Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Are there core requirements an organization must meet before submitting a proposal?
A: Yes, prior to preparing a proposal, all organizations will be asked to confirm the following:
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You are a qualified, 501(c)(3) organization;
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Your project aligns with our grant guidelines;
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Your project will have a meaningful and direct impact on Auburn and the surrounding central New York area; and
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You have received funding from the Emerson Foundation previously.
If you cannot answer “yes” to all four questions, do not submit a proposal. Please reach out to the foundation first to discuss if a submission is warranted.
Q: Are there deadlines for submitting proposals?
A: No deadlines here! Proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Q: How soon will we hear back from the foundation after submitting a proposal?
A: We typically respond to proposals within 1-3 months after receiving a submission. Thank you for your patience.
Q: How often may we submit a proposal?
A: Organizations that have received a grant from the foundation should hold off submitting a subsequent proposal for 2-3 years. If you submit a proposal that was not selected for funding, you may apply again the following year, however we advise against submitting the same proposal more than once.
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Q: We see on the Emerson Foundation’s list of previous grant recipients, grants that have been awarded to some organizations located far from Auburn, NY. Why is this?
A: From time to time the foundation will award discretionary grants to organizations outside our immediate geography. However, we do not invite submissions of this type. We only invite and consider proposals from organizations that align with our grant guidelines.
Q: What does “meaningful and direct impact on the Auburn NY and the surrounding central New York area” mean?
A: This is something we will ask you to describe for us in your proposal. As a place-based funder, we prioritize submissions where it is clearly demonstrated the outcomes of the initiative will have positive impact on the communities of Auburn, Cayuga County and the immediate surrounding communities.
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Q: Do all proposals need to be submitted using the foundation’s online portal?
A: Yes. Submissions received via mail or e-mail will not be considered. If you need assistance using our online portal, please reach out to the foundation.
Q: We have reviewed your grant guidelines and FAQ’s, but still have questions. Can we reach out to the foundation to discuss our project?
A: Absolutely, please reach out to us. We are always glad to discuss your project and learn more about your organization.
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Q: We are a small nonprofit and not required to have our financial statements audited. May we still submit a proposal?
A: Yes, but you must submit your most recent, unaudited financial statements. Please do not submit your organization’s Form 990.
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Q: If our organization is not a grant recipient, will someone let us know how we can improve our application?
A: We will provide direct feedback as much as possible upon request.
Additional Information