Grant qualifications
Grants are awarded to nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin.  The Foundation does not consider direct applications from nonprofits incorporated outside the state of Wisconsin.  Grants are made within the state of Wisconsin and principally to support programs having primary focus on the residents of the greater Milwaukee community including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

Like many other donors, the Faye McBeath Foundation has been affected by relatively recent events.  We have less money available – in 2008, the Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants; in 2010 the amount available was $1.1 million.  As a result of reduced funds and our impending sunset date of 2014, our dedication to our mission, guidelines and review criteria is heightened.  With reduced resources, we will strive to support projects that best match our guidelines, review criteria and vision to improve the community. 

Types of grants

The majority of grants support specific programs. On occasion, operating and capacity-building grants are awarded. Capital grants are limited to projects with community-wide impact that reflect the program interests of the Foundation. Any invited requests for operating or capacity-building support must include an organization's results-oriented annual plan, covering both programs and management

Proposal review criteria

Generally, the Foundation supports programs for children, aging and elders, health, health education, and civic and governmental affairs. See the Foundation's funding priorities for further guidance.

• Strength of proposal - Foundation guidelines match
• Quality and creativity in project design, implementation and evaluation
• Quality of the applicant nonprofit's leadership and organizational capacity
• Potential to stretch or leverage McBeath funds
• Specific interests of Trustees and/or staff

In addition to the above benchmarks, the Foundation may request that those organizations submitting full proposals for established projects include a two-year outline for potential enhancement and sustainability as part of the application. Staff will provide guidance for such outlines.

Other grant-related information

• The Foundation does not award grants for annual fund drives, scholarships, support of individuals, sponsorship of fundraising events, or emergency funds.
• The Foundation does not consider or acknowledge general solicitation letters.
• Basic health sciences research is not funded by the Foundation.
• Single disease or condition organizations are typically not funded by the Foundation. An exception may be made for a creative project involving one or more of the following: service to multiple populations, collaboration and/or creation of a replicable model.
• There are no published deadlines for letters of intent or grant proposals.  Proposal deadlines are established based upon discussion with Foundation staff.
• Organizations serving the disabled will be considered only if the project targets children or older adults.
• Letters and proposals are to be submitted to staff at the Foundation offices.
• Any discussion of the availability of funding in a subsequent year should be initiated by the grantee and discussed with staff at least 60 days in advance of a project anniversary.
  

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