Funding Process

Funding Process 

The Grunin Foundation remains a relational funder, providing financial support to grantees while also building and nurturing strong, collaborative relationships. We prioritize being out in community and we are always open to meeting organizations.  

While we don’t require a formal application process, we recognize the importance of clarity in understanding how the foundation arrives at decisions and in the process for initiating and sustaining relationships. We understand each individual and organization is different so the steps below could vary depending on the conversation and the needs, but we wanted to provide some transparency on how to begin a funding relationship with us.  

Meeting with the Grunin Foundation 

If you feel your organization aligns with the Grunin Foundation’s funding priorities and outcome areas, you can book time with Heather Barberi, Executive Director. This first meeting will be an introductory meeting to learn more about you and your organization. Based on this time together, we will reach out with next steps which could mean: 

1. If your organization aligns with the Grunin Foundation’s funding priorities and outcome areas, we will schedule a second meeting where we talk about funding questions. You can access the conversation questions here.

2. If there is not currently an alignment for funding, we are always happy to talk about connections to other resources or make introductions where we can. 

3. Our rubric will be available on our website so you can see how we come to our funding decisions. You can access the rubric here. 

Alignment Questions 

Based on feedback, and as mentioned above, we know that we need to be clearer in our process and in how we make decisions. The funding questions provided for further conversation (if there is alignment), are not a test or meant to make organizations do extra work – it’s being transparent and clear so organizations can prepare in their own way.  And it’s a way for us to get to know organizations and understand alignment.  It’s also a way for us to make decisions and be transparent about it. We know we don’t have the funding for every request, and this will help us make the most equitable and transparent decisions with the funding we do have. This will be a casual conversation, not an application – so come as you are. Show up in the way that makes you most comfortable. We’re excited to meet you! 

If you are looking to have a conversation about capacity building (outside of funding), you can book time with Vicki Fernandez, Director of Thriving Communities.