Dunham Fund Grant Requirements and Application Process

Defining the Dunham Difference

The Dunham Fund’s primary grant making goal is to measurably and permanently impact the Dunham Fund service area through start up support of new or uniquely enhanced educational and community development programs and capital projects that address a documented need and are innovative, collaborative and potentially self-sustaining, while being purposefully designed to effect positive change through close alignment with the missions of the grant seeking organization and the Dunham Fund.

Those grant proposals that closely adhere to this grant making goal are most likely to be considered for and receive funding. The terms and elements of the Dunham Fund grant making goal are more extensively defined in the Grant Guidelines and Application Procedures.

Preference is given to grant applicant organizations located in the Dunham Fund’s service area. Grant applicants outside the service area may also be considered if the project can demonstrate significant impact within the Dunham Fund’s service area. On occasion, the Dunham Fund proactively approaches and funds organizations to develop particularly innovative, collaborative, and “cutting edge” programs to address critical needs in its service area.

Grants are ordinarily made for one year only and are currently limited to $1 million, though some requests are for as little as $5,000. The Dunham Fund encourages the participation of others in funding projects, and on occasion provides matching funds and challenge grants in an attempt to stimulate increased response from other sources.

How the Grant Application Process Begins

The Dunham Fund Grant Application process begins with a Letter of Inquiry, signed by the applicant organization's Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

Organizations seeking Dunham Fund support may submit a Letter of Inquiry on February 1 or June 1 during two annual grant cycles.

The letter should describe:

1. Your organization’s mission and a summary of overall program
2. Your proposed new or enhanced Education or Community Development program or project, including objective, implementation and significance in solving a documented community need
3. Amount requested: Dunham Fund prefers to make one year grants that are currently limited to $1M.
4. The date the project will begin and the anticipated completion date
5. How the proposed program or project is aligned with the missions of your organization and the Dunham Fund
6. How this project will effect positive change in the communities your organization serves
7. How the program is innovative and collaborative
8. A brief project outcomes and impact measurement plan

Note: Attach a letter or certificate indicating Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status.

Before submitting a Letter of Inquiry to the Dunham Fund, you can contact the Executive Director to discuss your proposed project. It can be most helpful to both organizations if your letter is previewed before submission. Organizations should try to limit the letter of inquiry to two typewritten pages.

The Letter of Inquiry will be reviewed and a written Invitation to Apply will be extended by The Dunham Fund to selected organizations. These organizations will be asked to complete a grant application to be submitted by the first business day in May (Grant Cycle I) or October (Grant Cycle II). Organizations receiving an Invitation to Apply for requests of $50,000 or less may be asked to complete an abbreviated grant proposal. Grant applicants may also be selected to make oral presentations of their projects to the Dunham Fund Board of Advisors.

Dunham Fund Grant Guidelines and Application

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