Merit School of Music ▲
If the Foundation’s initial review of the Grantseeker Information Form (GIF) indicates there might be a strong match, a program officer will contact the grantseeker to learn more about the organization and its programs. If a grantseeker remains under consideration after this conversation, the Foundation’s spring and fall grantmaking cycles proceed as follows.
- Grantseekers being considered will receive an invitation to participate in a due diligence discussion.
- Following due diligence conversations, selected grantseekers will receive a formal application invitation.
- All invited and received applications will be reviewed, and recommendations will be prepared for the Board of Directors, which has sole authority to approve grant requests. Each applicant will be contacted and advised of the Board’s decision.
- If a grant is approved, an agreement will be sent out within two weeks following the Board meeting, and the grant will be disbursed upon receipt of the signed agreement.
The timeline for each stage of the grantmaking cycle is as follows.
| Due Diligence Discussion |
Application Due |
Board Meeting Review |
Grant Disbursement |
|
| Spring Cycle | January to March |
Mid- to Late February |
Mid- to Late May |
May to June |
| Fall Cycle | July to September |
Mid- to Late August |
Late October to Early November |
November to December |
Current Grantees: Current grantees have a simplified application process, which combines an evaluation questionnaire and renewal request. The process generally follows the timeline shown above, except that the due diligence discussion usually occurs after the application is received.