92 survey respondents
Location: 1825 K St Nw 12th Fl Ste 1400, Washington, 20006 DC
EIN: 52-6036989
98%
2%
14 hours
Median
91%
9%
91%
9%
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 2026
Cafritz has Program Officers for various subject areas, and they make themselves available for an introductory call prior to the grant cycle, so take advantage of that access. The pre-grant webinar is also helpful, as there is enough time to ask questions. The Program Officer also responded when I followed up with a question, so don't hesitate to reach out to their staff.
Builds relationships, Responsive
Virginia
Applied and not funded
2026
Good
I really appreciated the Program Officer making herself available before and during the grant cycle, and giving specific answers to my questions about what would be acceptable. This was very helpful and I'm sure useful to the foundation as well to guide proposals in line with their funding priorities.
Good
They are very clear in their geographic areas of interest, and that seems to help them focus on aiding their target populations.
Since they have multiple grant cycles each year, it would help nonprofits if they narrow their scope to 1-2 subject areas for each cycle, e.g., health and wellness project proposals during the June grant cycle, and a different funding priority during the March cycle.
Communication during the grant cycle helps to develop project proposals in line with their priorities -- the subject areas that they fund are priority areas to help the communities in their target geographies.
28
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
Please know that the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation receives a lot of requests, and that first-time applicants are often turned down. I would strongly advise attending an info session, and scheduling a one-on-one call, if possible. As with any application, budget plenty of time, get all your support materials ready well in advance, and don’t wait till the last minute to hit submit.
Maryland
Applied and not funded
Other
2026
Good
Funder offered feedback sessions following grant rejections. Not all funders do this.
The one thing that would have helped with this application process would have been more explicit instruction about what support documents to upload. If a strategic plan is expected, for example, it would have been helpful to know that. Our board is in the midst of strategic planning, and has only a draft strategic plan in place. I really could not tell from the application whether it would be advisable to upload that or not.
Not Funded
15
Reviewer 4718 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
I highly recommend scheduling a conversation with your assigned grant account manager early in the process. These meetings are not intimidating, they're an opportunity to discuss your proposed project or program, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into whether your request aligns with the Foundation's priorities.
Be prepared to clearly articulate the community need, your organization's role in addressing it, and the measurable impact your project will have. Supporting your narrative with meaningful data and outcomes helps reviewers better understand both your organization's capacity and the significance of your work.
It's also helpful to start gathering required organizational information, financials, and supporting documents early, and to involve key internal stakeholders well before the deadline!!! Giving yourself ample time for review and revisions will result in a stronger, more cohesive proposal.
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
Virginia
Current or former grantee
Funded for greater amount
2026
Good
Good
My advice would simply be to continue the approach you have already established. Your responsiveness, transparency, and willingness to provide meaningful feedback set you apart.
They provide thoughtful, insightful feedback and are incredibly responsive throughout the process. If you ask for feedback, they take the time to offer guidance and support, even if your proposal is not funded. Rather than ending the conversation, they continue to invest in your success by helping you strengthen future applications and encouraging ongoing engagement.
30
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
They are very open, accessible, and responsive to questions.
Responsive
Maryland
Grant currently pending
Other
2026
Good
Good
70
Reviewer 4443 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
We applied for the first time in July 2025. We worked very hard to present a professional and organized application. In the end we never heard a single thing from the funder. No feedback, and definitely no funding. That was so unfortunate because we wanted to learn from the experience.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money
Virginia
Applied and not funded
2026
Average
Good
Reach out to your applicants and at least have a conversation about the application, good or bad. We realize you can't spend a lot of time with us, and we certainly have no expectation that we will be funded. However, it would be nice to develop a real relationship and to hear feedback on our application no matter how it turns out.
They just never communicated with us at all. I say that to let other applicants know that we just never heard a word from them.
They seem to fund worthy and legitimate organizations. We were not one of those but we do follow the awards announcements once published and admire those that did receive funding.
20
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
Be sure to fill out your contact information prior to beginning the application, for some reason the system would not save details when done at the end of the application. Otherwise it was a straightforward and easy process all information was clearly outlined prior to beginning the grant.
Maryland
Grant currently pending
Other
2026
Good
Good
Not applicable
5 to 10 hours
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
-
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money
District Of Columbia
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2026
Good
25
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
Foundation staff are tremendously helpful, both in person and in the info sessions they provide. They are well aware of how challenging the fundraising environment is, and will be as supportive as they can. Plan to attend at least one info session, and pay attention to what staff say about what they're looking for in terms of your organization's reach and impact. And follow the directions on proposal content and length!
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
District Of Columbia
Grant currently pending
2026
Good
They are generous with their time and the guidance they provide.
Average
They're definitely funding their areas of interest and impact. If they had more, they could (and clearly would) do more.
Please double check the descriptions of what's expected in the funding plan attachment. The language for the upload box on the platform and the language on the attachment checklist don't really agree. Thanks!
Provides guidance on what applicants need to include in their proposal and know about the likelihood of being funded (expectation management).
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
The Cafritz Foundation is one of the most responsive and supportive funders around. Reach out to them with questions/concerns.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Friendly, Builds relationships, Responsive
Virginia
Grant currently pending
2026
Good
Good
Your portal is the easiest to upload to!
Supports orgs that do not receive funding by providing follow-up in how to improve your application. Bravo!
10
Grant Applicant - applied in 2026
If your application is declined, don't give up. Ask for a meeting and discuss how to strengthen your next application.
Positive leader in the field, Responsive
Maryland
Grant currently pending
2026
Good
Average
Don't know.
6
