The Foundation periodically hosts open Letters of Inquiry (LOI) processes to source and support innovative ideas around specific topic areas. We do not have an open LOI at this time.

In partnership with the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, the Foundation is pleased to offer a new pilot grant opportunity, Cross-Field Collaboration: Pilot Grants to Support Civic Science Journalism. The open call will solicit ideas for new civic science journalism collaborations and projects that emphasize meaningful engagement between civic science and journalism organizations to achieve shared purpose, including building awareness of civic science issues and potential solutions. A total of 10 grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded. To learn more, visit the Center’s website and mark your calendar to apply by Friday, March 17, 2023. All inquiries about this opportunity should be directed to our partners at the Center. 

Details regarding future opportunities will be available here as they are announced. Please continue to visit this page and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

STEP 1: DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY

Please read the information on our website about the Rita Allen Foundation’s programs, goals, approaches, and Guiding Principles, as well as our page about civic science.

Additionally, please review our list of recent grants for examples of the Foundation’s current focus within each of its funding domains. The Foundation gives priority to organizations working on early-stage, innovative, collaborative projects within its grant-making domains. In addition, the Foundation may specify other priority factors during specific open submission periods.

The Foundation supports only United States-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting work primarily in the United States. In general, it does not fund:

• Building construction
• Capital campaigns
• Fundraising events
• Endowments
• Scholarships
• Direct grants to individuals
• For-profit organizations

In addition, the Foundation’s funds can be used only for purposes that are consistent with its status as a charitable organization. Excluded purposes include, but are not limited to, lobbying activities.

STEP 2: SUBMITTING A LETTER OF INQUIRY

After reviewing the information above, if your organization or project falls within these guidelines, you may submit an LOI (of no more than two pages) in PDF format during one of the Foundation’s limited review periods.

LOI’s that make a compelling case for early-stage support from the Rita Allen Foundation typically include some or all of the following elements:

• Background: A very brief summary of relevant background on your organization, such as mission, leadership, and history
• What you are doing: A description of the work of the proposed program, including how it is early-stage and innovative, and including any key partners with whom you will collaborate
• What you want to achieve: A description of the impact you hope to have—how you anticipate your program will foster change
• Why you are prepared to succeed: A description of why your organization/leadership has, or can access (through partnerships or otherwise), the outstanding skills, experience, capabilities and/or talent necessary to achieve these goals
• What evidence you have so far: If applicable, any early evidence of success or potential for success
• What funding is needed: In addition to a specific request for early-stage support from the Rita Allen Foundation, how you plan to secure funds for the work now and in the future
• What you hope to learn: What you intend to learn and how you will share what you learn with others

We review LOI’s and respond via email within eight weeks following the end of each submission period. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to phone calls or emails requesting the status of a submitted Letter of Inquiry, nor are we able to give feedback on specific inquires.

Please note that the number of requests for support far exceeds the Foundation’s available funding. We are mindful of the resources required to prepare an LOI and strongly encourage careful review of the restrictions outlined above before making a submission.