39 survey respondents
Location: 275 East 4th Street #510, Saint Paul, 55101 MN
EIN: 36-3556481
100%
0%
8 hours
Median
96%
4%
95%
5%
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:
Reviewer 1166 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Be sure that your grant request is specifically designated to benefit women and primarily women of color. If your grant is requesting funding for a project or program of a larger organization with multiple projects, it would be wise to separate your project's budget (at least on paper) so that your specific projects will have a small enough budget to be considered. In our case our program funding is separated from the budget of the larger organization. If the larger organization were requesting the funds, Mary's Pence would not have granted us the funds for our small leadership project.
(Unknown)
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2018
Good
I was amazed that I was able to communicate by phone with the ED and explain our financial arrangements with the larger organization that house our program and one project of our program.
Good
I have read the Mary's Pence newsletter and am impressed with the variety of the projects receiving funding.
Continue to concentrate in women's issues.
They are very public. We have crossed paths at Call to Action and the SOA Conference.
5
Thank you for your feedback. Mary’s Pence funds women led projects that are inclusive of all women who are working on issues that marginalize women. Currently we fund organizations with budgets under $200,000. If an organization is under that limit, but is not a 501(c)3, a fiscal sponsor can be helpful but is not required. If you do have a fiscal sponsor we seek clarity about the relationship to ensure that we are not directly funding organizations larger than our criteria limit. The size of the fiscal sponsor is not considered, provided the relationship is clear. The organization budget and project budget of the organization doing the work, helps us understand how the funds will be used. We are happy to talk about your specific situation ahead of an application process if it is helpful.
Reviewer 415 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Attend the grantmaker's information session. It's a great way to figure out what their goals are, past recipients, etc. I also had a chance to meet the Executive Director, made a personal connection and had one:one time to explain to our work. It was a great conversation and solidified that we were a fit to apply.
Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Very accessible! Phone, email, and in person.
Good
They are trying to empower women through economic development and civic engagement and have funded orgs that have those same goals.
Remove the organizational budget cap. It's at $200,000 and now we can't apply anymore. But we really want Mary's Pence to always be on our Annual Report as supporters of the work!
Most would believe that Mary's Pence would only fund Christian based organizations. But, that's not true at all. As a Muslim led nonprofit, Mary's Pence invested in our nonprofit when we first started. They believed in us and our mission at a critical time and were responsive to our needs. They are just a funder, but allies in the work.
10
Reviewer 3175 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
They are interested in social change. Their application is very user-friendly. They are very reasonable and responsive.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
North Carolina
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Absolutely wonderful. We were able to reach someone every time that we reached out to Mary's Pence.
Good
They are doing a very good job.
To increase amount of funds available. To work toward allowing organizations to receive more than 3 years/cycles of funding.
To not give up. Continue communication. Do not get discouraged or disappointed. Work to present yourself better and better.
They are excellent with communication and being responsive.
5
Reviewer 6553 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
This small foundation is committed to programs that are for women and a good match for new organizations that may struggle to get grants from larger foundations. Mary's Pence is willing to take a risk with a smaller, newer organization.
Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Staff are very approachable.
Good
This funder is, again, committed to women. Social change is also very important to this foundation. That's refreshing!
Continue taking risks with small, new organizations. That's something rarely seen by the larger foundations.
Mary's Pence is very clear about what is expected and what they will and won't fund.
10
Reviewer 2740 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
The application is listed on their website and is very straight forward. We had no relationship with them before applying and therefor didn’t have anyone lobbying on our behalf with Mary’s Pence and we’re awarded a grant solely on the merit of our application. If your mission is aligned with that of Mary’s Pence, you have a good chance of getting a grant.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Florida
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Very
Good
None. It’s been a fabulous experience but we’re a new organization and don’t have much experience.
Communicate with all its grantees, in groups and otherwise. Responses to questions were very fast.
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 7896 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Read up on the grantor's interests and other work to get a sense of what they do. Be sure to explain any social justice work that you are doing in your organization and how you are not just meeting a need, but helping others to become self sufficient and independent.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Pennsylvania
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Mary's Pence is very responsive to inquiries.
Good
Mary's Pence does amazing work with a very small staff and a dedicated board who hail from around the country. They support their grantees wholeheartedly and listen to the grantees needs.
Keep up the good work!
Mary's Pence is very involved in the work; once they become a funder for your organization, they are there for you! They are willing to offer advice and try to help in any way possible.
10 to 15 hours
Thanks for your feedback! Twice per year we offer a teleconference to prospective applicants so that they can learn about our application process. We're also available to talk through applications at any point in the process.
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
This is a funder who pays attention to their grantee's needs and challenges. They genuinely want to partner with you to achieve your mission and will do much more than write you a check.
Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
As a smaller funder you know the struggles and highlights of running a small non-profit. This perspective is appreciated.
Good
You do more than write a check! Thank you for coming alongside us as we work in our community.
15
Thanks for your feedback! We seek to partner with our grantees to help support them as they build capacity and move towards sustainability.
Reviewer 2440 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Be sure that you can demonstrate that your philosophy matches theirs. It is good to show how you are compatible.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
Mary's Pence wants to make life better for women by working with them. They fund organizations who are working with women that way and have their own Espera program that puts their philosophy into practice.
Make applying and reporting easy!
10 to 15 hours
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
I believe Mary's Pence will give applicants a fair opportunity for funding if criteria are met.
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Wisconsin
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Accessibility is good.
Good
None
Mary's Pence is very committed to making positive changes in places that are in great need.
Communication is strong. Mary's Pence acknowledges reception of applications and reports. I appreciate that.
4
