42 survey respondents
Location: 65 Merrimon Avenue #1042, Asheville, 28801 NC
EIN: 95-4664361
100%
0%
10 hours
Median
96%
4%
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 2024
The first step is to submit a concept paper to the Foundation. Be sure your project/program aligns with the Foundation's interest areas. Only 10-20% of inquiries are invited to submit full proposals, and then the funding rate for full proposals received is around 50%.
Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2024
Average
There seems to be a little bit of "gatekeeping" as the Executive Director handles all communications and speaks on behalf of the entire board. They do not have a website or any social media presence. However, the ED is responsive via email when needed.
Average
I would need to know more about the Foundation's other grantees and initiatives before I can speak to whether they are accomplishing their philanthropic goals. I don't see a website or annual report available, so it's hard to tell!
It would be great if you could reduce the overall timeline for receiving grants. The entire process takes between 5-7 months from concept paper to final decision, which is a long time to wait for a nonprofit organization in need!
They do their research, as indicated by their name! They ask great questions and really seek to understand your work.
Based on conversations with their Executive Director, it seems they are open and willing to engage in long-term partnerships, which is really promising.
6
Reviewer 2350 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2024
It’s best to know the priority areas and research what type of entities the Foundation has funded.
Ensure your program aligns with the Foundation’s priority areas.
Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2024
Good
Good
They were very specific in their goals.
I really liked how the funder engaged in wanting to know about our organization, our mission, and strategic direction. I liked that the team wanted to build a relationship and came out for a site visit.
They take an active role in learning the grantee’s organization. Felt the management team and board were partners in the process.
6
Reviewer 4274 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2024
We made sure their priorities and our project were in alignment before applying. The process was seamless. The executive director was communicative and kind. We received partial funding.
Culturally sensitive, Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Virginia
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2024
Good
It was easy and pleasant to communicate with the executive director.
Good
We found LB to consistent in their funding goals.
It's always great to find funders whose priorities are in alignment with our work. The process was pretty quick and to the point. We did our research in advance and there were no surprises. We had a five star experience.
5
Reviewer 4625 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2024
The Foundation has clear guidelines for application, beginning with a short concept paper. Once invited to submit a full proposal the line of communication is open with the funder via email. Communication is great and timely during both the application and award phase.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
South Carolina
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2024
Good
All communication with the funder via email received quick and helpful responses. They were also very understanding of technology issues.
Good
The funder made a significant financial contribution to my non-profit that will greatly benefit both the program it is intended to support and the organization overall. The funder states that they value reinvestment in current grantees, which is important to ensuring that a funded program can continue to grow and prosper, as well as align with achieving the philanthropic goals of the Foundation.
No advice. Just a quick comment that the grant application and post-award process with the Foundation was one of the best experiences I've had as a grant seeker.
The opportunity to apply for a grant from the Foundation was identified via a grant software tool called Instrumentl and included a note that the funder specifically asked Instrumentl to promote their grantmaking. The Foundation does not have a website. Rather, their solicitation for application is a web-based document. As a grantee, we learned that the funder prefers to be anonymous, so their quiet online presence and targeted outreach to potential grantees through grant software tools makes sense and is thoughtfully approached.
My organization appreciated the Foundation's attention to detail and the ability to review and give input on grant agreement documents prior to a request for a signature.
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2024
We found it very helpful to have a meeting with the foundation staff. They were open to hearing options for potential proposals and helped us choose the project most suited to their priorities.
Gives more than money, Risk taker, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Connecticut
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2024
Good
Good
Don't change your current method of grantmaking and communication!
They communicate promptly. They are flexible in their funding and easy to work with.
10 to 15 hours
Reviewer 7795 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2024
I would recommend that they reference a recent 990 tax form from the funder to determine what their areas of interest are and get a sampling of who they’ve previously supported.
Positive leader in the field, Culturally sensitive, Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2024
Good
The Executive Director of the foundation is easy to reach and always prompt in responding to any questions.
Good
They successfully manage a diverse portfolio of grantees that directly impact the lives of thousands of individuals.
I think it would be beneficial to create a website and market your impact.
They are an emerging foundation that provides much needed general operating support to nonprofit organizations.
They are incredibly generous in their support and are committed to renewing it on an annual basis.
8
Grant Applicant - applied in 2023
Always advisable to build a personal rapport with grant funders and learn more about their giving goals and focus.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2023
Good
The E.D. is very professional, knowledgeable and helpful in advising
Good
More than 15
Reviewer 7620 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2023
Greatly appreciate the open and informative communication received from this foundation throughout the grant proposal, award and reporting process. They make their funding intentions clear and guide you to a funding result that is fairly measured to your organizational maturity.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Oregon
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2023
Good
Great communicators. More funders should follow their lead.
Good
In line with the funders philanthropic goals, we were able to utilize our funds to develop trainings, materials and systems to help the organization develop structure and well-informed strategic goals in support of our mission.
Less advice and more praise: Thank you for being a funder that prioritizes smaller organizations like ours, giving us the opportunity to develop ourselves. We strive to be smarter and better every day, and grant opportunities like this are critical stepping stones to long term organizational success.
Ask them questions up front. They will help clarify their goals, which will help you construct your requests in a way that ensures the relationship is a good match, mutually benefiting all parties.
The have done an excellent job of communicating to us about where we need to focus our next proposal in order for our submission to best match their funding goals for 2023.
10
Grant Applicant - applied in 2023
Ensure your project is well thought out and aligned with the funder's priorities.
Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2023
Good
The funder is very responsive and had been very open to communication before and after the award.
Good
Is very upfront and communicative.
5
Grant Applicant - applied in 2023
Best to have a meeting call with a known contact
Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
California
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2023
Good
Good
None
Communication and simple application process.
16
