GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

Please refer to the mission statement and the history to learn about the Foundation's giving priorities.

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The Foundation provides seed money or partial funding to novel projects and forward-looking leaders and teams. We seek to support projects that enhance national strengths in science and technology, prioritize French-American cooperation, or promote the Foundation's mission in other ways. 

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The Foundation rarely renews grants for continuing activities and rarely accepts unsolicited proposals.

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WE DO NOT FUND

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• For-profit businesses

• Capital projects (including construction and renovations of buildings)

• Capital equipment

• Endowments

• Political campaigns or lobbying efforts

• Fundraising events

• Individuals (all grants are made to 501(c)3 organizations or similar for international institutions)

• Unsolicited proposals 

LETTERS OF INQUIRY

The Foundation rarely accepts unsolicited inquiries. However, you may send a brief letter (1 page maximum) outlining your project to foundation@rlounsbery.org if your believe your work aligns with the Foundation's priorities. 

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INCLUDE:

• Grantee name, title, and contact information.

• Name(s), title(s), and affiliation(s) of key member(s) of the project (PI).

• A brief description of the project/work to be supported, including the purpose​.

  • For unsolicited inquiries, also grant seekers should also include ​how the project/work aligns with the Foundation's mission and why it should be considered by the Foundation.

• Approximate budget of proposed project.

• Expected length of project.

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RESPONSES:

Due to the small size of our staff, response time may be delayed.

SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

Below please find the three required documents to assist in the proposal submission process.  Please read the proposal guidelines first. 

RLF proposals should be no more than ten pages all inclusive of cover letter, cover sheet, proposal, narrative biographies and budget.  All proposals should be submitted electronically as one PDF to foundation@rlounsbery.org. 

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If you have difficulty opening these documents, please contact the Foundation.  

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DEADLINES:

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

SEASON

PROPOSAL DUE DATE

DECISIONS

Winter

December 15

February

Spring

March 15

May

Summer

June 15

July

Fall

September 15

October

FOR GRANTEES: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

1 YEAR AFTER RECEIVING GRANT: 

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The Foundation expects most RLF grants will be fully expended in one year. 

One year following the date of receiving the award, grantees should submit a financial report noting remaining funds and how RLF funds were spent. If funds are still available, the grantee should apply for a no-cost grant extension. 

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Grantees should also submit a 1-3 page narrative progress report on an annual basis. The Foundation welcomes high resolution photos of the project to consider for our website.  

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All reports and correspondence should be submitted electronically.   RLF is committed to becoming a paperless organization.

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2 YEARS AFTER RECEIVING GRANT: 

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The process above repeats each year on an annual basis until the grant has been fully expended.  

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*International grantees will receive additional reporting requirements upon receiving their award.*