CFOS Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope these FAQ's about the CFOS Foundation and its grantmaking will answer most of your questions and provide you with the information you need to understand our application process from start to finish. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send us an email at foundation@cfoselections.com and we'd be happy to make sure you get all the answers to your questions.
Do we have to be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization to apply?
We require an applicant organization to have 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status.
Do you give grants to organizations outside of Washington State?
The Foundation funds organizations that deliver programs to children in Washington State. We will consider requests from organizations based outside of Washington as long as the organization is working directly with children residing in Washington State.
Can my school apply for a grant?
While we value the importance of education to the health of our state, the CFOS Foundation does not award grants to individual schools. With our limited funds we have chosen to focus our support on direct needs based children's issues.
What is the CFOS Foundation's grant application review process?
Steps for the CFOS Foundation's submission and review process are as follows:
1. Submit an application
While the Foundation encourages e-mail submission of applications, we will accept applications through the mail.
2. Application acknowledgement
We will confirm receipt of your application and let you know when it will be considered for funding.
3. Review
The CFOS Foundation relies upon the Seattle Foundations and its resources to help in our due diligence. www.seattlefoundation.org The CFOS Foundation's Independently controlled Board of Advisors reviews all applications and is solely responsible for making grant recommendations. If your application meets the CFOS Foundation grant criteria and guidelines, and funding is available, we will follow up with you regarding your application with either a site visit, a meeting at the Foundation or via telephone.
4. Approval
Grant Applications are presented quarterly to the Board for review, discussion and possible grant making. The Board meets quarterly usually during the beginning of March, June, September and December of each year to make grant decisions.
5. Notification of decision
Letters of notification from the CFOS Foundation Board will be sent from the Chairman after the Board meeting at which the application was considered and approved. If a grant is awarded you will be contacted directly by representatives of the Seattle Foundation to complete the grant process. A check will be enclosed with a letter directly from the Seattle Foundation identifying the CFOS Foundation as the grantor.
6. Changes
During the time that your application is under review, please notify The CFOS Foundation of any significant changes in leadership, financial circumstances or the capacity of the organization to accomplish the proposed activities.
Does the Foundation fund faith-based organizations?
The Foundation does fund faith-based organizations if their activities directly address local children in need without regard to religious beliefs. We do not fund religious activities or organizations that require religious activity as a condition of receiving services. We do not fund organizations that "further religious doctrine"; for instance, or have as its primary goal to further a specific religious belief. We have a nondiscrimination statement that states the Foundation will not fund organizations that discriminate, including discrimination based on religion.