Private foundations typically fund projects that align with their specific mission and priorities. They often prefer initiatives that have clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and potential for broad impact. Commonly funded activities include: 

• Research Initiatives: Foundations frequently fund research projects, especially in fields like health, science, technology, environment, and social science. 
• Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Projects: Foundations value innovative, cross-disciplinary projects that involve multiple partners for maximum impact. 
• Public Engagement and Outreach Programs: Many foundations are interested in community impact and community initiatives that benefit populations in their geographical focus areas. 
• International Projects: Some foundations fund global programs. 

Foundations often do not fund general operating expenses, capital projects, or endowments unless expressly stated. Many limit the percentage for indirect costs.  This is important to know when speaking with your supervisor/dean about your project’s budget. 

• Identify strategic funding opportunities. 
• Advise on proposal development and alignment with foundation priorities. 
• Facilitate introductions and relationship-building with foundations. 
• Review, provide feedback on, and submit concept papers, LOIs and proposals. 
• Be your partners in building compelling proposals and long-term foundation relationships. 
• Assist with the Rowan process of submitting a proposal (Cayuse and Budget development) 
• Notify Rowan Post-Award of funded proposals and remind faculty of reporting responsibilities and deadlines. 

• Thoroughly review the RFP guidelines for the grant opportunity and take time to learn about the funder’s history and focus areas. 
• Complete a Grant Proposal Information form. 
• Organize collaboration details and prepare a draft for the budget. 
• Speak with your supervisor/dean about the opportunity and budget. 

CFR cannot write proposals on behalf of faculty, but we do:  

• Assist with framing ideas and narrative structure 
• Offer detailed feedback and edits 
• Provide templates and examples 
• Help ensure alignment with foundation language and expectations 

Our goal is to enhance your proposal's competitiveness while allowing you to retain authorship of your work.  

It depends. Many foundations prefer institutional communication, especially for large or strategic proposals.  Some foundations limit the number of proposals that an institution is able to submit, therefore, CFR is able to confirm if there is other interest within the university. In addition, CFR has cultivated many established, long-term relationships with foundations and their program officers.  

Reach out to us first if you wish to reachout to a program officer. CFR can: 

• Confirm any existing relationships or submission limitations 
• Coordinate outreach to avoid duplication or conflict 
• Help you prepare materials for initial engagement 
• For foundations that allow or encourage PI-initiated contact, CFR can help you prepare for those conversations. We are not here to gatekeep relationships but to be a support for context and strategy. 

Private Foundation – Proposals are reviewed by staff or board, proposal format varies, more flexible requirements, relational and strategic, indirect costs are limited or disallowed. 

Government Agency – Proposals are reviewed by expert panels, standardized proposal format, more rigid requirements, procedural and formal, F & A rates typically allowed.

Start by reaching out to the CFR team.  

Our team can:  

• Help assess fit and alignment 
• Check for internal submission limits or prior Rowan engagement 
• Assist with proposal strategy, timeline, and required approvals 
• Connect you with helpful resources 
• Look for the Monthly Grant Opportunities Newsletter on the Rowan Daily Mail