Application Process

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if our organization is eligible to submit
a request?

A1:  If you have received a grant from the O'Neill Foundation in the last few years (2003 through the present), and the O'Neill Foundation is still funding in your geographic area, you are most likely eligible to apply. Call the foundation office if you have questions.

Q2: How do I know what geographic areas are funded?
Do they change?

A2: To be considered for funding, the location of an organization's operations must fall within the metropolitan area where O'Neill family members who are active in the work of the foundation reside. This could change if, for example, the active family member moves to another city. The current geographic areas are listed on the Application Process Overview page.

Q3: Can I apply for support for a grant that is not capacity building, for example an operating or special project grant?

A3: The O'Neill Foundation's responsive grantmaking is limited to capacity building projects only. Refer to our discussion of Capacity Building Grants Program on our website for further information.

Q4: We received a message that a report is due to the foundation. Is there a particular format we should use? 

A4: Grant recipients typically receive a copy of the report form, or information regarding reporting requirements, enclosed with the initial grant check.  If you need a copy, send an email request to cdrennan@oneillfdn.org. (Soon you will be able to download a copy from the website.)

Q5: How do I know if the foundation has received my application or if I am awarded a grant?

A5: Acknowledgements are sent out automatically, typically by email. An award/declination letter is sent out by regular mail within a week of a Grantmaking Committee meeting. If you have not received notice within the designated time, please feel free to call Cynthia Drennan at 216-831-4135.

Q6: Do you provide multi-year funding?

A6: No, although we realize that some projects require 2-3 years of funding to get off the ground. In some cases, we will consider second year funding for the same project, but only based on the evaluation of the first year. You must re-apply for a new grant after the initial year.

Q7: Do you fund projects that have already been paid for?

A7: We do not grant "retroactive" funding, even if you had to take funds from other items out of your general operating budget to pay for them.

Q8: How soon after the LOI submission deadline will you make a site visit?

A8: Site visits are scheduled by Foundation staff within three weeks after the LOI deadline, but the actual site visit may not take place for several weeks. We try to complete all site visits at least two weeks before the proposal deadline. Refer to the information about Site Visits and Tips for Grantseekers on our website for more information about site visits.

Q9: If we are declined funding, how soon can we return with
a new LOI?

A9: You can return at any time in the same calendar year with a new LOI. If your LOI is  declined, Foundation staff will make every effort to explain why you were declined.