Frequently Asked Questions
- Who funds the Town Creek Foundation?
- Town Creek is a private, endowed foundation. We are fully funded, and we do not need or accept contributions from other sources.
- What types of organizations are eligible for funding from Town Creek?
- The Town Creek Foundation makes grants to public charities classified as tax-exempt under section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation does not provide grants for:
- programs or organizations outside of the United States
- individuals
- primary and secondary schools
- colleges or universities, except when some aspect of their work is an integral part of a program supported by the Foundation
- hospitals or health care institutions
- ministry or religious programs
- endowment, capital or building fund campaigns, or for the purchase of land and/or buildings
- research or scholarship programs
- conferences that are not part of a program supported by the Foundation
- publication of books and periodicals
- visual or performing arts projects
- How do I apply for funding from the Town Creek Foundation?
- Please start by reading the Programs and Application Process pages of this website. All of the information that you need is provided there.
- What is the difference between a letter of inquiry and a letter of intent?
- A letter of inquiry is required from any organization that has not received a grant from us within the last 18 months (a new organization), and its purpose is to inquire as to whether that organization may submit a proposal for our consideration. A letter of intent is required from any organization that has received a grant from us within the last 18 months (a renewing organization)and its purpose is to alert us to the fact that the organization intends to submit a proposal.
- Is it really necessary to send a letter of inquiry? Wouldn't it save time for everyone if I just sent a full proposal?
- Sending a letter of inquiry is required for organizations that have never received a grant from the Town Creek Foundation, or whose last grant was more than 18 months ago. It is our hope that the letter of inquiry process will make the best use of the grant seeker's time as well as of our own.
- To whom should I send my letter of inquiry?
- Letters of Inquiry can be submitted on line here, emailed to clee@towncreekfdn.org, or mailed to:
Letter of Inquiry
Town Creek Foundation
121 N. West Street
Easton, MD 21601 - Please note: Online submissions are preferred. Should you need to email or mail your letter, please be sure to use the downloadable forms found on our Application Forms page under the To Apply section.
- Once I've submitted my letter of inquiry, whom can I contact to follow up with a meeting or phone call?
- Our staff will contact you if we believe that your letter of inquiry warrants a full proposal. We encourage you not to contact us unless and until you have been invited to submit a full proposal.
- Is there a deadline for submitting a letter of inquiry?
- Deadlines for submitting letters of inquiry and proposals can be found on our home page.
- How often does the Board make funding decisions?
- The Town Creek Foundation Board meets twice a year (spring and summer) to consider funding requests.
- Does the foundation fund operating expenses and general support as well as project support?
- The foundation makes both general and project support grants. If your letter of inquiry indicates a fit between your needs and our programs, we will work with you to help determine the appropriate type of request.
- Does the Foundation make multi-year grants?
- Yes. The Foundation considers requests for multi-year funding.
- How much money should I ask for?
- Ask for what you need. There is no penalty for asking for more money than we might consider appropriate.
