Grantmaking Overview

Overview

The Horizon Foundation is committed to practicing trust-centered philanthropy – a holistic approach to grantmaking that is rooted in shared values and true partnership with grantees, where grantees not only provide input but co-create programs and policy solutions that achieve our joint vision of social change.

We recognize that grant making has inherent power dynamics and we seek to change those dynamics and build more collaborative relationships with our grantees that allows for greater risk-taking, learning, and ultimately is more impactful and equitable for our community. We pledge to:

  • Invest time upfront in a discovery phase of work with grantees, to strengthen relationships, align on roles and identify joint commitments.
  • Provide opportunities for longer term, unrestricted, operating grants, to allow for more innovation, emergent action and sustainability.
  • Consider different types of grant “applications”, including interviews and video submissions.
  • Simplify and streamline grant reporting to focus on dialogue, learning and mutual accountability.
  • Use videos and storytelling to capture grantee journey and impact.

For more information on our grantmaking process, view our FAQs below.

FAQs

Grantees should be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a public entity. In some instances, depending on the type of grant, funding can be provided to individuals (ex: Advancing Community Advocacy Fellows). Please refer to the RFP to understand eligibility criteria of the specific grant. All RFPs will be posted on our Current Opportunities page.

The Foundation provides grants in alignment with its three strategic priority areas: Demand an Equitable Health Care System, Increase Affordability and Build Wealth and Dismantle Structural Racism through Community Building. Visit our Current Opportunities page for more details on specific RFPs and RFIs.

To begin, please read the Grant Guidelines in the RFP and these FAQs closely to see how your project aligns with the Foundation’s grantmaking.

Contact Kenitra Fokwa at kfokwa@thehorizonfoundation.org or 410-715-0311 if you want to discuss your project before beginning use of our online application process.

When you are ready to apply, and when the grants cycle is open, please use the online application system. Note: The Foundation accepts only applications through this online system. Using a series of prompts, the online grant application form will guide you through the submission process in detail.

Grant decisions are made through the combined effort of Foundation Staff and the Grants Committee of the Board of Trustees with final approval of the full board. Staff members provide recommendations to the Grants Committee based upon some or all of the following procedures: analysis of the submitted proposal, site visits when applicable and meetings with project staff, experience with your organization or contributing personnel on prior grants.

The Horizon Foundation is committed to practicing trust-centered philanthropy – a holistic approach to grantmaking that is rooted in shared values and true partnership with grantees, where grantees not only provide input but co-create programs and policy solutions that achieve our joint vision of social change. You can expect an open and honest communication from us; we will connect with you several times a year to check in on you, to share your expertise with us on pursuits outside of the grant; and/or, we may offer to connect you with organizations doing similar work. The Foundation is here to empower and make our grantees successful!

Applicants will receive written notification of a decision regarding submissions. Letters awarding or declining grants will communicate the decision of the Board and will also include information on various contingencies or pre-funding requirements. Please keep in mind that grant awards may contain significantly different terms of award than originally proposed by your group. Also, a Grant Agreement must be signed between your group and the Horizon Foundation, which spells out requirements and expectations.

Declination letters will generally not indicate specific reasons for Committee or Board action. In most cases, staff may be able to provide counsel for development of a focused proposal that meets our funding priorities.

You may receive feedback regarding the proposal by contacting Kenitra Fokwa at kfokwa@thehorizonfoundation.org or 410-715-0311.

If you submitted a request and have been denied, you may submit another grant application in the next grant cycle. Regardless of the number of denials, you may always submit an application provided you meet the requirements previously listed.

We do not fund the following kinds of projects:

  • Scholarships
  • Endowments
  • Capital Campaigns/Brick and Mortar projects
  • Direct Services
  • Projects that do not benefit the residents of Howard County

All inquiries about program-related investments can be made by contacting Foundation staff.

The Foundation typically solicits and identifies four to six health-related or community events to sponsor per year from federally tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, schools or public agencies.  Sponsorship opportunities must be compatible with the Foundation’s mission and programs.

The Foundation generally will not sponsor:

  • Individuals
  • Events that do not directly benefit the people who live or work in Howard County
  • Athletic teams
  • Capital or building construction projects
  • Endowment campaigns
  • An event after it has taken place

Yes, through a call for proposals, the Foundation will not only inform the community about how much funding is available for a particular grant but how many awards are expected to be awarded based on the average grant size. However, funding amounts and number of awards may vary depending on the quality of the applications received.

Yes, the Foundation does not limit the number of requests submitted by each organization.