FAQs

The information in this section describes The Commonwealth Fund's application and grantmaking processes, and provides reporting guidelines for existing grantees.

View all »General  

  1. What type of projects do you fund?
  2. What is the average size of your grants? Average duration?
  3. Do Fund program staff seek out and develop projects, or do you accept unsolicited proposals?
  4. What type of organizations do you fund?
  5. Do you fund for-profit organizations?
  6. Do you fund international projects?
  7. What is the difference between small grants and board grants?
  8. Does the Fund provide fellowship or scholarship support for individuals?

View all »Application Process  

  1. How can I apply for funding? Is there an application form?
  2. Are there deadlines for submitting my request for funding?
  3. Are there guidelines for developing my application?
  4. How long will it take for my letter of inquiry to be reviewed?
  5. Is there any other mechanism for approving grants outside Board meetings?
  6. What percentage of overhead will the Fund allow in a grant budget?
  7. Can a grantseeker submit more than one letter of inquiry at the same time—for different projects?
  8. If I receive communication that the Fund will not be able to fund my project, how long before I can re-submit?
  9. What if there is uncertainty about the level of the funding request at the letter of inquiry stage?
  10. What if an individual has a project idea that fits with the Fund's program goals, but does not have an institutional base from which to carry out the work?

View all »Budget  

  1. Do you have a budget template or sample budgets I can use in developing our budget?
  2. Do I need to develop a line item budget?
  3. Is there a limit on the indirect rate?
  4. Do I need to show other project support?
  5. Do I need to show in-kind support?

View all »Current Grantees  

  1. If we already have a grant from the Fund, can we apply for another one?
  2. Can we reallocate funds after a budget is approved?
  3. Where can I find reporting guidelines?
  4. We will not be able to finish our project in approved time frame, what should I do?
  5. What if I have questions about the Fund's grantmaking process that have not been answered here?