FAQs

How do I contact the Dresher Foundation?

Initial contact should be made with our Executive Director, Patti Sterling, at 410-933-0384 or psterling@dresherfoundation.org so that we can determine if your project fits within the scope of the Foundation’s interests.

How do I submit my Letter of Inquiry (LOI) or Grant Application?

Once you receive approval from Executive Director, Patti Sterling, you’ll be given a link to our online portal to submit your request. The complete application process can be found here.

Should I submit an LOI and Grant Application at the same time?

No. You will need to first be invited to submit an LOI after speaking with Patti Sterling, Executive Director. Once the LOI is approved you will be invited to submit a grant application. See directions for the application process here.

What does the LOI look like?

A sample of the Letter of Inquiry can be found here.

What does the Grant Application look like?

A sample of the Grant Application can be found here.

This is my first time applying for a grant. What do I need to know?

Please be sure to read our guidelines thoroughly, and use the Application Process page as a guide. Additionally, we encourage you to review our Helpful Resources page, as there are a number of resources to help grant seekers write compelling, successful proposals.

How often may my organization apply?

The Dresher Foundation will not consider a new funding request until all terms of a previous grant are met.  This includes fulfilling the one-year grant term from time of payment and submitting a final report.  For organizations that have not received funding previously, we encourage you to work directly with our Executive Director to receive pre-approval of your request.

I have previously received a grant from The Dresher Foundation. Can I submit a new grant application without contacting the Foundation?

No, all applicants must follow the same process. Please contact the Foundation's executive director, at 410-933-0384 or psterling@dresherfoundation.org.

Can I apply for funding before my full grant has been spent from the previous year?

Before seeking approval to submit a new request, you must satisfy all of the terms of the current grant agreement. This includes expending all grant funding within 12 months of approval and submitting a final report on the project. You may only apply once per 12-month period.

What is the geographic scope of the Foundation?

The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations primarily located in, or serving residents of Harford County, Maryland.

What types of organizations do you fund?

We support a wide range of nonprofit organizations within our key funding areas. To learn more, review our Grants Database and Grantee Organizations pages.

Will the Foundation meet with grant seekers?

Yes! Generally, a site visit will be scheduled after a grant application is submitted; however, Foundation staff is available to answer any questions you may have throughout the application process.

Should I contact Foundation trustees for support?

Communicating with individual trustees about your application is highly discouraged. Please direct questions and other communications to Patti Sterling, the Foundation's Executive Director, at 410-933-0384 or psterling@dresherfoundation.org.

What is an appropriate amount of funding to request?

Appropriate amounts will vary depending on the program or project. Please call our office to discuss your request.

What is the typical grant amount?

There is no typical grant amount. Instead, it depends on the budgetary needs of a particular organization or project and the Foundation’s financial resources. The exact amount is at the discretion of the trustees. 

May I publicize news of my grant?

You are free to identify the Foundation’s support within your organization and in your communications with other prospective donors. The Foundation is not anonymous, but it does not seek publicity for its grant-making. 

What are your reporting requirements?

We require a final grant report one year from receipt of the funding. This report is customized to your organization’s grant. The report will require, but not be limited to, an accounting of how the funds were spent, and the results of the program or project funded.