100%
0%
11 hours
Median
100%
0%
89%
11%
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:
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Reviewer 864 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Open Road Alliance is an open, easily accessible funder. Before an NGO approaches them, they should know that ORA’s funding requirements are very specific, and they will only consider applicants that are experiencing un-anticipated challenges or obstacles that fit within a certain set of requirements. The NGO should research their website thoroughly to decide whether their circumstance is applicable, and then should fully flesh out the timeline of the obstacles that they have faced before considering applying. ORA will require at least one conversation which will address in-depth, detailed aspects of the application. NGOs need to be prepared to argue for their case in these calls.
Positive leader in the field, Builds relationships, Responsive
New York
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2017
Good
ORA is a very accessible funder. They respond quickly to requests and NGOs can expect to wait no more than a week to hear back about any given inquiry. ORA is honest about their timelines and respectful of NGOs’ time.
Average
ORA is a funder that seeks to provide contingency funding to NGOs experiencing unforeseen obstacles or challenges. They do a good job of filling this gap in the sector—not many funders are striving to address the reality of conducting development work. They understand that organizations are constrained in typical funder-grantee power dynamics and are often unable to seek help in the face of serious challenges that they could not have anticipated. That being said, ORA’s criteria (especially for “catalytic” impact) are narrow. They consider funding only projects that fit their own criteria for having a widespread impact around the globe. If you are an NGO that works in one area, with a smaller amount of beneficiaries, you may not fit their specific criteria for impact.
ORA should keep in mind the fact that those who are best positioned to deliver systemic change are often closest to the problem. While they do a good job of trying to truly understand and mitigate the obstacles organizations face, they could be more trustworthy of the work and impact that NGOs are doing every day on the ground. ORA could potentially visit sites of projects they are funding, so that they see the impact NGOs are having.
ORA does a lot of good work on spreading a positive dialogue around risk in the development sector. NGOs should check out their op-eds, toolkits, and articles to gain a better understanding of their overall goal.
ORA communicates their timeline, schedule, and grant decisions very honestly. This is important and helpful in a sector where most funders do not explain their reasoning for making funding decisions.
12
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
We were introduced to ORA by a development officer, and we received immediate access to their portfolio manager. They were incredibly professional and highly responsive. I recommend that you carefully review their criteria before contacting them.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Responsive
North Carolina
Applied and not funded
Other
2017
Good
Average
ORA could define their criteria more clearly.
Take the opportunity to experience their process. It's a non-traditional, rapid review process that you might find refreshing.
Not funded.
ORA has a user-friendly application platform, and they provide helpful guidance while that proposal is in the portal.
20
Reviewer 788 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
If you plan to reach out to them you have to make sure that you are sure their intervention will both remove the obstacle you face AND put you on a better/healthier/onward path. They have a brilliant mission/vision and a team to match - they ask excellent questions, approach with compassion and want you to succeed.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
New York
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
These folks are thought leaders in terms of how philanthropy should be run - I think they ought to be more prominent in a thought leadership role.
The process they have is simple and straightforward, their turn around time is unparalleled. Would that more donors could be as concrete, transparent and professional.
Responsiveness - I have never worked with any donor that comes even close to the alacrity and thoroughness with which the ORA team responds to questions/requests etc.
10
Reviewer 570 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
This is one of the most approachable, open and friendly funders I Have ever had the pleasure to deal with. Just approach them openly with any queries you have or for any clarification. They are totally 'on your side', wanting you to get funded.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
New York
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
I asked for a meeting at summit I was attending and knew they were at, and got the meeting with ease.
Good
This funder has a very narrow and distinctive criterion for funding "emergencies" - unseen opportunities that arise and require fast funding and unusual responsiveness. In being incredibly targeted, I believe it is successful.
I have been totally thrilled with everything that has transpired with this funder. I have no advice to give.
You should only apply if unusual circumstances pertain to your request for funding - unforeseen circumstances which lead to a "positive emergency" - an opportunity rather than a 'disaster'...
Gives a rare supportive platform for unanticipated opportuntites which would have to be missed were it not for this funder's unique and unusual focus.
6
Reviewer 868 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Be specific about your needs and why this one-time bridge funding will help, including plans for future sustainability.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
The program officer was very accessible and responsive to our communications. She provided valuable feedback to us to improve our application.
Good
Open Road Alliance's approach of providing emergency bridge funding is a much needed form of philanthropy. It recognizes the tight conditions under which most non-profits operate and was especially helpful to us as a small project that had an unexpected funding loss.
