Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Clowes?
What is the best means of initial contact with The Clowes Fund?
Will members of The Clowes Fund meet with me?
Preliminary Proposal
Do I need to submit an organizational budget 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 the Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF); 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?
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?
Sending Your Application
Should I submit my proposal both online and via snail mail?
If I am unable to upload the required attachments, do the documents have to arrive on the deadline date or be postmarked for that day?
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 interests, contact us to introduce yourself and your organization's prospective proposal. Contact via e-mail is preferred. Remember, we can provide better guidance if we know something about your organization and its needs.
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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 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. 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 received funding from The Clowes Fund through the Indianapolis Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF); 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; although competitive, SYPF is not part of the Fund’s regular cycle.
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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. 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. Should I submit my proposal both online and via snail mail?
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; all materials must be received by the stated deadline regardless of mode of submission.
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Q. If I am unable to upload the required attachments, do the documents have to arrive on the deadline date or be postmarked for that day?
A. To be fair to applicants from all geographic areas, we will accept complete applications postmarked before or on the deadline date. Please do not go to the added expense of express mail!
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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.
