Application Process

PLEASE NOTE: The Harland Foundation will have two grant cycles in 2024. The deadline for submission of Letters of Inquiry will be Wednesday, January 10th, with decisions to be made in late spring and Thursday, August 8th with decisions to be made in late fall.


Step One:

Letter of Inquiry: All organizations interested in applying for a grant in the Children and Youth or Community Services Areas of Interest should submit the following by using the link provided:
  • Letter: A brief overview of the organization (maximum three pages) on letterhead including:
    • the mission and when established
    • who the organization serves
    • major programs and services
    • priorities for funding (no more than three) including estimated costs for each project
    • letter should be signed by CEO (ie President or Executive Director)
      • Financials:
      • Most recently completed fiscal year’s budget (income and expenses) including budget versus actual
      • Foundation support (please list names and level of support from two most recent fiscal years)
      • Balance sheet
        • Board List, total Board giving and percentage of Board members who contributed in the last completed fiscal year
          • Copy of 501(c)3 IRS Determination Letter
          • All Inquiry Letters are reviewed by Foundation staff and Trustees. In some cases, the Foundation may request additional information. The Foundation will follow up with you regarding your organization’s eligibility to continue with the process. If there is not a fit with the Foundation’s current priorities, organizations will be notified in writing.

            Please note: The Trustees ask that Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) be submitted for review only through the link provided on this page (active mid-December and mid-June). We do not accept LOIs via email. No LOIs will be accepted after the deadline has passed.


            Please email any questions or concerns to the following:
            Harland Charitable Foundation

            Arts Education proposals are accepted By Invitation Only. See Areas of Interest for more information.

            Step Two:

            Meeting: If the Letter of Inquiry is approved, Foundation staff will contact the organization to schedule a meeting. We encourage prospective grantees to include up to three representatives, preferably with leadership from both the staff and board. The meeting is an opportunity for the Foundation to ask questions and better understand the needs of the organization.

            Step Three:

            Submission of Grant Application: Following the meeting, Foundation staff will recommend to the organization whether to submit a formal grant application. A Grant Applicant Questionnaire, which outlines the information and materials that should be submitted with the proposal, will be provided. Applicants will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision following the Board Meeting.