General FAQs
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For FAQs related to the E-Grant System, click here.
Is the Medina Foundation currently accepting new proposals?
Due to the decision to sunset the foundation, we are not currently accepting new LOIs. For the remainder of 2025, any applications already in process can still be submitted through our e-grant system. If you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the application review process?
Please see How to Apply/Overview & Guidelines page for current review process and timeline.
Are there application deadlines?
Yes – any remaining applications must be submitted by the due date you received in your emailed "Invitation to Apply." If you have any questions about your application due date, please contact us as soon as possible. If your organization needs more time, please contact us. Trustees typically meet every other month and consider completed applications in the order they were received.
If you are ever unsure of your LOI or application status, please contact us. We do our best to make sure all important communications are received by applicants, but it is possible for an organization to miss an email or letter. Please add
“[email protected]” to your list of approved senders.
Do you require the organization budget to be submitted in your own format?
Foundation staff and trustees review a large number of proposals each year, and have found that a side-by-side format -- showing last fiscal year's actual income/expenses next to current year's budget -- is very helpful for our reviewers. Up until 2023, we required that applicants use our budget template for this reason. We make nearly 200 grants per year with only two program officers, so this format allows for greater efficiency in our review process. After considering grantee feedback around this issue and testing out a process wherein applicants could submit their financial documents in their own format, we now ask applicants for a side-by-side budget in their own format, or using our template, whichever is easier.
What should I expect during a site visit?
We schedule site visits to last approximately one hour and are typically arranged as an in-person meeting at your organization's location, between the organization's Executive Director/CEO (or equivalent) and your assigned Program Officer. There is no need to prepare any special presentations or additional information. Our staff appreciates the opportunity to just have a conversation about your work. If your program officer has any questions about your application, they will ask during this time, and if any additional information is needed, they will follow up after the site visit via phone or email. If you prefer a virtual site visit for any reason, just let us know during the scheduling process.
If my organization is awarded a grant, what are the reporting requirements?
As part of our sunsetting process, the Foundation is waiving all final report requirements for existing and new grants.
What do you do with grantee feedback?
You will see that there are places throughout our application and on GrantAdvisor to give us feedback, anonymously or by name. Your feedback is really important to us, and we review it on a regular basis and incorporate your suggestions. You can click here to see how grantees have informed and improved our processes.
Do you have a preference for the types of grants you award?
The Foundation funds general operating expenses, program costs, capital requests, and start-up projects. No one type of support is given priority, but the majority of our funding tends to go towards general operating support since that is so important. We rely on each organization to let us know their greatest area of need. The Trustees give preference to requests that meet critical needs, are directed by the voices of those being served, employ innovative and effective approaches, fill a unique niche in their community, and have a diverse funding base.
Do I need to know which focus area I'm applying for?
The Medina Foundation’s primary areas of grantmaking focus on positive pathways for youth, stabilization for families and individuals, and economic opportunities. We know that there is a lot of overlap within those categories. These categories are primarily for internal use; you do not need to select one, and we don’t give greater priority to any one of them.
What is an average grant size?
Typical grant size varies depending on an organizations size, project and need. However, the median grant range is $15,000 to $25,000. Here is more information on specific grant awards.
How much does the Medina Foundation give away each year?
On average, approximately $4 million is granted each year, depending on the performance of the endowment. You may view the last three years' of annual reports on our website for more information. The annual amount of Medina Foundation’s giving will increase as the Foundation spends down its endowment.
How can we show recognition for your support?
It is reward enough for us to be able to provide support to organizations, and we want you to be able to spend your funding and time on your important work. While we appreciate the thought, any gifts, thank-you cards, or letters are unnecessary.
What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact the Grants and Operations Manager at [email protected] or (206) 652-8783.
For FAQs related to the E-Grant System, click here.
Due to the decision to sunset the foundation, we are not currently accepting new LOIs. For the remainder of 2025, any applications already in process can still be submitted through our e-grant system. If you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the application review process?
Please see How to Apply/Overview & Guidelines page for current review process and timeline.
Are there application deadlines?
Yes – any remaining applications must be submitted by the due date you received in your emailed "Invitation to Apply." If you have any questions about your application due date, please contact us as soon as possible. If your organization needs more time, please contact us. Trustees typically meet every other month and consider completed applications in the order they were received.
If you are ever unsure of your LOI or application status, please contact us. We do our best to make sure all important communications are received by applicants, but it is possible for an organization to miss an email or letter. Please add
“[email protected]” to your list of approved senders.
Do you require the organization budget to be submitted in your own format?
Foundation staff and trustees review a large number of proposals each year, and have found that a side-by-side format -- showing last fiscal year's actual income/expenses next to current year's budget -- is very helpful for our reviewers. Up until 2023, we required that applicants use our budget template for this reason. We make nearly 200 grants per year with only two program officers, so this format allows for greater efficiency in our review process. After considering grantee feedback around this issue and testing out a process wherein applicants could submit their financial documents in their own format, we now ask applicants for a side-by-side budget in their own format, or using our template, whichever is easier.
What should I expect during a site visit?
We schedule site visits to last approximately one hour and are typically arranged as an in-person meeting at your organization's location, between the organization's Executive Director/CEO (or equivalent) and your assigned Program Officer. There is no need to prepare any special presentations or additional information. Our staff appreciates the opportunity to just have a conversation about your work. If your program officer has any questions about your application, they will ask during this time, and if any additional information is needed, they will follow up after the site visit via phone or email. If you prefer a virtual site visit for any reason, just let us know during the scheduling process.
If my organization is awarded a grant, what are the reporting requirements?
As part of our sunsetting process, the Foundation is waiving all final report requirements for existing and new grants.
What do you do with grantee feedback?
You will see that there are places throughout our application and on GrantAdvisor to give us feedback, anonymously or by name. Your feedback is really important to us, and we review it on a regular basis and incorporate your suggestions. You can click here to see how grantees have informed and improved our processes.
Do you have a preference for the types of grants you award?
The Foundation funds general operating expenses, program costs, capital requests, and start-up projects. No one type of support is given priority, but the majority of our funding tends to go towards general operating support since that is so important. We rely on each organization to let us know their greatest area of need. The Trustees give preference to requests that meet critical needs, are directed by the voices of those being served, employ innovative and effective approaches, fill a unique niche in their community, and have a diverse funding base.
Do I need to know which focus area I'm applying for?
The Medina Foundation’s primary areas of grantmaking focus on positive pathways for youth, stabilization for families and individuals, and economic opportunities. We know that there is a lot of overlap within those categories. These categories are primarily for internal use; you do not need to select one, and we don’t give greater priority to any one of them.
What is an average grant size?
Typical grant size varies depending on an organizations size, project and need. However, the median grant range is $15,000 to $25,000. Here is more information on specific grant awards.
How much does the Medina Foundation give away each year?
On average, approximately $4 million is granted each year, depending on the performance of the endowment. You may view the last three years' of annual reports on our website for more information. The annual amount of Medina Foundation’s giving will increase as the Foundation spends down its endowment.
How can we show recognition for your support?
It is reward enough for us to be able to provide support to organizations, and we want you to be able to spend your funding and time on your important work. While we appreciate the thought, any gifts, thank-you cards, or letters are unnecessary.
What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact the Grants and Operations Manager at [email protected] or (206) 652-8783.
For FAQs related to the E-Grant System, click here.