Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific types of requests or projects that the Foundation does NOT fund?
The Atlanta Women’s Foundation does not fund:
- Requests from individuals, government agencies or private businesses
- Scholarships requested by individuals
- Loans, startup expenses or seed capital funding for private businesses
- Debt reduction
- Endowments or capital expenditures including renovations, equipment, furnishings and construction
- Programs that require religious participation or affiliation
- Fundraising projects and capital campaigns
What is the Foundation’s target population?
Low-income female headed households with children living in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton or Gwinnett counties. Girls are defined as female children ages 0 to 18.
How does the Foundation define “female headed household with children?”
A family with children headed by a female guardian or custodial parent.
Does the Foundation fund programs that serve noncustodial mothers?
On a case by case basis the Foundation will consider requests for programs that serve noncustodial mothers as long as family reunification is a clear and distinct priority.
What percentage of clients must reside in the Foundation’s five county service area to be eligible for funding?
- For a program grant, 75% of the program’s clients must reside in the five county service area
- For a general operating grant, 75% of the organization’s clients must reside in the five county service area
Will the Foundation consider requests for staff development?
Yes. The organization must apply for a technical assistance grant. Technical assistance grants are available in the fall of each year.
Does the Foundation fund new programs and/or startup nonprofit organizations?
Yes. The Foundation defines a seed grant as funding for researching, developing, implementing or piloting a startup program or organization. Requests for expanding existing programs are not considered seed grants.
If an organization is applying for a program grant, can they include overhead and administrative expenses related to that program?
Yes, the Foundation will accept requests for program funding that include reasonable overhead and administrative expenses.
If an organization has not gathered income data during client intake, how should they complete the client demographics section of the Proposal Summary Form?
While actual income data on clients served is preferred, we will accept estimates. Please include an explanation as to how you arrived at your estimates in the narrative section of the Letter of Inquiry and an explanation of how you expect to gather income data in the future.
If we are applying for funding for a new program, and we do not have client demographics, how should we complete the demographics section of the Proposal Summary Form?
If you are requesting funding for a new program, please complete the demographics section of the form with a description of your target population – that is the population your program intends to and will likely serve.
Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?
AWF does not award multi-year grants.
Can an organization apply for more than one grant?
Organiztions are able to apply for seed funding twice a year. Seed grants will not exceed $20,000.00.
If an organization submits a Letter of Inquiry and is NOT invited to submit a proposal for that grant cycle, how long does it need to wait to resubmit?
There is no waiting period. An organization may reapply by the next deadline.
Is there a preferred format for Letter of Inquiry submissions?
The Foundation prefers submissions that adhere to the following guidelines:
- Arial font, no smaller than 10 point
- Margins no smaller than .75”
- Do not include press clippings, newsletter, photographs or any other materials unless requested
- The Letter of Inquiry must be submitted electronically
Can we meet with The Atlanta Women’s Foundation staff to talk about our work?
While we would love to meet you and hear about your work, we are simply unable to honor such requests due to staff time and resource constraints.
Do the financial figures submitted in the proposal summary form need to coincide with Foundation’s fiscal year?
No
Does the Foundation provide feedback to an organization on why they are not being funded?
Upon request, we will provide feedback on applications that were not accepted for funding.