FAQ
What is your average grant size?
We make grants in a wide range of amounts, from as low as $1,000 and up. Over the last 3 years, our average award was $10,000. Grants to applicants in the Arts category are typically capped at $5,000.
How will I be notified if our application is accepted or declined?
We will inform you by mail after a grant decision is made by the board. If your proposal is approved, we will include a check. In cases where the proposal does not fit our mission, we will send a letter explaining our decision to decline your request. Please make sure to include a mailing address with your application.
Do you fund projects and agencies outside of Washington State?
We concentrate our efforts on agencies and projects within Washington State, benefitting the communities where we live and work. We have, on several occasions, funded compelling projects in neighboring states of the Northwest. These projects often benefit Washington State residents due to their proximity to the border.
What types of funding requests will you consider?
We will consider the following types of funding requests; special projects, operating expenses, start up and “seed” money (occasional), and capital expenditures (occasionally, when related to special projects or areas of particular interest to the foundation).
Do you make multi-year grant commitments?
Rarely. We typically consider grants on a year by year basis. In addition, we require that agencies take a 2 year break after 3 consecutive years of funding. We do this so that we can award grants to more agencies over the long term. We are cautious about becoming too large a source of funding for the agencies we work with, and encourage our partners to develop relationships with other funders to strengthen their financial stability.
How long will it take to be notified about our proposal?
This can vary depending on a number of things. If your proposal is complete and your last grant report has been filed, we will discuss the proposal at our next regularly scheduled meeting. We should be able to give you an answer within 4-6 weeks. If you are submitting an Arts proposal, we will review these at our Spring meeting, and notify you by mail directly following the meeting. All notifications are sent by U.S. Mail, so please make sure to include a mailing address with your proposal.
Can we publicly acknowledge your gift?
Except for routine acknowledgements in a regular membership newsletter, no plaques, memorials, or public announcements relating to the Horizons Foundation may be used without prior approval from our Executive Director.
Why was my proposal rejected?
Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we are unable to fund all the proposals we receive. Our Executive Director and our Board review each proposal on its merits, evaluating how closely it aligns with our mission. In a typical year, requests far exceed the funds available to us, and as a result, we must narrow our focus. All the proposals we receive are worthy and reflect important work being done in our community, and we regret that we cannot fund them all.
Who can I call for guidance about my proposal?
We welcome your questions. Please contact our Executive Director, Stephen Hadac, via phone or email. Please note that we are not in the office every day, and email may be the quickest way to get a response.