Q: How do we contact the Foundation?
A: Before calling or sending a letter of inquiry, please carefully read the information provided on this website in order to determine if there is a fit between the project you are seeking funding to support and Cowell's funding strategy. Also verify that your town or neighborhood is a place in Northern or Central California where a significant number of low-income families with children reside and where neighbors, public officials, nonprofit organizations and businesses demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. Make sure that your project also meets the criteria for at least one of Cowell's Program Areas. If there appears to be a good fit or if you have additional questions, call us to find out whether you should send a letter of inquiry. Our phone number is (415) 397-0285.
top
Q: How often are funding decisions made?
A: The Foundation’s board makes decisions ten times a year based on staff recommendations.
top
Q: When are the deadlines for the proposals?
A: Funding inquiries are welcome year-round. Cowell’s board of directors meets regularly and reviews only those proposals recommended by staff.
top
Q: What size grants do you usually make? How much should I request?
A: Cowell grants range from less than $1,000 to over $500,000 based on the objectives and funding needs of the organization requesting support. Ask for the amount that is needed to accomplish the specific goal of the grant project. In your initial letter of inquiry, it is helpful if you provide information about how much you have raised and what you have in mind to request from Cowell. During the proposal review, the program officer will work closely with you to review the grant project's financing, including long-term sustainability in order to determine a requested amount with you.
top
Q: How large is the Foundation’s overall grantmaking budget?
A: Click here to see an overview of our financial information. We also have details on individual grants in our grants database.
top
Q: Do you only fund one-time grants or will you provide multi-year support?
A: The Foundation provides both one-time and multi-year grants depending upon the project and funding needs. While we do not provide ongoing general operating support, many of our grants focus on helping an organization grow from one stage of development to another.
top
Q: Do you fund outside of Northern and Central California?
A: With very few exceptions, grants are restricted to programs and projects that directly benefit children and families residing in Northern and Central California. In addition, we look for communities where we can make complementary place-based grants.
top
Q: How does Cowell evaluate grantees?
A: Cowell’s evaluation process is both rigorous and fair. Program officers work closely with grantees through each and every phase of the grant lifecycle (beginning with the proposal, before a grant is even awarded) to ensure clear and realistic grant deliverables and that appropriate systems are in place to measure success and impact over time.
top
Q: If my organization received a Cowell Foundation grant recently, how long must we wait before submitting another funding request?
A: The Foundation has no policy about renewals or repeats. Many current grantees have received support in the past. However, the Foundation's grantmaking is evolving, so past support is not an indication of current eligibility for funding.
top
Q: Does Cowell make loans or other types of Program Related Investments?
A: The Foundation has offered Program Related Investments (PRIs) in the past but we are not making any new PRIs at this time.
top
Q: How do I get a proposal funded?
A: Regardless of a project’s merits, Cowell only funds projects that fall within our grantmaking strategy and that meet our funding criteria.
top
Q: What is the proper format for a letter of inquiry?
A: Call first. If the Foundation’s grant staff sees a potential fit with Cowell’s funding priorities, you will be asked to submit a letter of inquiry.
top
Q: Our organization received Cowell funding in the past and now we find ourselves facing an extraordinary opportunity or crisis. Will Cowell help?
A: Cowell board and staff care deeply about the organizations and people we fund. We are aware of the tight funding environment. That’s why we have a program area called Responsive Grantmaking. In that spirit, we encourage friends of the Foundation to stay in contact with us and let us know how things are going—both the good and the sad news. If we cannot provide funding we may be able to find other ways to support you and your important work.
top
Q: Does Cowell offer any support for leadership development or other types of technical assistance?
A: Yes. Our responsive grantmaking program provides support to help grantees build effective leadership and expand organizational capacity. In particular, we offer current grantees the opportunity to apply for leadership development grants. We also provide support for capital projects and other needs that may fall outside of our four primary program areas.
top
Q: Is it true that the S.H. Cowell Foundation prefers to make capital grants for buildings and equipment?
A: Inquiries about capital grants do not receive preferential treatment. Like all inquiries about potential funding, only those that fit Cowell's grantmaking strategy and that meet our funding criteria will be considered. Please note that the Foundation does not consider capital grants until 50 percent of the total funds have been raised.
top
Q: Your past annual reports list a large number of grants that are not in Cowell’s main program areas. Are you continuing to fund projects like these?
A: No. Currently the grants budget is sharply focused on our place-based work in Family Resource Centers, K-12 Public Education, Youth Development, Affordable Housing and other complementary efforts that improve the quality of life of low-income children and families in neighborhoods that meet our place-based criteria.
top
Q: Do you make grants to individuals?
A: No. Click here to see a list of other restrictions.
top
Q: Is the Foundation affiliated with the Cowell Theater or the Cowell Health Centers at local universities?
A: The Cowell family and Foundation provided capital support for building the theater at Fort Mason Center and health facilities at regional universities.
top
Q: Where do I find out about job opportunities at Cowell?
A: We have a small staff and very little turnover, but job opportunities are occasionally listed in the What’s New section of our web site.
top |
