ASIC APPLICATION GUIDELINES

The Heinz Endowments support the efforts of non-profit organizations active in the areas of Arts & Culture; Children, Youth & Families; Economic Opportunity; Education; and Environment, with an emphasis on programs either in southwestern Pennsylvania or of clear benefit to the region.

Prospective applicants should be advised that funding for projects that do not meet one or both of these criteria, while not unheard of, is rare.

WHO MAY APPLY

The Endowments fund organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities under section 509(a) of that code. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding.

WHAT THE ENDOWMENTS LOOK FOR

The Endowments have adopted a set of principles, or touchstones, to guide their grantmaking in all program areas. Prospective applicants should be aware of these principles as they consider applying for support.

The Endowments seek to support programs that:

[*] will have a significant and continuing impact. The Endowments tend not to be interested in programs that are one-time events or that are not integrated into a larger strategy for continuous change.

[*] intervene at the appropriate level. The Endowments seek to address the causes of problems rather than simply ameliorate their symptoms.

[*] offer opportunities for leverage. The Endowments seek to amplify resources by forming partnerships with other grantmakers, organizations of government and the private sector.

[*] are grounded in the community. An important aspect of the Endowment's mission is to develop models with potential application elsewhere, but southwestern Pennsylvania remains the geographic focus of the grantmaking of both Endowments.

[*] are appropriate in relation to the work of other grantmakers. The Endowments seek to support work that complements rather than duplicates the efforts of other foundations. Furthermore, we tend to limit support to programs that are consistent with our areas of expertise.

HOW TO BEGIN: LETTER OF INQUIRY

Prospective applicants are asked to review carefully the guidelines for the grantmaking program from which they anticipate seeking support. Inquiries regarding funding should demonstrate a familiarity with the Endowments relevant goals and strategies.

The Endowments' employ a two-step application process. The first step in seeking support is to submit a concise letter of inquiry. The second step is a formal application process for those requests that are determined to meet the Endowments' basic funding criteria.

The letter of inquiry,which should be signed by the head of the applicant organization or of its board, should address:

[*] the need for the proposed program

[*] the nature of the proposed program, including its objectives,

[*] target population(s) and specific action plan

[*] the ways in which the program is consistent with the Endowments' strategy in this area

[*] staff and organizational qualifications for carrying out the program

[*] features that distinguish the program from any similar programs

[*] the method by which the project's effectiveness will be monitored and evaluated.

It is not necessary to send additional supporting materials (such as videotapes and publications) with the initial letter of inquiry.Please feel free, however, to mention the availability of any such materials in your letter.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

All requests for funding are reviewed by the Endowments' program staff. Applicants will be notified either by telephone or in writing whether a request meets the basic funding criteria of the appropriate program and the Endowments.

If further consideration is merited, applicants will be asked to submit a formal proposal. As part of this proposal, applicants will be asked to provide:

[*] the organization's budget, including projected income sources and, for membership

[*] organizations, the average annual contribution per member

[*] the organization's most recent financial statement and report of independent auditor thereon

[*] a letter from the IRS confirming the organization's tax exempt public charity status

[*] a line-item budget (revenues and expenses) for the proposed project

[*] a list of the organization's board of directors.

Please do not submit any of these materials with your initial letter of inquiry. They are mentioned here simply to inform you of some of the information that would be requested as part of a formal application.

WHERE TO SEND THE LETTER OF INQUIRY

Letters should be addressed to:

The Heinz Endowments

30 CNG Tower

625 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh PA 15222

Please note that it is not necessary to apply directly to either Endowment. The staff of the Endowments will direct applications to the appropriate board or boards.

WHEN TO SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

Letters of inquiry can be submitted at any time in the year. The boards of the Howard and Vira I. Heinz Endowments each meet twice ayear, at which time applications are reviewed and, as appropriate, grants awarded.

Written notification of decisions made on grants will be mailed within a few weeks of the meeting at which the proposal is considered.