90 survey respondents
Location: 703 Broadway St Ste 710, Vancouver, 98660 WA
EIN: 23-7456468
89%
11%
40 hours
Median
89%
11%
90%
10%
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
I very much appreciated how responsive the people at the Trust were from our first call all the way through the process. It is an in-depth process, but the Trust staff are there to help. Their goal was always to help us advance our mission.
Positive leader in the field, Builds relationships, Responsive
Alaska
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Excellent!
Good
They are very good at connecting with the applicant and outlining the next steps.
120
We appreciate this feedback and are grateful to know that our approach to communication was helpful!
Reviewer 4207 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
It can take a long time from LOI to grant notification, but it's worth it. We never had a problem reaching them, so I would definitely talk to them before submitting an LOI. We have gotten two grants from them now, with two different program officers. Each one was very thorough, inquisitive, and focused on the practical aspects of our requests. Each asked a lot of questions, but they were fair-minded - it was never a grilling, never condescending, and neither one showed any interest in being fawned over. After we were funded, they had some interest in being recognized, but were less concerned about that than most funders who make grants of that size. Basically, talk to them, be thorough in your request, and work with them - they seem to value real relationships based on real work being done together.
Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Idaho
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Calls and emails were returned quickly. Requests from them during the grant process always had an appropriate amount of lead time. There exception was one day where they needed stuff in a hurry before a Board meeting. But, our Program Officer told us weeks in advance, "this is the day we're going to need stuff in a hurry." So, we were ready for it.
Good
I'm not totally sure. They have a LOT of interest areas. But in our field of hunger relief, I talk to their grantees in other states, and we all love what they have done with us, and how they have done it. In hunger relief, they're doing really well.
Revisit your matching requirements and/or top-off requirements. No one wants to contribute to a capital project that won't finish - we get that. But looser matching requirements would make administration of the grant easier without reducing social impact.
Bring Board members to the site visit, especially the leaders. It seems to give them confidence in the organization.
Focusing on practical aspects of nonprofit work. Specifically, the proposal is long, but the requirements are relevant and not redundant. They are respectful of what we do and don't want the process to interfere with that. They care a lot about getting the work done than not much about indulging their egos.
100
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
The application process can be a bit intense and requires a lot of financial documentation. For smaller organizations, this can be a challenge to manage. Their staff help make this process easier. They are incredibly transparent, kind, and accessible, which is appreciated. Also, their reporting guidelines are clear and not overly onerous, which is very helpful.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Their staff are very accessible, although some staff portfolios are likely too large, leading to delays in response times.
Good
The M.J. Murdock Trust serves a really important role in the local community, by building the capacity of nonprofits in the region. The multi-year, capacity building funding that they provide is not common and is really invaluable.
Continue your Strategic Project Grants - they are so important to the sector. Additionally, adding multi-year, unrestricted support to your portfolio would be very valuable to the nonprofit community, especially heading into 2021, which will be a challenging financial year for many organizations.
Their staff are incredibly transparent, kind, and accessible, which is appreciated. Also, the multi-year, capacity building funding that they provide is not common and is really invaluable.
40
Reviewer 2043 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
A grant to the Murdock Trust is a significant undertaking, but the process will force your organization to really zero in on its needs, fine-tune its strategies and get clear on messages. It is a difficult process, but organizations will come out of it better for having gone through such a thorough analysis of their project and organizational health. Our grants contact at the Trust is accessible, intelligent, empathetic and served as a fantastic strategic partner throughout both of the grants we've worked on together. A grant with the Trust is truly a partnership.
Gives more than money, Insightful, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Idaho
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Quick to return calls and emails, gracious, generous with time and strategic thought support.
Good
The Trust forces grantees to get clear on needs and strategies- in a good way.
35
We are grateful to hear that our process was helpful to you and your organization and we greatly appreciate this feedback.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Spend time researching the website. They MJ Murdock Trust has a very detailed website that provides excellent resources and templates. Approach the process as an opportunity to truly build a grant package that shares the mission, history and future sustainability of your organization. Be prepared to devote the time to do that.
Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Alaska
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
The program director and staff were incredibly responsive, approachable and helpful through the entire process.
Good
The process and road to a funding decision was an incredible learning opportunity. As a nonprofit executive, this process was incredibly valuable to me. I can offer no suggestions on improvement.
The program director does really well interacting with the applicant to ensure that the entire grant package is organized, detailed and very clear to be presented to the trustees.
160
Reviewer 8609 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Staff at M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust are wonderful to work with! It is a thorough process and they have great communication throughout. We are so fortunate to have their support!
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
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
I would connect with someone from the Trust before beginning the process.
The staff get to know the project or program really well through the process. They ask the right questions!
0
We are grateful to hear that our emphasis on relationship building was helpful and appreciated by your team!
Reviewer 1210 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Be prepared to have a rigorous examination of your organization including programs, operations, leadership and, above all finances. Regardless of the outcome you will learn a lot about organization.
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
I was able to access a senior officer who gave us good feedback to prepare a successful LOI. Once we got to the full application process we found the program officer to be fair and even sympathetic while still upholding the Trust's rigorous standards.
I had trouble navigating the website as I was doing my initial research. Its been 6 months so I don[t recall details but I remember being frustrated in finding information about applying.
The Trust is serious about Capacity Building. If you are ready to grow and need help to build your infrastructure, they will respond positively.
I don't have enough information about this topic to make a judgement.
Creates anapplication process that requires the applicant to examine its financial process and plans so that it has a better chance of succeeding.
40
We appreciate your feedback regarding our website. Our website went through a redesign in 2019 and we continue to seek ways we can update and tweak its layout. We welcome any thoughts or ideas on how we can continue to improve the user experience.
Reviewer 7869 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
It is helpful for us to speak with the Program Director before submitting our LOI because he gave great advice on appropriate request amount, elements of the proposal, and guidelines and milestones that we would need to accomplish before submitting the LOI and the full proposal.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
The proposal was one of the more complicated and detailed proposals our team has worked on. We utilized the help of a grant writer and our campaign consultant but the Trust offered an incredible amount of resources and instructions to help guide through the process.
Good
From hearing the Program Director speak on this through different forums I think the Trust has done a good job at adapting to the increased need in the community due to COVID-19 by increasing the amounts gifted this year.
Grant proposal instructions and resources provided online as well as a supportive and informative Program Director.
60
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us this feedback. We are grateful for the work you are doing to serve the common good!
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
I would tell them to do their research about the Murdock mission, vision, it's values and heritage. Look at past grantees and ensure that your program project aligns well.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Texas
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
It is not difficult to review their grantee history to know that Murdock is making a significant different in the lives of many!
They are filled with tremendous wisdom!
They provide an incredibly high high level of knowledge, wisdom, education, and training, and they stay true to their mission and values.
80
We greatly appreciate this kind feedback. We are grateful to hear our approach was helpful to you and your team!
Reviewer 2480 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
In all my years working with grantors, I have never received the feedback and help from any of them as I did Murdock. They were incredibly open with how I should better my application, and made it very apparent that they were interested in helping our cause. Friendly, helpful and caring. That's the Murdock Charitable Trust.
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
Montana
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Our representative was always available, and incredibly patient when I was not avaiable.
Good
Murdock does incredible work on an incredible scale, truly helping nonprofits reach goals that may have been unattainable without their aid. They truly help accomplish goals.
Continue being you.
The application may be intense and seem overwhelming, but they are there to help!!
Communication
80
Thank you so much for such a kind review. We are grateful to know that our process and approach has been helpful in supporting your organization and mission!
