Applicant Information Sheet - Online Interactive

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Grant reporting handouts available for download (in PDF format):
Capital/Facility Grant Report Handout
DDG Grant Report Handout
Endowment Grant Report Handout
Project/Program Grant Report Handout
Short Interim Grant Report Handout
Small Matching Grant Report Handout

Information for Applicants

The broad mission of the McCune Foundation continues to be improving the community and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of achieving measurable results in areas of Foundation-defined interests, such as initiatives creating economic opportunities, preparing young people for the workforce, and building healthy and economically viable communities to attract people to the city and region. The Foundation will evaluate the applicant's ideas by the potential benefit the proposed activities hope to produce—an ends test rather than a means test.

In a competitive market place, there are fewer available resources to support expanded or new operations and programs. Submissions should present a realistic and persuasive case for the potential to significantly impact the health, growth and/or prosperity of the targeted constituency or community. Part of a compelling case is a clear understanding of the environment, both positive and negative, in which the proposed project or program will take place. Many, if not most, projects involve other collaborative partners that also have a significant stake in the outcome. Applicants should have and demonstrate the means to collect and analyze data that informs both the current situation and describes success. The other part of a compelling case is demonstrated organizational capacity to deliver the program or project. Thoughtful consideration should be given to how the project fits with mission, what the potential risks and benefits are to the organization, and what critical components have to be in place in order to succeed. Finally, the applicant must show that the project or program can be sustained after the grant period ends without additional McCune Foundation funding.

Given the current financial climate, the Foundation is placing less emphasis on Capital Campaign requests unless they address directly improvements (and not necessarily the expansion) to an organization’s current mission and operations.

As in the past, the McCune Foundation concentrates its giving in southwestern Pennsylvania, mainly the Pittsburgh area. Unsolicited proposals from outside the region are not accepted. In keeping with the Donor's practice of seeking no publicity of his philanthropy, the Foundation makes its grants anonymously and requests no publicity be given. No grants are made to individuals.

To apply for consideration, an organization should send a brief (2-3 page) initial inquiry, preferably using the Foundation’s website, addressed to the Foundation's Executive Director. The letter should contain:

  • Project Overview: Describe what the proposed efforts are intended to achieve for the region as well as for the organization; what activities/actions are planned to meet the stated goals; project timeline.

  • Resources Required: Total cost of the project; anticipated income, including private and public funders; amount of funding requested from the McCune Foundation.

  • IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter: Attach a copy of the organization's IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status letter (either scanned via email or hard copy via regular mail).

  • A copy of the organization’s latest audit (either scanned via email or hard copy via regular mail).

If the project meets current funding priorities and sufficient resources are available, the Foundation’s staff will contact the applicant to arrange a meeting and to provide further guidance regarding submission of a proposal for formal consideration by the Distribution Committee. While the Committee typically meets four times a year, the number of projects and the increased level of Foundation involvement means that it may take several months for consideration to be given to new projects.

Grantseekers in the Pittsburgh area may obtain information about other foundation and corporate funding sources at the Foundation Center located in The Library Center on Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh. Grantseekers outside of the Pittsburgh area may receive help from their local public or university library.