Frequently Asked Questions
I am a reporter seeking information or an interview. Who should I call?
Please contact Valerie Denny with all media requests, 312-782-2698 ext. 4
When are Letters of Inquiry and Full Application submission deadlines?
See our grantmaking timetable chart here
If I am a current Woods Fund Grantee, do I still need to submit a letter of inquiry?
Yes. All applicants must submit a letter of inquiry, according to the timetable found here.
My letter of inquiry was declined, when can I submit a new request for funding?
First, a decision to resubmit another inquiry letter should be informed by the reason for which the inquiry was declined. If your organization's mission and/or project are in alignment with Woods Fund guidelines, your organization may consider resubmitting a Letter of Inquiry in the same grant cycle the following year.
My organization is located on the South Side of Chicago. Can I apply directly to the South Side Initiative?
No. All South Side organizations will be considered in Woods Fund's regular grant cycle. The letter-of-inquiry form is available here. If a proposal is invited and a grant subsequently awarded, you will receive additional information about activities related to the South Side Initiative.
Are policy grants limited to workforce development issues?
The Woods Fund defines "enabling work/reducing poverty" to include impacting those factors which affect poverty or the ability to work. Housing, education, and other issue areas will be considered, in addition to those that specifically affect the ability to work. The specific issue is less important to the Woods Fund than the process. In addition to issue area, please read information on what constitutes a policy proposal here.
How does the Woods Fund define policy proposals?
Policy proposals seek to improve the effectiveness of public laws and regulations, inform the use of public funds, and address private sector employment practices that impact upon people's ability to work and live above the poverty line. Policy proposals may also seek to improve the process by which public policy is made, by making it more inclusive, more collaborative, and more responsive to ordinary citizens' interests. Find more information on eligible policy change activities here
Does Woods Fund support collaborations?
The Woods Fund supports both collaborations and grassroots organizations that participate in larger collaborations. If you are unsure whether to submit a proposal as a collaboration or an individual organization, please call the Woods Fund and speak with a program officer. It is expected that all grantees share a spirit of openness and collaboration in working with other Woods Fund grantees.
My organization does work that we consider organizing or policy advocacy, but is non-traditional in approach. Should I still apply? Woods Fund is open to a diversity of approaches to doing successful work. If you are unclear as to whether your work falls within Woods Fund's guidelines, call 312-782-2698, ext. 100 and ask to speak to a member of the program staff.
Who should I contact with questions about the application process?
Our preferred contact is via e-mail to application@woodsfund.org.