Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Clowes?
What is the best means of initial contact with The Clowes Fund?
Preliminary Proposal
When can I submit my Preliminary Proposal?
Do I need to submit an organizational budget with the Preliminary Proposal?
Do I need to submit required fiscal sponsor documentation with the Preliminary Proposal?
What is an appropriate amount to request if I am a first time applicant?
We serve a variety of people. What constitutes my proposal’s target population?
I have received funding from The Clowes Fund through collaborations such as the Indianapolis Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF), Summer Fund in Boston, English for New Bostonians, SkillWorks or EdVestors; do I still need to submit a Preliminary Proposal?
I have received a Member and Director Matching Grant from The Clowes Fund; do I still need to submit a Preliminary Proposal?
Will members of The Clowes Fund meet with me?
Final Proposal
I’m ready to submit my Final Proposal; do you need my IRS Form 990 including all schedules?
We are a new organization that has filed for exempt status, but we have not yet received our IRS determination letter -- will you accept my proposal using a fiscal sponsor?
Does The Clowes Fund have a strict policy that limits the number of grants an organization can receive in a certain time period, such as no more than three grants over five years?
Sending Your Application
I am having trouble uploading required attachments; what can I do?
To whom should I address the required attachments?
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Q. How do you pronounce "Clowes"?
A. Sounds like Clews.
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Q. What is the best means of initial contact with The Clowes Fund?
A. First, read our guidelines carefully and peruse our website; if you have a request that you believe is compatible with Clowes Fund's interests, then please introduce your organization by submitting a Preliminary Proposal.
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Q. When can I submit my Preliminary Proposal?
A. Preliminary Proposals are accepted between the posting of updated grant guidelines (shortly after Labor Day each year) and November 1st.
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Q. Do I need to submit an organizational budget with the Preliminary Proposal?
A. No, attachments such as an organizational budget are not required for the Preliminary Proposal. You need to complete the application form online, which includes some budget information and submit a Preliminary Proposal letter (three page narrative). Full budgets are required attachments only for the full Final Proposal.
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Q. Do I need to submit required fiscal sponsor documentation with the Preliminary Proposal?
A. No, attachments for fiscal sponsorships are not required for the Preliminary Proposal. Please state your intention to use a fiscal sponsor and include the organization's legal name within the first paragraph of the narrative. Additional documentation is required for the full Final Proposal; read Fiscal Sponsor Policy and Requirements.
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Q. What is an appropriate amount to request if I am a first time applicant?
A. Generally, The Clowes Fund makes grants between $10,000 and $20,000 to first time applicants.
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Q. We serve a variety of people. What constitutes my proposal's target population?
A. Please check the appropriate box for the individuals you primarily or strategically serve. Do not check boxes for individuals who only occasionally participate in your program or visit your facility.
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Q. I have received funding from The Clowes Fund through collaborations such as the Indianapolis Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF), Summer Fund in Boston, English for New Bostonians, Skillworks or EdVestors; do I still need to submit a Preliminary Proposal?
A. Yes, a Preliminary Proposal is required if you have not received funding through The Clowes Fund’s regular competitive grant cycle within the last five years. In most cases, Clowes Fund support via a funding collaborative is considered as an organization's one and only grant for the year. If in doubt, please contact the Fund prior to submission.
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Q. I have received a Member and Director Matching Grant from The Clowes Fund; do I still need to submit a Preliminary Proposal?
A. Yes, a Preliminary Proposal is required if you have not received funding through The Clowes Fund’s regular competitive grant cycle within the last five years; neither collaborative fund grants nor Member and Director Matching Grants are part of the Fund’s regular cycle.
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Q. Will members of The Clowes Fund meet with me?
A. Yes, Fund staff members will correspond with eligible applicants to offer guidance during the grant application process and will meet with you as time permits during the proposal review process. You increase the likelihood that you will receive guidance if you contact the Fund early in the grant cycle beginning in the fall.
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Q. Do you need my IRS Form 990 including all schedules?
A. No, The Clowes Fund does not require the IRS Form 990 as an attachment for any part of the application process. We review your 990 using Guidestar.
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Q. We are a new organization that has filed for exempt status, but we have not yet received our IRS determination letter -- will you accept my proposal using a fiscal sponsor?
A. Yes, we may accept a proposal using a fiscal sponsor. Please review our Fiscal Sponsor Policy and contact the office to discuss the nature of the fiscal agency prior to submitting your proposal.
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Q. Does The Clowes Fund have a strict policy that limits the number of grants an organization can receive in a certain time period, such as no more than three grants over five years?
A. Rather than adopting a policy that automatically limits the number of grants an organization can receive in a certain time period, The Clowes Fund has a more subjective policy. The Fund's grants review committees assess each multi-year grant the final year to determine whether a new proposal is appropriate. Determinations are based on a variety of factors, not limited to: The Clowes Fund's overall grants portfolio in a given geographic region, the organization's stewardship of previous grants as indicated by timely reports and through candid communications with the Fund's staff, progress toward proposed goals or at least a clear explanation of revised goals, and the organization's sustainability plan. The committees complete their deliberations by the end of October, and Fund staff will communicate the decision upon receiving an organization's e-mailed statement of intent regarding a new proposal.
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Q. I am having trouble uploading required attachments; what can I do?
A. Your application must be completed online. However, if you are not able to upload the narrative and other required attachments, you may submit them electronically to staff@clowesfund.org. If absolutely necessary, you may mail required attachments; please ensure that documents are postmarked before or on the deadline date.
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Q. To whom should I address the required attachments?
A. Please address your documents to Beth Casselman, Executive Director. The board of directors is actively involved in proposal review, and staff is designated as the official contact representing The Clowes Fund.
