Applying for the Grant

The Foundation does not have a grant application form. The preferred submission is a good letter, on letterhead, introducing the organization and explaining what Hardenbergh can do to support, enhance or expand the program. The Minnesota Common Grant Application form is also accepted. The application submission must include at a minimum:

• IRS tax exemption 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Audited Financial Statement, or IRS Form 990 and unaudited financial statement

The Foundation encourages first time applicants to contact Tammy Davis Cownie at tammy@hardenberghfdn.org to introduce themselves, and to learn more about Foundation priorities and the grant application process.

Grant Application Deadline

Grant applications must be received by October 15th. Applications postmarked by the 15th but received later may not be considered. All applications must be submitted hard copy by US Mail or other delivery service. Electronic submissions will not be considered.

Application Review Process

The Hardenbergh Foundation Board of Directors meets just once a year to consider grant requests. That meeting is always held about December 1st. Successful applicants will receive their grant by December 15th. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a declination letter about that same time.

About Grants Awarded

The Foundation makes about 100 grants each year. Most are for general operating support. Although there is never a long term commitment, many organizations receive general operating support year after year. Those grants are generally in the range of $10,000 to $25,000.

The Foundation also makes a few capital grants each year. Some of those are to organizations that have been receiving general operating support. Capital grants are made generally in the range of $50,000 to $250,000. Most capital grants are paid in full in the year approved. The Foundation is unlikely to be influenced by matching grant opportunities or offers of multiple year payments.