Menu
Call Call Call

FAQ

What are the Davis Conservation Foundation’s funding objectives?

The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations devoted primarily to wildlife, wildlife habitat, environmental protection and outdoor recreation. Projects that strengthen volunteer activity and outreach/community involvement in these categories are of particular interest.

What are the geographic priorities of the Davis Conservation Foundation?

The Foundation's highest geographic priority is Northern New England, particularly projects involving the Northern Forest and the Gulf of Maine. Grants are made infrequently in Southern New England or outside New England.

How do I apply?

Review the Davis Conservation Foundation’s submission guidelines to determine your eligibility.  Applications are accepted only though our online application system. The Foundation does not use a pre-proposal or letter of inquiry process but will respond to questions.

When are the submission deadlines?

April 1 and October 1. Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Applications for deadlines that fall on a holiday or weekend must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the next business day. The foundation does not accept applications via e-mail or mail.

What is accepted for audited and unaudited financial statements? 

Audited financial statements include audits, reviews and compilations. If none of these statements are available then the most recent Form 990 may be submitted. If the applying organization does not have audited financial statements or a Form 990, this should be explained in the field provided on the online application. 

What is a Balance Sheet?

A Balance Sheet is also known as a Statement of Financial Position or Assets and Liabilities Statement, depending on the origin of the report (e.g. an Audit, Quicken, Quickbooks). It reports an organization’s assets (what is owned) and liabilities (what is owed). The net assets represent the sum of all the annual surpluses or deficits that an organization has accumulated over its entire history. Reports should reflect the most recently completed fiscal year. 

Examples: Statement of Financial Position, Balance Sheet, Assets and Liabilities

What is an Income Statement?

An Income Statement is also known as the Income and Expense Statement, Statement of Activities or Profit & Loss Statement depending on the origin of the report (e.g. an Audit, Quicken, Quickbooks). It reports an organization’s revenue and expenses for a set period of time, such as the most recent fiscal year. Reports should reflect the most recently completed fiscal year.  

Examples: Income Statement, Statement of Activities, Profit and Loss Statement 

What is the project budget?

The project budget outlines the total income and expenses specific to the entire project. A one-page table format is preferred. The total project budget and the request amount must tie with the amount listed on the application form page. Budgets may be itemized by function (e.g. program development, training, evaluation, or phase I, II, or III) or by object (e.g. consultants, supplies, equipment). Please provide details of additional project funding including source, amount, and status (received, committed, and/or requested) to date.  Applicants should submit budgets that are easiest for them to develop and monitor. When the project has been completed grantees will be expected to submit financial reports based on the original budget.  

Example: Project Budget 

What is the operating budget? 

The operating budget is an estimate of expenses and revenues for the organization as a whole. They are completed in advance of the accounting period and represent the 12-month fiscal year. Operating budgets are generally presented in table format with the fiscal year clearly indicated in the header or table column.  

Example: Operating Budget

May I call if I have questions?

Yes, we welcome phone calls from applicants. You may reach the Grants Manager at (207) 846-9132 ext. 13 or the Grants Associate at ext. 16. 

What is not eligible for funding?

Individuals, annual giving campaigns, deficit reduction, scholarships, fellowships, loans, or travel.

How are funding decisions made?

Trustees judge proposals against the funding objectives, on their merits and in comparison to others received.

When will we know whether our request is approved?

You may expect notification of the trustees’ decision within approximately 60 days from date of the submission deadline.

How long must an organization wait before applying again?

In order to support as many worthwhile organizations as possible, the foundation discourages organizations that receive a grant from submitting subsequent requests within 24 months from the deadline date. 

In addition, declined applicants should not submit a request for the same project within 12 months from the deadline date. 

Does the Davis Conservation Foundation make multiple-year awards?

The foundation normally provides one-year grants only.

Does the Davis Conservation Foundation require a completion report?

Yes. We request that grantees provide us with a completion report within 12 months of receipt of the grant. At the time of grant notification, we will provide information on submitting your report through our online system.  Please note that you will be notified using the email address of the proposal contact.

If the project is not completed within one year, we ask that grantees contact the Grants Manager via phone or email with a brief update on activities, including an estimated completion date.

I am signed in to my account, but I can't find where to start a new application.

Even if you have an existing account, all new applications MUST be started by clicking the "Click Here to Start a New Application" link found on the Apply page.

How do I navigate the online application?

Please review the online application instructions found HERE.

How do I access lost account information?

 

There are helpful links in the portal to retrieve forgotten email addresses and passwords, but these may not be helpful if staff and access to grant applications has evolved. You may contact our Grants Associate support at (207) 846-9132 X16 or [email protected] .