Grant Application Process

The Atlas Family Foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Furthermore, the Foundation’s portfolio is currently at capacity and we are not considering new requests at this time.

 

PHASE I: GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER

The initial meeting presents us with the opportunity to learn about the people with whom we are considering a funding partnership. It also allows us to share more about our own philosophy and work style. We are interested in sharing the personal histories, paths and passions that have brought our potential partners and us to the area of prenatal and early childhood development. If the visit takes place on-site, we would appreciate a tour of the facilities and an overview of the programs that relate to our mutual work, and we would like to meet not only with the Executive Director/CEO and development staff, but also with a board member, front line staff and client(s) (as appropriate). We are not interested in “the dog and the pony show,” but in creating a space for an authentic connection.

PHASE II: SUBMIT A LETTER OF INQUIRY   

Following our initial meeting, our staff and trustees will decide whether to move forward with the application process. If we decide not to proceed, we will let you know why. If we do decide to move ahead, we will invite you to submit a 1-page letter of inquiry, describing the concept/program for which you are seeking funding.   READ MORE

The letter of inquiry should include:

  • A brief description of your organization’s work.
  • List your top two to three highest priorities for funding (include amount). Think of this as a menu of options.
  • Your organization’s current budget (for all programs)
  • A full budget for the specific concept/program for which you are seeking our support

After we have received your letter of inquiry, we will review its contents and get back to you. If we decide not to proceed, we will explain why.

PHASE III: SUBMIT A FULL PROPOSAL   

Once your organization is invited to submit a proposal, we will assist you in crafting the best possible proposal. Our long-term goal is not just to create a one-time proposal, but to help you formulate a grantseeking approach that can be used in the future with other funders.   READ MORE

Your proposal should include the following information and documentation, organized as follows:

Please review our grant application guidelines, as well as our frequently asked questions.

Grant Application Guidelines

The following provides more details about the information and documentation in the proposal.

Proposal Narrative (no more than four pages)

  1. Organizational background, purpose and accomplishments (300 words max)
  2. One paragraph summary with name, a brief description of your proposed program or project, its goals and expected outcomes
  3. The amount you are requesting
    • Tell us about your philosophy around early childhood development. (300 words max)
    • Describe the project/program design. What will you do? How will you do it?
    • What will the foundation funds actually pay for (e.g., program expansion, ongoing program support or staff salary)?
    • The Atlas Family Foundation focuses exclusively on prenatal to three children and their families. Whom does your proposed program target? (Include numbers and geographic location, if appropriate. If you serve older children, youth, adults, etc. please break down and share with us the approximate number of children 0-3 impacted by the grant work).
    • What is the need for the program? (300 words max)
    • Describe your outreach mechanisms and the criteria and process you use to select the children and families with whom you will work. (300 words max)
    • What’s the timeline for project implementation?
    • If applicable, describe any partnerships or collaborations that will enhance effectiveness.
    • Describe how this program integrates with other services and programs within your organization or the larger community.
    • What is your organizational funding strategy for sustaining this program/project beyond the duration of this grant?
  4. Evaluation component
    • Please describe your criteria for success. What is the outcome you expect from the program? You may find it helpful to describe both immediate and long-term effects.
    • A description of the evaluation method you will use
    • Which question or questions do you hope to answer through your evaluation?
    • What kind of data do you plan to collect, and what will you do with your evaluation results?
    • Who will be involved in evaluating the work (staff, board, constituents, community, consultants, etc.)?
  5. Attachments
    • Program budget
    • Organizational budgets for both the current year and the previous year of operation
    • A list of the current members of your governing board
    • A copy of your most recent audited financials (if available)
    • Proof of 501(c)3 status (regardless of whether you have previously submitted one)
    • A copy of your most recent IRS Form 990
    • A Statement of Authority

We look forward to receiving your proposal. Please send us one electronic copy and two printed copies of your proposal, as follows.

Note: please only send electronic copies of your most recent IRS Form 990.

One electronic copy to:
Yasmeen Al-Mazeedi at yalmazeedi@janisminton.com

One printed copy to:
Janis Minton
Executive Director
The Atlas Family Foundation
2444 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 622
Santa Monica, California 90403

A second printed copy to:
Richard Atlas
Trustee
The Atlas Family Foundation
P.O. Box 25338
Los Angeles, California 90025-0338
When mailing your proposal, please do not use FedEx, UPS or certified mail USPS. Use regular mail. Requesting a signature upon delivery delays the process and sometimes causes the mail to be returned to sender.

Deadline

We accept proposals all year long.

After we receive your proposal, you will receive an acknowledgement from us. If we need any additional material or have questions, we will contact you.

PHASE IV: DUE DILIGENCE   

We look forward to learning more about our prospective grantee-partners during the course of a process underscored by collaboration, openness and trust. We are interested in:   READ MORE

  • Your organization’s values and culture
  • Relationship with the community you serve
  • Outstanding leadership, and staff and board of directors’ continuity
  • Program content, goals and financial sustainability
  • On-site visits and opportunity for connecting with staff
  • Fiscal health
  • Breadth and sources of funding, including financial support from the board of directors
  • How the diversity of the board and staff (cultural, racial and economic) mirrors that of the constituency you serve
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