Deadlines and the Review Process

Grant proposals are processed and reviewed on a continual basis. The average grant size is $50,000, with actual grant awards ranging from $2,000 to $400,000. The Fund makes both one-year and multi-year grants. The review process typically takes between one and three months. In addition to grantmaking, WGF staff often provide potential network contacts, advice, and other assistance to applicants.

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Initial Approach: The Concept Paper

The Wallace Global Fund recommends submission of a concept paper, not to exceed three pages, prior to submission of a full proposal. This paper, accompanied by a brief letter of inquiry, should state:

• the problem(s) being addressed,

• the goal of the initiative,

• specific objectives,

• accompanying strategies,

as well as anticipated results, requested grant amount, project time period with start and end dates, and primary contact person. Applicants will be informed if a full proposal is warranted, at which time prospective grantees should submit materials and supporting documents as outlined below.

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Proposal Format

A. Executive Summary

These summaries are often used for board correspondence. Please include the following information:

1. Brief profile of the applying organization

2. Brief project/issue background, including amount requested

3. Rationale for proposed activities and strategies

4. List of current and pending sources of support for this project, and sources of support for the organization

5. Summary of the consequences for the project if the Fund is unable to provide support. Describe any limitations and/or cutbacks imposed on the project, including whether the project will not be launched, if the grant is not approved by the Fund.

B. Proposal

The Wallace Global Fund values clarity and brevity; please limit all proposal text to under 10 pages.

1. Describe:

   • the problem(s) being addressed

   • the goal of the initiative

   • specific objectives and strategies.

2. A section which specifies the assumptions which underpin the project design/strategy, e.g.

   Strategy A: Production of high quality research studies on Topic X will be distributed to policymakers and opinion leaders.

   Assumption A: High quality research studies will influence the thinking of policymakers and opinion leaders.

   Strategy B: To develop all-party Parliamentary Group on Topic X.

   Assumption B: Parliamentarians are an effective advocacy channel on Topic X.

3. A detailed workplan

4. A discussion of the strategy to disseminate findings, where relevant

5. A monitoring/evaluation plan with specific, measurable outcomes

6. A statement on the project’s potential for leverage and/or global impact

7. A line-item budget, fully justified, with time frame (include start and end dates)

8. A description of other sources of support, either secured or pending, both private and public

C. Appendices

1. 501(c)(3) documentation, recent financial statements, and audited overhead rate; proposals for core or general operating support must include a copy of most recent 990 form
   (Note: Foreign applicants will be provided with an affidavit to ascertain 501(c)(3) equivalency under US law. Potential grantees without 501(c)(3) status will be asked for further documentation regarding the charitable purpose(s) of the activity.)

2. Names and qualifications of key project personnel

3. Institutional profile and most recent annual report

The Fund will contact you if further information is required. One copy is sufficient; appropriate duplication will be done in-house. The Fund prefers simple, double-sided proposals on high post-consumer content, recycled paper. Staples are sufficient, binding is discouraged. Please number the pages of the proposal. WGF will make every effort to keep the applicant apprised of the proposal’s status throughout the review process.

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Contact Information

Letters should be addressed to:

Wallace Global Fund
1990 M Street, NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036 USA

tel (202)452-1530
fax (202)452-0922

email tkroll@wgf.org
internet http://www.wgf.org

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