Grantmaking Process & Criteria
Skyline is committed to improving transparency, including articulating our funding priorities, criteria, decision-making processes, and timelines.
Skyline’s Board approves grants twice a year, usually in June and December. Throughout the year, program team members connect with potential partners and identify organizations that align with the foundation’s priorities. If your work aligns with our program priorities, we welcome you to reach out at info@skylinefoundation.org. While we review all inquiries, we will only schedule meetings when there is a clear opportunity for partnership.
When Program Leads decide to recommend potential grantees, they invite applications for funding, which can comprise new or existing materials and/or a virtual meeting. Program team members prepare written recommendations to the board, which approves all grants. Skyline Foundation makes grants by invitation only.
Skyline’s Board and team consider the following factors in grantmaking decisions:
Connection to Strategy
We look for a clear link between the organization’s work and the foundation’s program strategy and areas of focus.
Scale and Innovation
We consider whether an organization is working to create change at a systems level and introducing innovation to the field. We look for organizations with the potential to have significant impact.
Long-Term Partnership
Because the problems Skyline is focused on require long-term work to address, we look for organizations that could be long-term partners. To determine grant amounts, we consider the sustainability and growth trajectory of organizations.
Nonpartisan Nature
We look for organizations that are interested in understanding and solving complex problems, while sidestepping partisanship and ideology.
Leadership, Collaboration, and Field Building
We look for organizations that have earned respect in the field and partner effectively. We look for leadership and a board who are inclusive and caring toward staff and accountable to the communities they serve.
Skyline Foundation commits to:
Clear Communication: We will provide clear information about the grantmaking process, including timelines and reporting requirements.
Respect and Relationship Building: We will value relationships with grantees and will hold them with respect and transparency.
Equitable Support: We commit to being available to support all grantees, especially those that need it the most.