Program Details

Our Competitive Grants Program operates through a regionally focused approach with three, separate funding cycles per year. The three funding cycles are directly correlated to our three priority regions and feature a slightly abbreviated application process, along with the addition of an in-person presentation component that we call Pitch Day.

Some regions that we have previously funded are no longer included in this program. We understand this is not ideal for the organizations that are no longer eligible, but it was determined that this change was necessary in order to achieve our foundation goals. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact our Foundation Leadership.

Eligibility 

  • The applicant organization must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity, or under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. At this time, we do not fund endowments or scholarships through this program. 
  • The applicant organization must operate within one of the three priority funding regions.
  • The applicant organization's primary focus area must be one of the following: Arts & Culture; Education; Environment; or Health & Human Services.
  • Prior to each application period, first-time applicants are required to attend a Pre-Application Meeting. Please reference your specific region for more information.

Guidelines

  • A maximum of one online funding application per organization may be submitted each program year. 
  • Applications must be completed entirely in order to be considered. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the application, please reach out to our Foundation Leadership.
  • If your organization is selected to move forward, an official representative must be present at the predetermined date and time for Pitch Day. The Pitch Day dates for each region will be announced prior to each individual funding cycle. Organization time slots will be assigned to the selected applicants following each review period and at least 1 to 2 weeks before the Pitch Day dates. 
  • If your organization is awarded a grant, Moniker staff may request a site visit to conclude the process. Site visits may be conducted virtually if the grantee is concerned about safety.

Grant Size and Support Types 

  • Grant award sizes range between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on the annual program budget and regional committee decisions.  Applicants will not be asked to request a specific amount. Grant award amounts will be uniform for each funding cycle, but may change year to year and vary between regions. Please navigate to your specific regional webpage for more information.
  • Organizations may apply for the following support types: capital support, general operating support, program support, or project support. We strongly recommend that applicants prioritize critical operating activities at this time and forego any nonessential programming and projects.

Pitch Day Details

A total of 12 organizations will be selected from each region to present at Pitch Day. At least one organization (at minimum) from each focus area will be invited to present, and each focus area will receive at least one grant. We do not have a specific quota at this time, so focus area proportions for each region will vary based on committee consensus. Pitch Day venues will be located within each region and will be announced in the invitations. Pitch Day time-slots will be assigned in the invitations as well. Each organization will have 15 minutes to present followed by a 5-10 minute Q&A period. At this point, presentations will be technology free (A/V equipment will be unavailable) to ensure timely completion. Organizations may bring a visual aid for the review committee (a handout or brochure), but given the brevity of the time slots, we encourage emphasis on the spoken message.
​
Pitch Guidelines
  • What does your organization do? Provide a brief overview of your organization. This information was provided in your application so a refresher is all that is necessary.  
  • Who will the funding support? ​Tell us about the population that your organization serves in the community and/or who will benefit from the funding.
  • Why is your work important to your community? This is your case for support and should be the primary focus of your presentation. We want to hear about how you will use the funding and why it matters.
  • How will you achieve your goals and objectives? Explain how you will measure your success and what you need to do to reach your goals. 
Remember, these are just guidelines for your presentation.  As long as the duration is kept within 15 minutes, you may include whatever information that you deem necessary for a strong and compelling case.

How We Evaluate - At A Glance

  • Is the application complete, well-written, and concise?
  • Does the application provide all of the information necessary to make an informed judgment?
  • Does the application align with Moniker's mission and focus areas?
  • Does the organization demonstrate a strong case for support?
  • Are the programs and services effective, efficient, and unduplicated?
  • Is the organization's overall strategy logical, realistic, and well-executed?
  • If applicable, has the organization/program provided sound reasoning for being under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
  • Are the stated goals and objectives specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound?
  • Will the grant deliver a measurable impact?
  • Is there a demonstrated financial need?
  • Does the organization have sustainable and diversified funding streams?
  • Is the organization financially stable?
  • Does the organization have a history of success and positive outcomes?
  • Does the organization demonstrate a commitment to adequate and effective evaluation of its programming and operations?
  • Does the organization demonstrate extraordinary factors and intangibles that set it apart from other organizations in the associated focus area and region (innovations, effectual collaborations, community engagement, leadership, awards and recognition, etc)?
Please visit the following pages for specific information regarding our three funding regions.