FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Guidelines

Our nonprofit organization is a national institution that has programs in one of the Foundation's primary geographical areas. Should we apply?

The Fidelity Foundation has active grant programs in the communities surrounding the Fidelity Investments corporate locations. We also consider projects from organizations of regional or national importance throughout the United States. High-impact projects with potential to inform or influence the nonprofit sector are of particular interest.

Do Fidelity clients receive priority consideration in your review of proposals?

The Fidelity Foundation is a private, independent, nonprofit entity that awards grants only on the basis of our guidelines, project merits and availability of funds. The Foundation does not take business relationships into consideration.

Where can I find information on Fidelity Investments' Charitable Gift Fund?

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund is a donor-advised fund that facilitates the philanthropy of individuals. Please see the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Web site
(www.charitablegift.org for more information.)

Will Fidelity sponsor my event, purchase a table or ad, or provide in-kind support?

While the Foundation is not a resource for these types of activities, Fidelity Investments' corporate offices may be. Please see Fidelity Cares for more information.

I received email (or letter) notification that we have been approved for a Fidelity Foundation grant that we did not apply for. Is this true?

No, the Fidelity Foundation does not award random grants or unsolicited funds. For additional information about foundation scam emails click here.

Selection Criteria

Does the Foundation provide emergency or immediate funding?

The Foundation's goal is to strengthen the long-term effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. As we most often work with organizations undertaking major initiatives to reach new levels of achievement, we are not typically a resource for emergency or immediate funding.

Does the Foundation make successive-year or multiple-year grants?

We see an organization's ability to attract a broad range of support as a key sign of its strength and sustainability. As our funding program is intended to strengthen nonprofit organizations, we generally do not make successive-year or multiple-year grants.

Does the Foundation fund staff positions as part of organizational capacity proposals?

Fidelity Foundation seeks proposals where we can add value to an organization and where the grant will help produce tangible and measurable results. Funding for staffing proposals may be considered if the position is an integral part of an overall business plan and the organization can provide supporting evidence to justify the need, including:

• rationale for the position as part of an overall business plan
• other funding partners
• transition plan from initial funding

Will the Foundation participate in our capital campaign?

The Fidelity Foundation is a resource for capital campaigns that have already demonstrated significant constituent and community support by attracting at least half of the goal. The Foundation is not generally a lead or majority donor to capital campaigns.

What if I am unclear if my project proposal is consistent with the interest of the Fidelity Foundation?

If you are uncertain about a proposal idea, rather than fill out the project proposal form, please submit a letter of inquiry detailing your organization, request and query.

Review Process

Our organization has several needs. Which one should I submit?

The Foundation considers one proposal per organization at a time. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that best match our funding requirements and areas of investment focus. Our Guidelines and Selection Criteria sections provide details on this information.

Will I receive acknowledgment of the receipt of my proposal?

Yes, proposals are acknowledged in writing upon receipt. After receiving a proposal, the review process may take between three and six months, which should be factored into an applicant's funding time.

Should I call to initiate a site visit or schedule a meeting?

Program staff will initiate requests for meetings and site visits.

Preparing Your Proposal

Should I call to discuss my proposal before submitting it?

Our Web site will provide you with the information you need to determine if our funding priorities and requirements match your needs, and if so, how to submit a proposal. This Frequently Asked Questions section may be particularly helpful. If you are still uncertain about a proposal idea, please submit a letter of inquiry detailing your organization, request and query.

When is your next deadline?

There are no deadlines for submitting grant proposals. The Foundation reviews completed grant proposals on a year-round rolling basis.

How much should I ask for?

A reasonable request might be based on a variety of compelling factors, such as a clear relationship between requested amount and itemized budget figures, the expected impact of the grant, levels of support from other funders (including members of the organization's board) and evidence of other resources to complete funding needed. Please see the Selection Criteria and Preparing Your Proposal sections for more information.

Will the Foundation consider funding an entire project?

We consider an organization's ability to attract a broad range of support as key to its strength and sustainability. As our funding program is intended to strengthen nonprofit organizations, our grants generally do not support the entire cost of a project.

Should I include letters of support, press clippings and other endorsements in our proposal?

In moderation, such materials can be helpful in establishing public support for your organization. However, please limit these supporting documents to three pages or less.

What kind of recognition or press coverage does the Foundation seek when reviewing a request?

The Fidelity Foundation does not seek to attract publicity for its activities. Please consult with the Foundation prior to any publicity plans.

Post-Grant Review

Should fundraising goals be an outcome measurement in our project evaluation?

Outcome measurements used in evaluating your initiative should correspond with the rationale and ultimate goals for undertaking the proposed project. For example, an organization may undertake a capital campaign for a new building to allow it to serve additional people. A goal of the campaign may also be to reach out to new donors. Note: While this information is important, it would be most appropriate to mention it in the Director's Comment, not in the Outcome Measurement section.

To whom should I send my Project Update and Post-Grant Form?

Please send all materials to the appropriate regional contact and mailing address listed in the Contacts section.

Miscellaneous

Whom should I contact if I have a question about my grant proposal or want to provide additional information?

As much as possible, please provide all proposal information at the same time. Material updates or changes can be sent in writing to the appropriate office. Please see Foundation Contacts.