This funder is willing to think outside the box and take risks on innovative approaches.
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Open Road really tries to "get it". They have built their grant parameters around filling the gaps that nonprofits face. The program staff I interacted with were supportive, empathetic, and just real people. I appreciate the role they are playing in the sector to push private philanthropy to be more grantee-centric.
Tennessee
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Pretty good. They are filling a distinct need. It seems like their next challenge will be to enact behavior change amongst their peers.
Fairly accessible. While scheduling is sometimes challenging, my emails were replied to and I was never left wondering where we were in the proposal process.
10
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Do not hesitate to reach out to ORA. They are truly an amazing organization. Their process is streamlined, simple, fast, and fair. Tip to applicants: be sure to clearly map out the timeline of events that led to your current situation and provide as much detail as possible to make it easy for the investment committee to understand your current state of affairs. Also be sure to highlight the impact the funds will have on your operations, and the population(s) you serve.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
New York
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
I've literally never worked with an organization that works so quickly and is so responsive. Their team was incredibly supportive and helpful, providing feedback immediately to ensure we could receive a decision on our application as soon as possible.
Good
ORA is extremely successful in achieving their philanthropic goals. Having only recently learned of this organization, I'm frankly surprised there are not more institutions like this. Donors and investors should be grateful that ORA exists to fill in the gaps to ensure projects are carried out on time, within budget, and that impact is not affected by bureaucracy, unexpected delays, or misfortune. This is truly an amazing organization!
Responsiveness, open-mindedness and a true understanding of the constraints social enterprises face. They do not mess around and their team is incredibly professional and supportive.
6
Reviewer 540 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
This funder is incredibly respectful, thoughtful and responsive. If they can help, they will. If it's not a good fit, they may provide suggestions for other funders who can help. And the whole team there is super smart!
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
The foundation has taken on a unique niche in the funding community to help organizations overcome roadblocks or to take advantage of opportunities. Not only are they achieving their current philanthropic goals through giving, but also through advocacy - helping promote their approach in the sector.
Keep doing what you're doing. We'd love to have more funders that take your approach to philanthropy!
This funder asks critical questions and provides outstanding guidance to help an applicant develop a successful proposal.
10 to 15 hours
Reviewer 500 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
The criteria are very specific, but if you meet the criteria, the team can move quickly. Honesty trumps fanfare, and the team seems to really want to understand the issues.
Positive leader in the field, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
District Of Columbia
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
The POC was very quickly available and made herself accessible, giving quick and helpful feedback and insightful prep for the final phone call.
Good
The foundation aims to address risk in philanthropy, and they do this in two ways: First, they fill gaps when unforeseen problems arise for existing projects. Second, they aim to improve understanding of risk in philanthropy in general. The latter seems to be accomplished via their work in the former. My non-profit is better equipped to address risks in the future because we have gone through a disaster, gotten help with recovery, and can plan to include risk-mitigation in our work towards scale.
Keep doing what you're doing! Other than the disaster that caused us to need the funding in the first place, this has so far been the most pleasant grant award process we have experienced.
The funder moves quickly and efficiently through to a decision. They aim to be low drag on their fundees, and so far I've been very impressed by how smooth the process has gone. Really genuinely helpful! I also really appreciate that the funders 'get' that our work is not and cannot be perfect and completely 'de-risked' at this stage. Their support of our working towards that goal is immensely helpful.
Less than 5
Reviewer 702 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Open Road was great throughout the process. They had some very tough follow-up questions that really helped us improve our overall grant-writing process. Be prepared and detailed in your proposal and be ready to answer their tough, relevant, and constructive questions. Even if you aren't funded, going through their process can reap rewards from helping your organization to improve in grant writing.
Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Tennessee
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
They were very accessible through the entire process. We look forward to continuing our partnership moving forward.
Good
This funder wants to help organizations that are at a roadblock. Very few funders recognize the importance of organizations needing to overcome temporary barriers that can come at critical times. With their unique funding opportunity, organizations can continue their work even in times of roadblocks beyond the organization's control.
Keep up the high-level communication! It is very comforting for an organization to have frequent communication during the grant writing process. It really eases anxiety and helps to provide a better proposal. Thank you.
The funder was great at asking pointed questions to help us improve our application. Many funders don't offer such detailed feedback and questions during the grant process. We really appreciated this opportunity.
