SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PROGRAM

Application Process

Concept Review

(Optional)

The Foundation’s semi-annual concept review process provides the opportunity for eligible organizations to receive feedback from Foundation staff on up to three project ideas.  While participation in the concept review is not a prerequisite for applying to the Southern California Program, we strongly encourage it. Please see the eligibility requirements section for more details or download the eligibility checklist.

Scheduling

The concept review process starts in the W. M. Keck Foundation online portal. The portal is open for this process during the following dates:

  • October 15 through November 30 for the June grant cycle
  • April 15 through May 31 for the December grant cycle

We allow one submission per organization per cycle. Foundation staff will respond within four weeks of receiving a concept paper.  Please see our full grant cycle timeline for more details about the grant cycle schedule.

Concept Guidelines

When preparing your submission, please keep in mind the Southern California Program’s areas of interest and refer to our funding guidelines. You may submit up to three single-page concept papers, each representing a separate project. The following details must be included for each proposed project:

  • Artboard 209 copy 3 Project Title(s)
  • Artboard 222 Overview(s) emphasizing evidence of efficacy, piloted efforts (if applicable), and potential for impact.
  • Artboard 224 Timeline specifying dates. If capital, specify construction start date.
  • Artboard 224_1 Estimated cost and total funds raised to date.
  • Artboard 225 Amount requested and an explanation of how Keck dollars will be allocated.
  • Artboard 226 In addition to the concept paper, please include the organization’s one-page fact sheet, if available.

Submit a Concept Paper

To access the concept application

Apply Here

Returning Users

To access submissions in progress or submitted requests

Account Login

Application

Eligible organizations may submit one application per grant cycle to the Southern California Program. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

  • January 5 at 4:30pm (PT) for the June grant cycle
  • July 1 at 4:30pm (PT) for the December grant cycle

Early submissions are appreciated. We will send an email receipt confirming that the Foundation has received the application. At any point during the application process, an applicant may withdraw an application without prejudice to future requests.

The Foundation will notify applicants whether they are invited to the site visit phase. Please do not contact the Foundation to check on the status of an application.

Please see our full grant cycle timeline for more details about the grant cycle schedule.

Application Checklist

Application Instructions are available for download.

Items needed to apply:

  • Project Abstract
  • Five-page Narrative (Form provided in portal)
  • Resumes of Key Project Personnel
  • Project Budget (Form provided in portal)
  • Fundraising History (Form provided in portal)
  • Audited Financial Statements (an accountant’s review or compilation does not suffice)*
  • IRS Section 501(c)(3) Determination Letter and designation as a public charity*
  • State of California 23701(d) Determination Letter*
  • Governing Board (name and affiliation only)
  • Fact Sheet or Annual Report

*All tax-exempt documentation and audited financial statements must be in the same, current, and full legal name of the qualifying organization. Please refer to the Foundation’s Eligibility Requirements

Submit a new Application

To access the application portal
Apply Here

Returning Users

To access applications in progress or submitted requests
Account Login

Site Visit

(by invitation only)

After review of the completed application, the Foundation will notify the applicant whether or not they have been invited to a Site Visit. The Site Visit is by invitation only. All requested documents for this phase must be submitted by:

  • March 1 at 4:30pm (PT) for consideration at the June board meeting
  • September 1 at 4:30pm (PT) for consideration at the December board meeting
If either date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is 4:30pm (PT) on the following Monday.  Site Visits will be conducted within two months of the above dates.  Please see our full grant cycle timeline for more details about the grant cycle schedule.

Consent to Grantee REsponsibilities

In choosing to participate in the site visit, applicants have consented, if the grant is awarded, to comply with the Grantee Responsibilities.

Invitees

Log in to the portal to submit Site Visit documents or access a submission in progress

Account Login

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