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Nonprofit Sector Strengthening Grants (NSS)

Through Nonprofit Sector Strengthening grants, the Meyer Foundation supports efforts to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of Greater Washington's nonprofit sector. Current grantees include organizations that provide training, consulting, and technical assistance to Meyer grantees, as well as initiatives to strengthen philanthropy and to increase the visibility and the influence of the nonprofit sector.

Guidelines

To qualify for a Nonprofit Sector Strengthening Grant, organizations should meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Meyer's regular grantmaking guidelines.

How to Apply

Step 1: Meet with the Nonprofit Sector Fund director

Current grantees and eligible organizations that have never received funding from Meyer should schedule a brief meeting with the Nonprofit Sector Fund director before submitting a request for support. If appropriate, the director will ask for a proposal as a result of that meeting. Being invited to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding. Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

Step 2: If, invited, submit a Proposal (download guidelines here)

Proposals should include the following components:

1. A cover sheet, downloadable here
2. A narrative proposal, generally fewer than 10 pages, that includes
   • A short summary of your organization's history, mission, goals, current programs and activities, and recent organizational accomplishments
   • A description of the issue or need to be addressed and how your organization plans to respond (including, if appropriate, a discussion of strategies, activities, implementation, outcomes, and plans for evaluation)
   • A discussion of the context for your work, including key partnerships, how your organization's work relates to that of other organizations in the same field and geographic area and, if applicable, how this project fits into the overall work of your organization
3. Financial information, including
   • Year-to-date internal financial statements, including budget-to-actual comparison
   • Most recent audited financial statements
   • Current operating budget, including revenue and expenses
   • If requesting project support, a project budget that includes revenue and expenses
4. A list of board members
5. A copy of your organization's IRS tax-exempt determination letter

These proposal guidelines are adapted from the Washington Grantmakers Common Grant Application Form. Proposals prepared according to Washington Grantmakers' guidelines will also be accepted.

Following the submission of the proposal, the Nonprofit Sector Fund director may suggest an additional meeting or a site visit that includes a board member. Decisions are usually made within two to three months after the proposal is submitted.

Additional Information

Richard L. Moyers
Director, Nonprofit Sector Fund
Meyer Foundation
202-552-7465
rmoyers@meyerfdn.org