Competitive-Discretionary Funds 

Funds over which the Foundation has the discretion to make grants from.  Grantmaking is open to any agency who wishes to apply (i.e., Buck Trust) and are awarded on a competitive basis.

Competitive-Designated and Advised Funds 

Funds over which legally the Foundation has discretion and accepts advisory recommendations by a Selection Committee (i.e., Fair Isaac, Earth Day Every Day, Stinson-Bolinas). 

Due Diligence

Essential documentation relating to the capability of the organization to fulfill the intent of the grant (990, 501(c)(3), financials, etc.).

Grant Award Package

Packet that consists of grant award letter, grant agreement, and appropriate monitoring report forms (which are mailed version to the grantee) to grant applicants whose grant request was approved by MCF board.

Grant Recommendations (written) 

A hard copy document used by a donor, group, or organization to exercise their advisory privileges by recommending grants they propose the Foundation make from the fund to which they are associated. 

Grant Recommendations (electronic)   

Electronic version of written grant recommendations (see above) which can be received by Donor Express or e-mail.

Letter of Intent 

(LOI) A two-page form for first time applicants or current grantees to use to request funding for new projects.  This form allows staff to determine eligibility and the extent to which the Foundation’s interests and funds permit consideration of a full proposal.

Non-Competitive-Designated and Advised Funds 

Funds over which the Foundation has discretion and for which the Foundation accepts advisory recommendations from a donor(s), organization or group. 

Proposal 

In depth comprehensive overview of the proposed program or project for which an applicant is seeking funding (includes a narrative, budget, complete due diligence) – see guidelines for due diligence details. 

Supporting Organizations 

SO is a public charity that derives its publicly supported status from its relationship to one or more publicly supported organizations even though its funding is from one individual, a family or some other small group of funders, rather than from the general public. An SO is a separate entity from the Marin Community Foundation, has its own board of trustees, makes its own decisions, and has its own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. The SO does commit its assets to the Foundation's charitable purposes, yet retains its own grantmaking identity.