Do you have any geographic limitations?

Yes, the TKF Foundation supports only 501(c)(3) organizations for projects in the Annapolis, Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. areas.

What does it mean when you say grants don’t pay for landscaping?

TKF grants are intended for the creation of greenspaces open to as broad a public as possible that offer a contemplative opportunity.  Landscaping is often an integral part of creating sacred spaces, but funds will not be granted for the mere purpose of landscaping without this greater purpose.

Do we have to have our side of the challenge grant
money raised before sending a proposal to you?

No, though it is advised that you research other avenues of funding in order to supplement monies granted from TKF. Most of TKF’s grants are challenge grants in which the grantee is responsible for securing other funding in the creation of its space.

How long does it take to complete a typical project?

It depends on the size of the project and the parties involved, but a typical project takes one to two years from the time the proposal is approved and granted by TKF to the Dedication ceremony.

How much money should I request?

It usually helps to make a projected budget for the project before requesting a grant amount, and it’s ok to have a ballpark number in the beginning stages of a grant request.  TKF will help you set a specific grant amount request once we’ve worked through the beginning stages of the project with you.

What is your average grant award?

Grants to small organizations tend to be for smaller scale projects, and usually range from $10k to $50k, while larger organizations with large scale projects have been in the range of $50k and up.

Can the space we create be used for other programming
in addition to being a sacred space?

Yes, TKF hopes that sacred spaces will be used in other ways to further strengthen community bonds, and to reinforce to the community the opportunity that the sacred space provides.

How long/detailed should the proposal/letter of intent be?

The letter of intent need only be a couple of paragraphs to a page long, providing a summary of the vision of the project, the parties involved, and perhaps an initial ballpark grant request figure. The proposal will be longer and in more detail in terms of the kind of space being created, the features of the space, possible drawings/sketches, a maintenance plan, a line item budget, other fundraising plans if applicable, and a more defined grant request figure. We need your letter of intent a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the October 1 proposal deadline to allow ample time for the staff to determine if a proposal will be requested, and to give you ample time to prepare your proposal.  

Does the grant money cover the cost associated with
contractors putting in the garden/space/labyrinth?

Yes, the grant money may cover the cost associated with contractors installing the sacred space. TKF always encourages community participation in every step of the project – this may or may not extend to help with actual plantings. Smaller projects may be created through strictly volunteer efforts of the community.

Can we come back to you for more grant money after our initial grant?

Yes, at the very end of each calendar year TKF accepts Enhancement Grant requests and within a total budget of $100,000, grants anywhere from 15-20 small enhancement grants that go towards further improving an existing sacred space. Some enhancement examples include an addition of a gazebo to a space, lighting to extend daily use of a space, adding a mural on a wall within the space, or programming, i.e. lunchtime concerts in a space.

When should I get my proposal to you?

November 1st is the due date for the “Open Spaces, Sacred Places” program. The “Community Greening” program due date is September 1st.

When do you evaluate the proposals and make final decisions?

Proposals are evaluated in the late fall and winter, as site visits are scheduled during that time, and decisions for the “Open Spaces, Sacred Places” program are made by April 30, while decisions for the “Community Greening” Program are made by November 15 for pre-selected public non profits.

Can we ask for money when all we have is an idea and space?
(How far along in the process do we have to be to submit a proposal?)

It never hurts to submit a letter of intent and then see where it goes from there.  We have many resources and ideas at TKF that may help you along in your process, whether you are in the planning or constructing stage.

Can we ask for money to plan and money
to implement all at the same time?

Yes, in the past we have granted money in this case in several different ways.  We have approved a single grant to cover both planning and implementation costs. We have approved a planning grant and suggested that that we are interested in considering a future grant for the implementation. And we have funded a planning grant and implementation monies contingent on the outcome of the planning. TKF will work with you in making the best grant decision once we’ve read your proposal and evaluated the planned sacred space.

Do you pay the grant money in increments or as a lump sum?

Usually grants are paid in increments once work has begun on the space, with 5-10% held-back until the last piece of the project is complete. It’s done this way so TKF can stay abreast of the progress its grantees are making in the creation of the sacred space.

What is the size range of organizations that
you have awarded grant money to?

TKF has awarded grant money to a vast array of organizations in terms of size and money granted. As long as you are a 501(c)(3) organization or equivalent in the greater Baltimore, MD, Annapolis, MD or Greater Washington DC area, you can apply for a grant.

*NOTE: Due to the economic downturn, our funding opportunities for the current grant application cycle are very limited. We welcome your letter of intent but anticipate grant funding in 2010 will be greatly reduced.