Our Grantmaking Process

Here’s what happens when you decide to send in a proposal

So, you have an idea for how to step back so children and young people can step forward? And you’re wondering whether it’s something we might invest in?

That’s great! We’d love to learn more about it. Let’s walk through our grantmaking process:

1. You’ve researched our foundation and confirmed that your idea aligns with our geographic areas of interest, our concentration on supporting the healthy development of children and young people from birth through age 18, and our desire to invest in specific results.
2. At least 90 days before you need an answer from us, you go to dekkofoundation.org/apply-now and complete your proposal application.
3. A Dekko Foundation program officer contacts you to set up a discussion about your proposal in person, over the phone, or virtually. You may be asked to provide additional information. We know this step can create anxiety for grantseekers. But please don’t worry. We’re here to work alongside you and provide any assistance you need.
4. As part of the discussion about your proposal, we’ll want to understand the problem you’re working to solve, the solution you’ve come up with, and the results you’ll be tracking. Problem solving was important to our founder and it remains important for us because that’s how we will understand how you intend to help children and young people step forward with your proposal.
5. The program officer summarizes your proposal, and our staff discusses it. There may be additional questions, or you may be asked to provide other information. Again, don’t worry. That happens for most grantseekers.
6. Our Grant Review Committee, which includes representatives from communities in our grantmaking areas in Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota, considers your proposal and others and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors.
7. Our Board of Directors determines whether the foundation will invest in your proposal. You’ll receive an award letter or declination letter in the mail. Either way, we’ll do our best to explain why that decision was made.
8. If your organization is approved for an investment, you’ll receive a grant agreement for your organization’s leader to sign and send back to us.
9. After we receive your signed grant agreement, we do one of two things: We pay out the grant so you can begin working on results, or we set aside funds to pay our pledge as contingencies are completed.
10. You carry out your project as proposed. Yay! We’re rooting for you!
11. You complete a midterm or final grant report that summarizes how you did in helping children and young people step forward.
12. A program officer reviews your grant report and shares your results and lessons learned with our team.

We know that’s a lot of steps, but our goal is to invest in projects that are closely aligned with our mission. Remember, you can always contact us if you have questions or need assistance. Just call 260-347-1278 or email dekko@dekkofoundation.org.