Minnesota Early Learning Foundation -- Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota Early Learning Foundation

Grant Making Guidelines

Fund Category

Frequently Asked Questions

Letter of Inquiry

Other Resources for Funding

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the process for requesting funding?

MELF seeks and solicits letters of inquiry from organizations with successful proven projects. Letters of inquiry will be reviewed and grant seekers will be notified of an invitation or declination to submit a full proposal.

The first cycle of Letters of Inquiry will be accepted from grant seekers until May 1, 2006.

To submit a Letter of Inquiry, complete the Form See the Grant Making Guidelines for the funding priorities and funding categories currently available.

For some guidance and examples of letters of inquiry, visit the Foundation Center http://fdncenter.org/learn/faqs/html/letter.html

2. Is a specific format required?

Use the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation Letter of Inquiry Form.

3. Where should I send my Letter of Inquiry?

Letters of Inquiry will be accepted by e-mail, fax or mail:

Barbara Yates

Minnesota Early Learning Foundation

2233 University Avenue, Suite 424

St. Paul, Minnesota 55114

Tel: (651) 287-9005 x 2

Fax: (651) 645-0946

E-mail: Yates@melf.us

4. What is the duration of funding?

Applications may apply for one, two or three years funding. Second and third year funding is contingent on availability of funds and satisfactory performance in previous year. Your funding request must justify the need for one, two or three years of funding.

5. What are the deadlines for this LOI process?

The current LOI deadline is May 1, 2006. Selected applicants will submit full proposals for a project start date of July 1, 2006, or as soon as practicable.

6. What type of grants does MELF make?

MELF supports activities as outlined in the Grant Guidelines and Fund Category Descriptions.

7. If my request fits into more than one fund category, do I need to fill out an appplication for each fund category?

No. Even if your project fits more than one fund category, or you are proposing a multi-pronged effort that crosses fund categories, you only need to fill out one application.

8. Is there a cap on administrative expenditures?

A maximum of 8% for administrative costs (direct or indirect) is allowable in grant budgets.

9. What is the estimated size of grants?

Annual project budget requests should be in the range of $25,000 - $250,000.

10. How are Letters of Inquiry reviewed?

All LOIs will be reviewed by staff to assure that they meet the funding priorities and criteria of MELF. After staff review, proposals will be reviewed by evaluators to determine that the proposed project is research-based, how the project will be evaluated and how it will contribute to the overall MELF mission. Proposals will then be reviewed by a citizen/peer/board advisory panel. Final decisions regarding funding will be made by the MELF Board of Directors. Decisions by the board are final.

11. What should I do if I have questions as I prepare the application?

Questions and answers will be posted on the MELF website. All questions must be submitted in writing by April 15, 2006. E-mail questions to: yates@melf.us. If your question only applies to your program, you will receive a response by e-mail only. We will not post those questions. If you do not have access to the Web, contact Barb Yates at (651) 287-9005 x 2.

12. Should letters of support or other attachments accompany the application?

No attachments will be accepted. Any additional information submitted will be discarded and not sent on to reviewers.

13. Will applicants be notified of funding decisions?

Notification will be by mail or e-mail. Please do not call to inquire about the status of an application.

14. When should my application be in the MELF office?

You can fax (651-645-0946) or email (yates@melf.us) your letter of inquiry up until midnight on Monday, May 1, 2006. The signature on your application can be faxed or submitted after May 1, as long as your letter of inquiry is in the office by May 1.