Please note that the Foundation no longer accepts unsolicited proposals; all applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry. Please see the Deadlines section of this website for specific due dates for both letters of inquiry and full proposals for all funding regions.
Proposal Process
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
To begin the application process for a Kaplan Foundation grant, organizations must submit a letter of inquiry using our online form. Click on the link below to complete and submit a letter of inquiry. Please answer all questions completely, keeping in mind that brevity is appreciated.Click here to submit a letter of inquiry online
Upon submitting a letter of inquiry, applicants will receive an automated email to confirm that the form was received. Foundation staff will review all entries and may contact applicants with initial questions. Subsequently, organizations that best fit the Foundation's funding goals will be invited to submit a full proposal. Please note that all applicants must submit a letter of inquiry before a full proposal will be considered by the Foundation.
Step 2: Full Proposal
Applicants that have been invited by staff to submit a full proposal should plan to send the proposal via email to the Foundation. The email address of the staff person assigned to the proposal will be provided prior to the submission date. The following documents should be included with the proposal:Cover sheet or Letter
Should include primary contact information, the amount requested and for what purpose, and the applicable area of interest. The Foundation will consider requests for specific program support as well as general operating support.Proposal Narrative
Should be fewer than 6 pages and include a description of the organization, its history and its current programs. Briefly describe the community, need, or audience served, but focus more on the organization's accomplishments and its day-to-day work. Clearly state the organization's goals, how the attainment of those goals is to be evaluated, and any results to date.Budgets
Income and expense budget for the year(s) funding is requested, and for the prior year.Funding Commitments
A list of actual grant commitments over $5,000 for the year(s) funding is requested, and for the prior year. If the organization does not have any contributions over $5,000, please list the organization's top funding sources.Potential Support
A list of all sources being asked for support for the year(s) funding is requested, and their responses to date.Audit
One copy of the organization's most current audit should be included in the proposal. If the organization has recently completed its fiscal year and expects to receive an updated audit within the next month, please provide a note explaining this. In this case, there is no need to an old audit; simply send the new audit when available.Board of Directors
A list of board members and a summary of their financial contributions to the organization (example: 9 0% of our twelve board members gave personal financial contributions, totaling $25,000). If the board does not give financial support, please elaborate on their contributions of time and talent to the organization.Tax Exemption Letter
A copy of a valid IRS 501(c)3 federal tax exemption letter.IRS 990
The first section of the organization's most recently completed fiscal year (from the first page to the signature page, generally about 8 pages). If the organization expects to receive an updated IRS Form 990 in the next month, please provide a note explaining this and send the form when completed.