For: New Applicants
As you may have seen in our recent announcement, RTNF plans to finish our work by spending down the foundation assets over the next decade. In preparation for the transition–and in order to better serve our partners–we are making some adjustments to our application process that will begin in 2023.
Below, we have outlined key points about the new grantmaking process, including important due dates. Please note, the process outlined below applies only to new applicants, or those who do not currently receive funding from RTNF, and Legacy Partners (for information about the new process for renewal applications, see this other blog post).
One key change we are making is allowing applicants to choose one of two options for when to apply each year, rather than only accepting applications at one rigid date each year. While we will ask that applicants only submit once in a calendar year (we won’t review two applications from each organization each year), we hope this change will help applicants in that RTNF will provide a faster funding decision than we have in the past. Award decisions will be made within 6 months, rather than 8 months. Applicants will also have the flexibility to decide when to apply so that they have the ability to spread out grant applications across various institutions from which they are seeking funding.
That being said, while RTNF has historically provided 3-year grants, we will move to 1-2 year funding commitments to ensure that as we spend down, we can manage our cash flow to meet commitments. Still, partners will be welcome to submit requests for renewal funding during their annual reporting.
Below, we have summarized the changes you can expect, but also what you can expect to remain the same here at RTNF.
For more detailed information about the process and key dates for the two semi-annual application cycles, check out our new grantmaking process page for new applicants.
We hope that having the ability to choose the most convenient application time, having a shorter application, and getting faster responses will serve our prospective applicants and current partners and free up more of their time to do the work that really matters. As always, at RTNF we welcome and appreciate your feedback.