To ensure a fair and consistent review process, all required application materials must be submitted together as one (1) PDF, in the order listed below, to be considered.
- Click on this link to obtain the cover page to your application. Complete the cover page in its entirety. The completed document will be the first page of your application.
- In 3 pages or less (letterhead preferred):
- Include the specific amount requested and describe the specific use proposed for the requested funds, including a description of the project or charitable use; the degree to which the project is beneficial to San Diego County; the number of individuals in San Diego County directly aided or affected by the project; and any other information which you may deem relevant.
- Describe the method by which the results of the project to be supported can be measured, and agree to provide The Parker Foundation, within six months of the grant payment, a report on the measured outcome(s) and results of the supported program.
- Describe other charitable organizations you partner with, outline other charitable organizations that provide similar services, if applicable (if so, how do you distinguish yourself from the other organizations), and describe source of clients.
- The grant request needs to be signed by the Executive Director.
- A current detailed organizational budget.
- A comprehensive project budget, detailing the specific items and associated costs for which you are requesting funding from The Parker Foundation. The budget must clearly outline all sources of funding, including both committed and potential contributions. If no additional funding has been secured for the project, please explicitly state this within the budget template. If you are requesting general operating support, you are also required to complete the budget template. Click here to download the template.
- A copy of your most recent annual financial report (latest Audited Financial Statement preferred or the most recent Tax Return Form 990 if audit isn’t applicable). If your organization currently files a 990-N, please include a copy of the most recent postcard filed.
- Balance Sheet (Assets/Liabilities) as of the most recent quarter.
- Income Statement (also known as a Profit/Loss Statement or Revenue/Expenses) dates shown need to be from the end of the Annual Financial Report referenced in item (5) above, to the end of the latest quarter.
- Provide a list of the Board of Directors.
- Include verification that the charitable organization requesting the grant is at present a charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) by providing a copy of the determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.
- Include verification of exemption from state franchise or income tax under the section of the Revenue and Taxation Code 23701(d) by providing a copy of the 23701(d) letter from the Franchise Tax Board (you can obtain an FTB Entity Status letter by clicking here).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines?
Please review our grant application deadlines page for the most up-to-date schedule of board meetings and application deadlines. All application materials must be submitted by NOON on the posted deadline date. The Parker Foundation does not accept grant proposals delivered in person.
Please note that new deadlines are added throughout the year. The Foundation typically holds six board meetings annually.
Do you offer preliminary meetings?
The Parker Foundation Board is composed entirely of volunteers and does not have the capacity to meet with all nonprofit organizations in our community.
What areas do you fund?
The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in their efforts to improve life for all San Diegans.
Do you fund organizations outside San Diego County?
The Foundation’s grantmaking is focused on organizations serving San Diego County.
Our organization is in the process of obtaining a 501(c)(3) status. May we apply now?
Organizations must have a current IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status at the time of application. Applications from organizations that are still in the process of obtaining tax-exempt status are not eligible for consideration and should wait to apply until their 501(c)(3) status has been formally approved.
What is your average grant size?
The Foundation does not calculate an average grant amount. Applicants are encouraged to review the Historical Summaries page to gain context on past grantmaking.
Which project or program should we propose?
The Parker Foundation recognizes that applicants are the experts in their own missions and programs and therefore anticipates that proposals will reflect the organization’s most important needs. Applicants are encouraged to review the Foundation’s Historical Summaries to better understand the scope and types of projects previously funded.
Eligibility for Reapplication:
If your organization previously received a grant, you must wait at least two (2) years from the date on the grant agreement before submitting another proposal. If your proposal was denied, you must wait at least one (1) year from the date on the denial letter before reapplying. If you are unsure about the appropriate time to reapply, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] for guidance.
What to Expect After Submission:
Your application will first be reviewed at a board meeting. If a Board Member expresses interest in your proposal during that meeting, you will receive a defer letter within one week of the board meeting indicating that your application is under further consideration. A volunteer Board Member will then contact you directly to schedule a site visit.
Following the site visit, the Board Member will present your request and their findings at the next scheduled board meeting. Within one week of that meeting, you will be informed of the outcome—either with a grant agreement (via email) if the request is approved, or a denial letter (by mail) if it is not.
Why was our proposal not approved, and can we receive feedback or request a meeting?
The Foundation receives many strong and thoughtful proposals and does not have sufficient funding to support all worthy requests. Demand for funding exceeds the Foundation’s available grantmaking budget. Due to the volume of applications received and the volunteer nature of the Board, the Foundation is unable to provide individual feedback or schedule meetings to discuss application decisions.
If your proposal was not approved, you must wait at least one (1) year from the date of the denial letter before reapplying. Applications submitted prior to that time will not be considered.
May we publicly acknowledge the Foundation or use its logo?
Grantees are welcome to publicize their grant if doing so will help raise awareness for their organization and encourage additional support. When referencing the grant, it should be credited as Gerald T. & Inez Grant Parker Foundation. The Foundation’s logo is available for this purpose. The Board does not seek recognition for its grants.
Can we invite the Foundation to attend our event?
The Parker Foundation Board is deeply committed to its mission and, as you may know, is composed entirely of individuals who volunteer their time. To avoid potential conflicts, as well as the appearance of conflicts, it is our policy not to accept the many invitations that we receive from nonprofit organizations in our community. We appreciate your understanding and wish you every success with your event.