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
The application itself is lengthy and very thorough, but you must go through the LOI process first (and definitely talk with a program officer in advance) so you will have framed the project well before beginning. Their due diligence process, including site visit, is extensive and detailed, but well worth going through. They really are trying to help, and the result is a better application and even a better project.
Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
This funder's process really makes the organization think about its priorities, its readiness for the proposed project and its capacity to carry out the project. It is also very helpful in providing resources on its website to help you complete all the components. It is transparent about its processes. It gives large enough grants to really make a difference in being able to implement major projects and build long term capacity.
100
We are so pleased to hear that our application process was valuable to you and your team!
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Know going in to this, that the application process can be lengthy and will require you to be fully prepared with great detail on all aspects of the project. There can be considerable follow up after you submit. There will be detailed follow up on the project and organizational budget/finances, board involvment, etc. Be ready to work....
Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
BE sure you have raised a considerable (75%) amount of the funds before you apply
They are very accessible and responsive to questions. Their program managers are easy to communicate with.
More than 15
We greatly appreciate this feedback!
Reviewer 9752 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
I strongly encourage you to have a conversation about the project with a Program Officer prior to starting your LOI - the insights you learn from that call will help you in the process. Once invited to apply, it's all about timing, as in order to submit your application, you have to have over half of your funds raised.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Alaska
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Our Program Officer was always responsive to questions.
Good
The application/grant process is longer than most or at least longer than most we have applied for.
Be sure the grantee knows at the time invited to apply if the grant they are applying for will be a "top-off" grant or not. Unfortunately, we did not learn this until our site visit which caused extra work by our project team.
They are VERY thorough and responsive!
40
We are grateful to hear that your communication with our program director(s) was helpful in walking through this process.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
The application process is very detailed and has several steps (including a site visit with board members). Be prepared to have lots of back and forth--they are thorough but fair.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Illinois
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Good
Consider streamlining the process somewhat--there are more pieces and more steps to your process than is typical.
Very forthcoming about their work, the expectations for grantees, and the grantmaking process.
20
We truly appreciate this feedback!
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
We had heard that this application process was involved and deliberate so we waited until we thought we were ready to put our best foot forward. I would encourage everyone to do the same.
Staff were incredibly fair and thoughtful, but direct and transparent about expectations. We learned a lot about our organization as we prepared our application.
The full lifecycle of the grant application, review and reporting demands full commitment.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
I have only a limited knowledge of the metrics and criterion the Trust uses to determine the size of grants for organizations that fit into specific categories (budget size?) - and to the degree my understanding is accurate, I fully understand their reasoning - but I would like to see some flexibility in how they award amounts to orgs that might be looking to take bold steps.
I appreciated the seriousness with which the entire process was handled. The Trust's intentionality and clear expression of their high expectations forced us to 'up our game' compared to other grant applications. Requiring us to perform at our highest level was empowering. The Trust was demanding but supportive throughout the process.
30
We are grateful to hear that our process was helpful and empowering!
We do appreciate this feedback regarding transparency related to grant size and we will consider ways we can communicate more effectively on this topic in the future.
Reviewer 2882 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
If you do not have a relationship with Murdock, it would be best to give yourself 6 months BEFORE the grant process to work on forming a relationship with someone at the Trust. THEN begin the conversation about submitting an LOI. Plan on at least a year to go from an initial request to write LOI to receiving funding notification.
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
Washington
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
This group is the most comprehensive, intentional funding organization I have come across.
They don't need my advice. I can't think of anything they could improve on.
Each approved LOI is assigned a proposal manager who can and will guide you through the complete process, including suggestions on amendments to your proposal that would make it more effective.
30
We appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
When you complete a Murdock grant - you are ready for any application anywhere else. The process is intimidating but now...having applied twice...we understand the process and it is less difficult. The Murdock process involves an LOI and you can learn a ton from writing it. If it is rejected, they will tell you why - if you ask. Once the LOI is accepted, understand that your Program Director is your friend and partner and that they want you to succeed. If they can't help you succeed, they will help for a future "ask". In fact, after working with our PD, we withdrew an application recently because we felt we were not in a good position. And then we turned right around and made a better ask and were granted. So I would tell a colleague - try to learn from the process - even if you are not granted your first time around.
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
I have no advise - I think they are amazing...
Their application is a bear - but it helps you get control of your entire operation and helps you understand your project better.
80
Thank you for this thoughtful feedback on our process. We seek to ensure that every organization to which we make a grant is well positioned for success. We are so glad to hear the process was helpful!
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Be very precise in your application. All of the information is important. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions. I found everyone within the trust at any given point to be extremely friendly and willing to help.
Friendly
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2020
Good
Good
I don’t have any I think they do a wonderful job.
They really get a feel for who you are as a non-profit and what you do for your community while deciding whether to move forward with funding.
60
Thank you so much for this feedback!
Reviewer 1643 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Make sure before starting this process you have adequate capacity to produce a comprehensive and thoughtful proposal. This is not a simple process and it will take some significant capacity to produce the required narratives and attachments. You should be able to show clear alignment with your mission, stakeholder support, strong leadership, and a strong financial plan for the coming years to ensure your project is sustainable. We have found that if you have done your homework and have a compelling case for support that the Trust has been very supportive and catalytic to our growth.
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
The team at M.J. Murdock Trust has been very supportive and accessible over the years. We have worked with multiple Program Officers and each has been responsive, communicating clearly throughout all phases of the process.
Good
The Trust has supported us through strategic program and staff grants. Our experience has been that this support has opened doors and opportunities for growth that our organization would not otherwise be positioned for. In this regard, we feel they are very successful in meeting the unique needs of growing organizations.
Continue to add to and enhance the already very helpful website. The tools to inform applicants through the process are very helpful.
Invest in a long-term, authentic, positive relationship and it will benefit your organization for years to come.
While the proposal and process is complex, it is a healthy and informative process for any organization and team to go through. Through the process, we have been pushed to ask and answer questions that inspire strategic and thoughtful leadership.
50
Thank you for this helpful guidance regarding our grants process and ways we can continue to improve!
Reviewer 8791 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
It is best to try to meet with someone associated with Murdock. The process is thorough and they have forms that need to be rigorously developed. Once a representative is assigned to your project, the assigned person is very responsive and available. We had an on-site review with the representative. Murdock met all of their time commitments.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2020
Good
Our program officer worked closely with us and provided excellent guidance on the important elements to be submitted. She followed up with to assure we provided all of the necessary information.
Good
Murdock understood our effort to convert the power source for our historic trolley from diesel generator to electric battery.
I have no suggestions.
Assure plenty of time for the grant process.
The funder is thorough in looking at your financials and your proposal as well as your financial capability.
80
Thank you for your helpful advice to future applicants and your constructive feedback on our process!
