Initiative-based Grants

Initiative-based Grants Review Process

Initiative-based grants are generally based on a competitive RFP process to select projects for funding.

MeHAF is committed to an objective, thorough and fair review at all stages of the competitive RFP process, including concept letters and formal applications. The Foundation has strict and comprehensive conflict of interest policies regulating the participation of its staff, Trustees, Community Advisory Committee members, and external reviewers, in the Foundation’s review process and funding recommendations.  This policy also assures an impartial and rigorous process by including several qualified individuals in funding decisions.

Each grant proposal seeking major funding through a competitive RFP is reviewed and scored by at least four independent persons, two external content experts and two MeHAF program staff.   MeHAF contracts with various state and national external reviewers when necessary to assure content expertise.  Review of full proposals, ranked by cumulative scores, are presented to the Foundation’s Grants Committee.  The Committee carefully reviews all scoring and written comments to develop a slate of recommended grants that are then forwarded to the Board of Trustees for final consideration.  After review and discussion, with careful attention to conflict of interest issues, the Board votes on the final slate of grantees.

When concept letters are part of the application process, they are typically reviewed by two members of MeHAF’s Grants Committee as well as two program staff.  Recommendations are submitted to the entire Grants Committee for review and approval on which organizations will be invited to submit a full application.