Core Grant Application and Review Process

*Progress at each step of the review process is conditional on positive reviews

1. At least 3 members of the RSF program staff read every LOI submitted – we are primarily looking for fit with the foundation, clarity in presentation, and whether the data and methods are described in sufficient detail.

2. LOIs that do not pass the internal screen are declined without comment; LOIs that pass the internal screen are sent out for external review – a minimum of 3 reviewers read every LOI.

3. Based on the recommendations of these external reviewers, RSF program staff decide which projects to invite for full proposal.

4. When invited proposals are received, they are sent to the same reviewers who reviewed the LOI (when possible), plus up to 2 additional external reviewers.

5. When the external review process is complete, all materials are provided to standing Advisory Committees. Advisory committee members are external to the Foundation and recruited specifically for their expertise in each of the Foundation’s program area. Advisory committees decide which proposals are moved forward to RSF Board for funding consideration, which proposals are invited to resubmit, and which proposals are declined.

6. For projects with budgets greater than $75,000 (Trustee Grants), the RSF Board serves as final authority – although the vast majority of proposals that reach the Board are approved for funding, the Board may reject a proposal, request or offer a revision, ask for further clarification, or approve with conditions. For projects with budgets of up to $75,000 (Presidential Grants), the RSF President serves as final authority.