We typically do not meet with applicants before a proposal is submitted because our program staff isn't large enough to accommodate the number of requests we receive. However, program officers will briefly discuss your proposal idea over the phone or by email. We've developed a special form where you can submit these kinds of questions.
We want you to know that you do not have to be "known" by us for your proposal to receive a full and fair consideration, nor do you need to personally meet with a staff member or trustee. If our trustees approve an Initial Inquiry and invite a full proposal, then we nearly always meet with the applicant at a site visit.
It is not necessary to meet directly or "lobby" trustees. Trustees receive thorough written information about your organization, the proposed project, and the context of the request. All eligible proposals are presented to trustees and they consider each project on its own merits. The vast majority of funded proposals do not involve direct contact with trustees.
If, after reviewing the application guidelines and the Help Desk on our website, you still have specific questions about how to respond to our guidelines, we encourage you to call or email us.
You might be interested in reading the very interesting conversation we had several years ago when we raised the question of meetings on our blog.
