About the Application Process

The Avadian Foundation has an invitation-only application process with one grant cycle per year. We may not necessarily fund in all our program areas in any cycle. Grant applications are initiated in two ways:

Direct Invitation

Foundation staff investigate and learn about organizations that fit our program’s strategies. We will then invite organizations to complete an application for funding.

Letter of Inquiry

Not-for-profit organizations who have not been invited to apply by a Foundation staff member can submit unsolicited requests for funding through our Letter of Inquiry process. If an organization believes that strong alignment exists with Avadian Foundation’s funding priorities, we encourage it to submit an unsolicited Letter of Inquiry. We will invite applications for a grant only if we also find alignment with our funding priorities and if there is available budget.
 

Application Deadlines

All grant applications will be subject to the approval of the Avadian Foundation Board. The Board meets quarterly throughout the calendar year, reviewing applications for grants that will be awarded annually in December. The process follows these periods for receiving unsolicited Letters of Inquiry, direct-invitation applications, reviews, and funding:

• Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission Period: Jan. 1 – May 31
• Direct Invitation Submission Period: Feb. 1 – June 30
• Funding Decision: November
• Grant Start Date: December
   

Final Decision

All invited applicants will be notified by email of the action taken by the Board.
 

Additional Notes

Although the Foundation cannot respond favorably to all requests, the decision to decline a request should not be interpreted as a negative evaluation of a project or organization. It is not feasible for the Foundation staff to discuss with applicants the reason(s) that the Board may have for declining a request, nor is it reasonable to expect Foundation staff to provide a critique of proposals either before or after action is taken by the Board.

Grant Guidelines

Submit a Letter of Inquiry.