Emergent Needs Grants

Grant Application Process

Two-Step Online Process:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Provides general overview of proposed project and associated outcomes
- Foundation responds to appropriate and complete LOIs within 10 days
- Applicants may be asked to submit additional information or meet with Foundation staff
- Approved LOIs gain access to full grant application

2. Full Grant Application
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Must meet all requirements for substance, accuracy, and completeness
- Forwarded to Foundation's Distribution Committee for consideration
- Foundation meets with each applicant in a grant conference

Required Materials & Submission

• Applications submitted by deadline will be considered
• All submissions must be made through the online grant portal
• Meeting with Foundation staff is part of the process

Key Application Guidance

• Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes (high priority)
• Show how clients and program beneficiaries are engaged in the work
• Demonstrate that service users are listened to and have influence on design and delivery
• Foundation staff available to guide applicants on outcomes
• Review Outcomes Terms for common understanding
• Review Criteria and Eligibility before applying

Support Available

• Office hours twice weekly for applicant support
• Support series videos available
• Applicants always welcome to reach out at any time
• Contact Sofia Pawlusik for assistance: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or (518) 393-9500

Timeline After Decision

• Notification of funding decisions approximately 2 weeks after grant conferences
• 2-3 weeks for funds processing and check issuance after grant agreement signed