As we work to be transparent about how we approach funding decisions, the following information is intended to provide guidance as you develop your grant budget request.
Our funding decisions are guided by the scale and impact of the proposed work, the organization’s potential for long-term impact and sustainability, and the organization’s current annual budget.
While we use consistent guidelines, we recognize that every organization and funding opportunity is unique.
Request an Amount That Fits the Work
Your request should reflect the actual scope and cost of the work you are proposing—not simply the maximum amount available.
A strong proposal tells a consistent story. The amount requested, the project description, and the budget should all align and clearly demonstrate how the funding will be used.
Consider Your Organization’s Overall Budget
As a general rule, St. David’s Foundation funding should not be your organization’s primary or sole source of support.
In most cases, our total funding to an organization in a given year should not exceed approximately 20% of its annual operating budget. For smaller grassroots and rural organizations, we recognize that a larger investment may be appropriate.
When reviewing applications, we consider our total current and anticipated funding to your organization—not just the amount requested through a single grant opportunity.
Organizational Capacity and Financial Considerations
We support organizations of all sizes and structures, from large institutions to small grassroots organizations.
In some cases, factors such as limited financial information, small operating budgets, or recent operating losses may influence how funding is structured. This may include smaller awards, phased payments, or the use of a fiscal sponsor. These decisions are intended to support successful implementation —not to diminish the value of your work.
Funding Structure for Support
If an awarded amount differs from the amount requested, this is typically done to better align the funding with the proposed scope of work, your organizational capacity, and long-term sustainability. In some cases, we spread the funding over multiple years or make smaller, more frequent payments over the life of the grant. When funding is adjusted, we welcome modifications to the proposed activities and outcomes.
We also design grants with flexibility so organizations can adapt as circumstances change and still achieve their intended goals.
A Right-Sized Request
The strongest requests are those your organization can confidently implement and sustain – not one that stretches your organization too far.
We encourage applicants to consider how St. David’s Foundation funding fits alongside support from other funders and revenue sources. Our goal is to be a meaningful partner that strengthens your organization over time.
Questions About What to Request?
If you are unsure about the appropriate amount to request, we encourage you to reach out before submitting your application. We are happy to discuss your proposal and help you determine a request amount that is aligned with your goals and organizational capacity. Please reach out via [email protected].