6. Be accessible and open, and make available basic information about grantmaking priorities, programs, funding guidelines, application requirements, and grant monitoring/reporting procedures.

Clarifying statement: We strive to disclose our particular grantmaking priorities and decisions so that others, especially potential grantees, clearly understand us. In doing so, we help organizations decide the appropriateness of directing funding requests to us, and also foster an environment in which other grantmakers are informed of our work. By clearly communicating this information, we reduce the occurrence of inappropriate or disqualified funding requests, thereby reducing administrative burdens to both grantees and our own organizations.

Implementation Options:

a) Make grantmaking guidelines, priorities, and application procedures available, either through general statements or detailed documentation. The level of specificity should be in proportion to the size and complexity of the grantmaker, and also appropriate for the program area(s) being funded.

b) In addition to publicizing priority interest areas for grantmaking, provide an explicit list of grantmaking restrictions, including subject areas or programs that are not funded.

c) Communicate the established steps in the grant selection process to applicants, including the specifics of when and how they can expect to be informed of a decision.

d) Clearly explain to grantees the nature of any post-grant monitoring and/or reporting that will be required.

¯ Highlighted Resource:         

Sample Reporting Requirements Letter

Council on Foundations 

Click here to view (links to another website)

Sample language for a letter to a grantee that summarizes reporting requirements during a grant period.

e) Make the organization's IRS Form 990 readily available, via web posting or other means.

f ) Develop, maintain, and publicize a website from which interested parties can obtain basic information such as items listed above.

¯ Highlighted Resource:         

ABAG Foundation Minisites

Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

Click here to view

A description of ABAG's website development and hosting service for grantmakers looking to establish an attractive, cost-effective web presence.  Available for members and nonmembers.

Other articles from Explore: Guiding Principles & Implementation Options: