The information below should answer most of your questions. Please read before contacting us.
Can anyone apply for a grant from The Olive Tree Foundation? The Olive Tree Foundation has moved to an invitation-only grant application process. However, you are free to introduce yourself from our Contact Us page. Applicants who were not invited will not be considered for a grant.
Does it matter what geographic areas within the U.S. my organization serves? We make grants to nonprofits throughout the United States.
May I apply if my U.S.-based organization serves communities outside of the U.S.? Yes, we make grants to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve other countries in need.
How much money does the Olive Tree Foundation grant to each grantee? Grantees generally receive less than $10,000. We expect applicants to seek funding from a variety of sources.
May I apply if my organization is operating at a deficit? Yes. However, grants are competitive and having a deficit could put your organization at a disadvantage. Your grant application should include the reason for the shortage, what you will do to rectify the deficiency, and why the grant committee should consider your organization sustainable.
To whom should we address our cover letter? You may address a one-page cover letter expressing interest in a grant to The Olive Tree Foundation Grant Committee. You don’t need the OTF mailing address on your cover letter.
What do I do if I have technical problems while trying to submit an application? We do not own or operate the Submittable, the website through which applications are submitted. Please contact the Submittable help desk for technical support.
What makes a good grant application? Applicants who receive grants:
- Clearly provide metrics showing the success of the program for which they are requesting funds;
- Detail how funds would be used;
- Specify how many people would be served by your project and their demographics;
- Specify other grantors and the amounts they have committed to the program in question; and
- Previous grant recipients follow up with OTF to confirm receipt of funds and let us know how they have used and are using the monies.
What are some reasons OTF might reject an organization? The committee may decline a grant application if the application is incomplete, information is unclear, projects don’t meet mission requirements, organizations are ineligible, or if competing applicant projects better fit our mission.
How do I apply for a grant? First: You must be invited to apply for a grant. If you were invited and still have questions, please send us a note via our Contact Us page or email the sponsor who invited your organization.
What are the guidelines if I was invited to apply? Grant applicants must create a cover letter addressed to the Olive Tree Foundation Grant Committee. The required cover letter, which should not exceed one typewritten page, should succinctly explain:
- What your organization does
- How long your organization has been operating
- The problem or need your 501(c)(3) organization plans to address
- How granted funds will contribute to solving or ameliorating the problem or fulfilling the need, including the project’s principle objectives and expected outcome
- The timetable for the project or mission
- How the proposed project relates to The Olive Tree Foundation, Inc.’s mission and fulfills eligibility guidelines
- Whether the project requires partnerships with other organizations and their importance to its success
- Your plan for assessing the project’s results
- The total estimated project budget, including the amount requested from The Olive Tree Foundation, Inc. and any other anticipated sources of support
- Your plan for sustaining the project after grant funding expires
Invited applicants must also upload:
- An IRS Letter of Determination (proof of 501(c)3 status in your organization’s name)
- IRS Form 990 for the previous year (It’s beneficial to include the most recent year)
- A financial statement or general operating budget for the current year
- A breakdown of the budget for the program for which you are seeking funds