FAQs — McKay Family Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY ORGANIZATION IS QUALIFIED FOR FUNDING FROM THE MCKAY FAMILY FOUNDATION?

Grantees must qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenie Code. Grantees must be in good standing with the IRS.

Q. How do I apply?

Applying to the McKay Family Foundation is a 2-part process.

PART 1
Complete the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) located on the Foundation’s website. From the information submitted on the LOI, trustees will determine if the organization is a good fit for the Foundation’s funding priorities. If they are interested in the program or project outlined in the LOI, the organization will be asked to complete a full application form. Trustees endeavor to respond back to all Letter of Inquiry’s submitted within 2-4 weeks.

PART 2
Once the organization has made it through the LOI process, the full grant application form will be emailed to the contact listed on the LOI. The email will also include instructions and a reminder of the board deadlines for review.

Completed applications, and all supplemental information is to be mailed to:
McKay Family Foundation
76 Centennial Loop, Suite D
Eugene, OR, 97401

Please include 5 hard copies of the application and 1 hard copy of any required attachments and optional supporting documentation.

Submit 1 full digital copy of your entire submission via email to mckayfamilyfoundation@gmail.com.

Q. What are the deadlines for proposals?

Proposals can be submitted at any time of the year. However, PART-2 full applications must be received in their entirety by March 31st and September 30th to be reviewed at the next trustee meeting.

Q. How does the Foundation define each of its funding categories?

EDUCATION
The Foundation leans toward helping the most vulnerable populations. Early Learning programs, Pre-K school readiness, and parent education are among the most funded programs. The trustees believe strongly in programs that build on the school experience and are necessary to help students succeed.

YOUTH SERVICES
The Foundation goes where they see the greatest need. Most of the grant awards lean towards the following: prevention programs, basic needs, substance abuse, youth advocacy, counseling services, shelter and issues related to the unhoused.

HOMELESSNESS
The Foundation funds many organizations that address this issue. They invest in proven, lasting, and cost-effective solutions that enable people who are experiencing homelessness. Trustees are willing to entertain conversations with organizations that are working towards new and innovative solutions to ending the cycle of homelessness.

POVERTY OUTREACH
This category is a core focus for the Foundation. In keeping with their mission to serve the most vulnerable populations, projects that deal with poverty tug at the hearts of the trustees. The Foundation works with local partners to alleviate poverty and empower impoverished communities.

DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
The Foundation supports programs and projects that offer resources and opportunities to people with disabilities. Trustees have regularly funded equipment, facility improvements and technology that support alter-abled people to thrive.

MEDICAL & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Foundation entertains a wide range of requests. From substance abuse, and trauma informed care, to domestic abuse and support for medical clinics, the Foundation supports organizations that promote the health and well being of the most vulnerable in our community.

Q. What is the process after I submit an LOI or an Application?

Each Letter of Inquiry and Grant Application received is audited for completeness and then is disseminated among all trustees for review.

Q. How will I be notified of a decision?

Every request will receive a written response indicating an approval, a request for more information or a respectful declination.

Q. Does the McKay Family Foundation make site visits?

Yes, where appropriate. The trustees are extremely interested in site visits either virtual or in-person. They are conscious of current health and safety issues. Due diligence will be given to each request in determining the best course of action when it comes to site visits.

Q. What is a typical size request?

The majority of grants awarded fall between $1,500 to $20,000, The trustees have been known to make larger donations from time to time. Trustees will entertain requests for larger impact grants on a case by case basis.

Q. Does the McKay Family Foundation make challenge or matching grants?

Yes, the Foundation is always excited to work with an organization on a challenge or matching grant request.

Q. Does the McKay Family Foundation make multi-year grants?

Yes, but on a limited basis.

Q. Can I send extra items such as video/audio tapes, newspaper articles, DVD’s, etc.?

Yes, but they must be submitted electronically through the online application process. Video/audio tapes should be no more than 3 minutes. Please do not mail in any supplemental materials.

Q. If I have received a grant, when can I reapply?

Qualified organizations may re-apply 12 months from the date of original submission of their last Letter of Inquiry.

Q. If I have been declined for a grant, when can I reapply?