Grantee FAQs

Q: Will Rose Community Foundation staff discuss proposal ideas before submission?
A: Yes, we encourage grant seekers to contact our program staff if you are unsure whether the proposal fits the Foundation’s program priorities. If you are unsure whom to call, contact the grants manager at 303.398.7446 or at grantsmanager@rcfdenver.org.

Q: Does Rose Community Foundation have deadlines for applications?
A: No. Foundation staff reviews proposals as they are received.

Q: Is there a standard format for proposals?
A: Yes. Use the Colorado Common Grant Application. A new Colorado Common Grant Application is available as of April 1, 2008. Rose Community Foundation will accept both the old and new versions through December 31, 2008; as of January 1, 2009, only the new version will be accepted. Please note that both applications are accepted with additional requirements. Click here for more information.

Q: How many copies of the proposal do I need to include?
A: Two, including all attachments, if you are submitting a hard copy.

Q: May I email my proposal?
A: Yes. All necessary attachments must also be emailed with the proposal if you are submitting electronically. Send emails to grantsmanager@rcfdenver.org.

Q: What is a budget narrative?
A: Briefly, it is an explanation of any significant budget item. This narrative helps Foundation officers understand why the applicant needs the funds requested and how the funds will be used. Please click here for an example in PDF format. If you do not have a PDF reader, click here to download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader plugin.

Q: How many requests may I submit?
A: Organizations may have one proposal pending at any given time. Exceptions are made for collaborative proposals submitted on behalf of two or more organizations, individual schools within the same school district and departments of universities.

Q: For how much should we apply?
A: Rose Community Foundation's grant amounts vary so widely that an average amount is not a good indicator of an applicant's potential funding level. Organizations should submit proposals requesting a reasonable amount of financial support for efforts that most closely match the Foundation's priorities. The Foundation is rarely the sole funder of a project and encourages applicants to develop a variety of individual, government and private funding sources for projects. Applicants are welcome to call a program officer to discuss the size of a grant request before it is proposed.

Q: Does Rose Community Foundation make multi-year grants?
A: Yes. Rose Community Foundation recognizes that some types of programs and projects can be more successful when a grant is awarded for a specific period of time, which may be longer than one year. However, the Foundation rarely funds projects for a period longer than three years.

Q: If my organization has received grants in the past, are there limitations to how many years we can receive grants?
A: No. Consecutive-year-funding requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Does my organization or project have to be located in the Greater Denver area?
A: No. However, the project must enhance the quality of life in the Greater Denver community. For regional or statewide projects, applicants should demonstrate the impact on the Greater Denver area.

Q: Do I need to choose the program area to which I apply?
A: No. Rose Community Foundation's program officers work collaboratively across their respective areas of expertise. In the early stages of the proposal review process, they will determine the program area to which your request will be assigned and the program officer who will review it.

Q: How will I know to which program area and officer I have been assigned?
A: The grants manager will send you an acknowledgement letter indicating the program area and officer assigned to your request.

Q: What happens after I turn in a grant proposal?
A: Rose Community Foundation considers receipt of your proposal the beginning of a relationship. Once your proposal is complete and addresses a priority within our grantmaking program, it will be assigned to program staff for review. A program officer will talk with you further and may request a meeting. In the course of the proposal review, applicants are also requested to share with the program officer any new information that may significantly affect the proposed project.

Q: How long does the review process take?
A: The Foundation generally responds to grant requests within four months after receiving a complete proposal, or within six months for capital requests.

Q: How will my organization know if its proposal has been funded?
A: The program officer will contact you after a decision is made.

Q: What can I expect after my organization’s proposal is funded?
A: The Foundation will mail you an award letter and a "General Grant Terms, Conditions and Understandings" agreement. This outlines the payment schedule and other pertinent details and requirements.

Q: Will I need to turn in reports?
A: If you are awarded a grant, the Foundation requires a final status report one month following the end of the grant period. Interim reports may also be required; all reporting requirements are outlined in the grant agreement.

Q: If I know members of Rose Community Foundation's Board of Trustees or program committees, does it increase the likelihood that my proposal will be funded if I contact them?
A: No. In fact, Rose Community Foundation has a policy encouraging all trustees and/or committee members to refer all calls regarding grant requests to program staff.