Apply for a Grant

Writing a Strong Proposal

The Foundation program staff review and assess each proposal using the following criteria:

Organizational Qualifications

The organization is eligible for foundation funding (see eligibility guidelines)
The organization’s mission and/or program goals are aligned with the Chao Foundation mission.
The proposed work is clearly aligned with the applicant organization’s own mission.
The organization has demonstrated its capacity and/or experience to undertake the direction, scope and scale of the proposed work including the organization’s size and history.

Grant Qualifications

The objectives of the project and target constituency are clearly stated.
The organizational or program strategy is attainable and where applicable, reflects research about what works or promising practices.
Anticipated outputs and grant period outcomes and their documentation process are clear, specific, measurable and appropriate to the program or organization.
A realistic timetable for implementation is included.
A complete, detailed budget (total and annual, in the case of a multi-year project) is included and is adequate to accomplish the proposed work. Where applicable, other funding for the proposed work or plans to obtain it should be listed with current and potential funding sources.
A plan exists for sustaining the work at the end of grant period, if applicable.
The grant amount requested is in proportion to the organization’s total budget.