What We Fund

It is our intent that, The Foundation grant funds will help to address the many challenges that face Children in today’s society.

Criteria

Funding will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Does the project to be funded fall in line with Foundation’s vision and mission? Does the project enhance the Foundation objectives?
2. Does the project to be funded fall in line with the Foundation’s program priorities?
3. Is the organization benefiting from the project credible, viable and innovative?
4. Is the quality of project to be funded satisfactory (consider capacity to address social issues and relevance to organization’s mission)?
5. Is the project a catalyst in the community (consider its ability to strengthen community relationships where Aronson & Company operates)?

Deadline

The Aronson Foundation reviews grant applications on a fiscal quarter basis. Grant applications must be received no later than the last business day of our fiscal quarter - August, November, February, May. Applicants will be notified whether grant requests are awarded within six weeks of the due date. Grants received after the deadlines will automatically be considered for the following grant review unless the grant applicant elects to withdraw the application.

Grant Amounts

Awards will be approximately $5,000 per grant request, but can be as large at $10,000. The Aronson Foundation reserves the right to change grant amounts at anytime.

Grant Approval

All grant money awarded will be based on:

1. The program budget and priorities established by the Foundation Director
2. Advisement by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and
3. Final approval by the Foundation Executive Director.

Guidelines

1. Organizations qualified to receive funding – In the U.S., organizations must be registered with the IRS as a 501c3 organization and with charitable purpose - Foundation grant funds are given to organizations – not individuals.
2. Foundation grant funds are primarily in support of local and regional organizations in those communities in which Aronson & Company has a major presence. Currently, those areas include Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C.; however, these are subject to change. The Foundation’s geographic focus is domestic only.
3. No more than 20% of charitable organization’s budget is allocated for overhead costs. In other words, 80% or more of grant funds must be applied directly to the organization’s programs.
4. Requests from the same organization will be considered only once every twelve months.

Applying for a Grant

The Foundation does not have a formal application form. Instead, we request that a detailed letter be sent by the organization.

The letter should include:

1. Name and address of the organization
2. Contact person, his/her title, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address
3. Information about the organization
4. A summary (including budget) of the program or project for which the funds are needed
5. Amount of funding that is being requested (Note: if request for grant funds is approved, The Foundation may choose to fund the entire amount requested or a portion of the amount requested)
6. A current copy of the 501(c)(3) tax exempt ruling from the IRS
7. A copy of the applicant’s most recent IRS Form 990 (Annual Information Return)
8. A copy of the applicant’s consolidated financial statement

Requests for grants will be acknowledged within two to three weeks of receipt. Directors meet on a quarterly basis; June, September, December and March to review requests and take action.

Reporting Requirements

Requirements as noted in the Grant Agreement, which will be signed upon acceptance of terms of funding, include:

Three month reporting requirements include:

1. Current work product (pictures, emails/testimonials/memos and other concrete examples of project achievements)

Six month reporting requirements include:

1. 1-2 page narrative of project progress since grant awarded covers timing of project, organizations involved and roles (include Aronson & Company employees/families/partners if any and their roles in the project), and successes of the project including programs implemented and impact of programs on the community.
2. Narrative should include opportunities and challenges that lie ahead
3. Current work product (pictures, emails/testimonials/memos and other concrete examples of project achievements)
4. Financial report which includes dollars spent on particular items and receipts where appropriate.

IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANOTHER ARONSON FOUNDATION GRANT, ALL REPORTS MUST BE TIMELY AND OF HIGH QUALITY.

Correspondence, requests, and grant applications should be directed to:

Stephen W. White, Director
Aronson Foundation
700 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 300
Rockville, MD 20850
Fax: (301)222-8261