Director has experience in the non-profit sector so she will understand your challenges. But it's best to be prepared when you talk. They ask very good but very thorough questions.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2022
Good
Good
I'm not sure that I know what their philanthropic goals are but I know that they have a goal of being more responsive to the non-profit community in general as well as to the needs of smaller, BIPOC lead organizations in particular and in my opinion they are meeting that. They often would seek feedback and follow the feedback provided.
I think to continue along the pathway that it has taken, including being thorough in doing homework. Organizations that are larger and/or better established don't necessarily have fewer struggles than smaller organizations. And smaller organizations who have understandable limitations due to size and even experience aren't necessarily all equal in how they deal with those realities. Some are strongly competent despite the limits and some truly are not. I think the commitment to the community must continue to include a commitment to ensure excellence even if it is at a smaller scaler or in a slightly more limited way because of resources.
Being supportive.
6
Thank you for this review. We plan to continue soliciting feeback and acting on it.
Reviewer 1657 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
I would contact the staff members at the foundation to really understand their mission (which has changed) first and then start the application process - the online app is great and easy to use! Good luck to all!
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
New Jersey
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
Everyone at Samuel S. Fels is friendly and eager to help
Good
I think the Samuel S. Fels Foundation's mission is a very good one and a very needed one. They are charting a course I hope other foundations will follow - merging social justice aims with doing innovative things.
Keep up the good work!
Advice and help with the application and process
More than 15
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are happy to answer questions during the application process in hopes of providing clarity.
Reviewer 5305 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Paramount to speak with folks at the foundation to learn about the nuances associated with their new guidelines. Ask for specific feedback and integrate it into your proposal. They are focusing heavily on social justice so having an appreciation for the bigger picture is key.
Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
Good
Give honest, candid, and helpful feedback.
6
Thank you for the review.
Reviewer 9659 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
There is definitely some back and forth during this process, but it really seems like the Fels Fund does their due diligence to represent each applicant as best they can to their board.
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2018
Good
Good
Switching to a two year funding cycle is SO helpful for non-profits in terms of planning and staff time used for grant applications. Thank you for jumping on the two year train!
They really take their time to advocate for each applicant and to make sure they have all the information to tell our story as a full picture to the board.
20
Thank you. Throughout our application process, we are trying to learn as much as possible and foster a relationship with each organization and the individuals who represent the work; this enables us to be advocates for you with our Board and potentially other funders/organizations.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
This funder's priorities are fairly specific, yet broadly interpreted. It's always a good idea to email, call or schedule a meeting before applying to any funder for the first time. The good news, Fels Fund welcomes such inquiries and will probably also accommodate you (unless it's blatantly obvious that your organization or proposed program is not a fit).
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Good
All staff members welcome questions, input and ideas. All are extremely professional, cordial, and eager to help.
Good
At least with regard to its arts funding, the foundation recently undertook a major overhaul to provide much more significant support to a smaller number of organizations that are well-aligned with the foundation's goals.
It is very common, in my opinion, for foundations to take breaks in funding while they re-think their mission(s) and how best to fulfill them. I certainly think the Fels Fund did a great job of that over the past year. However, I wish all funders would give further consideration to how these changes/disruptions can impact the organizations that they then currently fund. It would be great if foundations continued support at its then current levels until its new priorities are finalized, and then even continue to support organizations for one additional year, or longer if possible, who no longer qualify under their guidelines, so that organizations can have all the time they need to replace the funding they will eventually loose, under revised guidelines.
Inquire and apply if you believe you qualify! These are wonderful people who want to help your organization accomplish great outcomes.
Their new two-step application process (at least for arts funding) is one of the easiest and most clear applications I've ever navigated. Every question made sense and therefore was easy to answer. The application made it easy for me to tell my organization's story and make my case for support. Bravo.
5
During our strategic planning process, we tried to be transparent and work efficiently to minimize any gaps in funding. Thank you for letting us know we how we did. Glad to hear the application is clear and simple.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Ask for a meeting with the funder to make sure the request of your organization aligns with Fel's priority areas. Fels leadership is extremely approachable and will support prospective applicants in both the application process (if applicable) and will more generally provide useful feedback and insight. Transparency about intention and effort is crucial on both sides of the equation: Fels is truly about building resources and support in their key funding areas and will be honest about applications that don't align.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Delaware
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
(Perhaps) consider orgs that serve outside of the Philadelphia county.
Offers a great deal of support and guidance with a strong and accessible knowledge of the non-profit landscape.
8
Unfortunately, we are not chartered to fund outside of Philadelphia. We have seen great projects and organizations who are working towards similar missions.
Since your review, Fels published a new website that hopefully provides more clarity on each funding priority, specific instructions about the application process, and FAQs. We encourage applicants to review our website then reach out with any lingering questions.
Reviewer 7569 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Extremely personable leadership and staff; rolling deadlines for most of the grants are a plus; quick turnaround from applying to awarding; grateful for the focus on legal services
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Alabama
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
Extremely personable leadership and staff; rolling deadlines for most of the grants are a plus; quick turnaround from applying to awarding; grateful for the focus on legal services
8
Thank you for reviewing us.
Reviewer 3087 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
I recommend meeting with the Director before applying, as I think it definitely improves your chances. In my experience, they are pretty open to meetings if your organization works in their priority areas. The new application process is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
Overall this funder is very committed to understanding what is happening in communities and how they can best support groups. However, sometimes they are not aware of power dynamics, and will ask questions about other organizations that feel a little intrusive - like you aren't sure if you are being invited to throw someone else under the bus.
5
Thank you. Our apologies for appearing intrusive, that is truly not our intention. We are open to receiving additional feedback so we do not place other organization in that situation. Like you mentioned, we are committed to learning and understanding the ecosystem in Philly and want to create trusting relationships along the way.
