68 survey respondents
Location: 111 18th Street Se, Washington, 20003 DC
EIN: NA00001
100%
0%
10 hours
Median
100%
0%
97%
3%
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 2022
This funder does something very specific and wonderful - provide bridge grants and bridge loans when organizations hit roadblocks or unexpected opportunities, in an existing project on climate change. Read their criteria carefully, to make sure you fit or come very close to fitting. Turnaround one way or the other is very quick, befitting the sort of 'emergency' an unexpected need for bridge funding represents to an NGO.
Risk taker, Insightful, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2022
Good
They take unsolicited inquiries, and response quickly to those inquiries.
They are very clear and straightforward in explaining their decisions, and they asked sensitive but very appropriate questions about our funding situation. They didn't mess around -- they were respectful, clear, kind and direct. The inquiry and proposal processes were just right - not overly burdensome, but thorough enough to get them the info they needed to consider our request for funding.
8
Reviewer 7955 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
This funder is really straighforward and supportive. They will not make you jump through uneccessary hoops or ask for additional information to requested initially. Communications are great.
Positive leader in the field, Risk taker, Friendly, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
It is very accessible. The time investment is very fair. This is suitable for small teams.
Be more visible. What you offer is really unique and special. You are very good at what you do, and would make such a difference for many projects.
I do. I think they are fair and thorough. They meet a need that other funders do not. They are effective and incredibly respectful of grantees.
Great, great communications with grantees at all stages. You feel like a human being.
15
Reviewer 1129 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Very easy to approach, even as a cold application.
Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
Very responsive, and easy to work with. Would highly recommend.
SO fast! Very clear in expectations.
10 to 15 hours
Reviewer 7890 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
The Open Road Alliance process and grant team were amazing. I love that it starts with a simple inquiry to see if you meet basic qualifications before you spend hours working on it. The team is eager for you to give the best application and were incredibly helpful with our many questions and always quick to respond. Having a pre-application interview and post-submission interview were unique and helpful to be able to give all the information about who you are as a company and to answer questions that a applications just can't cover. I was very impressed with the whole process, and by the end my team was doing a happy dance for days!
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
New Mexico
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
The Open Road Alliance team were very easy o communicate with. They were always very quick to respond to questions, to check up on you to see if you needed anything, and to just overall make the process as smooth as possible.
Good
When doing a little research into what was being funded, the diversity and reach of Open Road Alliance is quite amazing. My team was a bit intimated at first, thinking we weren't big enough to warrant their attention. However, they were supportive, helpful, encouraging, and in the end saw the vision and drive we have and funded us!
None.... both the process and the people are amazing!
Don't discredit your organization based on size. The Open Road Alliance team are looking at the mission, the drive, and the need, not the size.
The Open Road Alliance team is great at answering questions, helping make the application the best that it can be, and walking you through the process.
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Applied online and actually got pretty fast turnaround throughout the whole process.
Friendly, Responsive
Delaware
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
Communication
8
Reviewer 1909 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Be very clear in the unexpected aspect of your barrier, and have a clear demonstration of how you will overcome this barrier in the future, and/or how it is a one-time circumstance. Having a case for being catalytic is also very important. While we did receive funding, it was not for the full amount and was largely due to the fact that we didn't clearly demonstrate our "catalytic impact" to better fit their model.
Positive leader in the field, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Massachusetts
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
The team is very transparent, responsive, and willing to offer guidance throughout the process. They are great to work with and are having a big impact by keeping orgs' impact on track.
Good
While we ultimately didn't receive the funding we requested, it was not too much of a surprise based on where we are with our scale and growth model, as we knew the 'catalytic' component of their funding would be a potential weakness in our application.
ORA is very clear in their expectations and requirements. The examples they give for what does and doesn't meet their parameters for funding help a lot in the inquiry stage to determine if an org may be a good fit.
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
The application process is streamlined and very well structured. Timelines are clear and the organisation adhered to them.
Risk taker, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
I would like to recommend that the funder hosts calls with video on, it leads to higher interaction on calls and will make the applicant feel more comfortable.
Read the requirements of funding carefully and submit details about the roadblock.
The funder sticks to its timelines and is extremely responsive.
6
Reviewer 4887 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Open Road Alliance is a pleasure to work with. Be sure to have clarity on the cause of your emergency, its duration, and the solution before applying!
New York
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
Open Road Alliance understands that programming emergencies require flexible funding, and they quickly supported our work through a rapid grant cycle process.
10
Reviewer 9406 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Its is key to be able to communicate clearly the roadblock you are facing and that you are confident you will, not only overcome it with their help, but that you have found a longer term solution
Friendly, Builds relationships, Responsive
District Of Columbia
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Very accessible, the team responds very quickly and with concrete (and useful) feedback.
Good
Less than 5
Reviewer 9212 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Be able to define the roadblock and its effects on achieving your expected results.
Positive leader in the field, Insightful, Friendly
Wyoming
Current or former grantee
Other
2020
Good
Very accessible and quick in providing reply and feedback
Good
We are a former grantee, but unfortunately did not receive funding for current demand.
Funds organisation facing mid-implementation road-block, in order for them to be able to reach the expected result.
10
