Special Initiatives

Special initiatives are Foundation-generated projects that seek to accomplish specific outcomes that help the Foundation to achieve its funding objectives. Three methods are used: requests for proposals (RFPs); partnerships with community organizations; and mini-grants.

RFPs are used when the Foundation has identified the populations it wishes to serve and the outcomes it wishes to achieve. The RFP lists project specifications and application procedures.

Partnerships with community organizations are sought when there is a strong overlap of interest or mission between the Foundation and a community organization. Community partnerships are characterized by mutual trust, flexibility, and open communication.

Successful partnerships include a high degree of collaboration between the Foundation and the partnering organization, with both parties being actively involved in the planning process. Community partnerships are often long-term relationships. Priority is given to projects that have a wide impact, leverage internal and/or external resources, and affect a large number of people. For more information about the Foundation's current special initiatives, please click on the navigation bar to the left.

Mini-Grants are designed to support the Foundation’s core grantmaking objectives by providing grants for one-time purchases and other needs that are not readily addressed by the Foundation’s annual grant cycles. Mini-grants are small in size, usually ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 and are released periodically throughout the year.

For more information about the Foundation's current special initiatives, please click on the navigation bar to the left.