Application Process

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is committed to making the grant application process as simple and effective as possible. To apply, non-profits should follow these guidelines:

Inquiry: The first step in the grant application process is filling out an inquiry. The inquiry requests basic information and a description of your project, along with what funds you are applying for a grant from. Upon completion, Community Foundation staff will contact you to discuss your project more in-depth and notify you if you should continue with a full-length proposal. An inquiry must be completed prior to submitting an application.The inquiry is a PDF that can be filled in online and emailed to us. To download the form, click here.

Application: Based on the outcome of an organization’s inquiry, an organization may be encouraged to submit a full proposal. For grant requests exceeding $3,000 we encourage using the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form. In addition, grantees need to include items requested on the self-certification checklist along with a signed copy of the checklist confirming proposal completeness. Grant requests below $3,000 can use the DSACF Short Form. (make a table with two categories so I can put these forms up in the right hand column). Grants are primarily distributed through four grant making cycles each year with application deadlines of February 1, April 1, August 1 and October 1. Exceptions to this schedule are listed on specific fund guidelines.

Review: Applications are acknowledged shortly after the application deadline. Program staff will contact you with follow-up questions or additional information once the review begins. The review process may take up to three months. Proposals will be reviewed for the strength of the match with the fund priorities and the Foundation policies, the potential benefit to the community, and the capability of the organization to achieve the proposed results. Staff, committees and donor advisors review proposals with the President and the Board of Trustees making final grant recommendations. Organizations will be notified of the outcome of their proposal once the Board makes final grant making decisions. If a proposal is declined, we encourage the applicant to contact program staff to engage in further discussion regarding the application.

I’ve been awarded a grant. Now what? If a proposal is approved, the grantee will receive a notification letter, a grant agreement form that outlines the conditions of the award, and the final project report form. The grant agreement must be signed and returned to the Community Foundation and any special conditions must be fulfilled prior to receiving the funding.

Final Project Report: The final project report form is due two months following the completion of the grant period and will be mailed in your initial notification packet. Grant periods are one-year unless otherwise noted.