Note: In most cases, the foundation will consider only one application from an organization (or unit/department, in the case of a college or university) within a twelve-month period. Generally, no proposal from an organization previously funded by the foundation will be considered unless a full and timely report of expenditure of the previous grant has been submitted.
Concept Stage
If you are interested in applying for funding from Greater Texas Foundation, the first step is to email our Director of Programs and Strategy. She will then contact you to discuss your program or project and determine whether it aligns with the foundation’s mission, strategy, and funding principles.
If your program or project is a potential fit, you will be invited to submit a brief concept paper, along with a line-item budget, via our online application system. The concept stage introduces GTF staff to your idea so they can consider whether to invite a proposal.
If invited, concept papers should be submitted via our online portal. Within one month of submission, your concept paper will be reviewed by foundation staff. A proposal may or may not be invited pending the outcome of this stage.
Proposal Stage
Only invited proposals are accepted and reviewed. If invited to submit a proposal, you will receive instructions regarding next steps.
The proposal stage provides GTF staff, followed by the Charitable Activities Committee and then the full board, with detailed information about your project. A proposal includes the following:
- project description and relevance to GTF’s mission and strategy;
- the nature, scope, and magnitude of the problem you are addressing;
- theory of change;
- intended outcomes, including specific measures of impact, influence, and leverage;
- plans for evaluation, risk management, and sustainability; and
- line-item budget for your proposed project.
During the review period, GTF staff may provide feedback for revision, elaboration, or clarification. There may also be a site visit at this stage of the review process to gain a greater understanding of the proposed project and to meet with staff responsible for carrying out the proposed work. This stage of the review process generally takes two months (or more in some cases) depending upon the complexity of the grant, extent of revisions necessary, and the applicant’s timeliness.
If the board approves your proposal, the Director of Grants Management will initiate a grant agreement within two weeks of the board’s decision. No grant funds will be disbursed, nor should funds be expended, until this agreement is executed by both parties.
If you have questions about our grant application and review process, please contact our Director of Grants Management.
