The Ordean Foundation's Catalyst Grant Program offers three competitive grant cycles per year. Ordean is currently accepting inquiries for the 2024 Spring grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying in the current grant cycle should begin the inquiry process no later than March 15, 2024.
Inquiry Process
The first step is to complete a short quiz to determine if your organization is eligible to apply for a Catalyst Grant. Both new and returning applicants interested in submitting a Catalyst Grant proposal must begin the process by completing the Eligibility Quiz.
Organizations meeting eligibility criteria will receive instructions to submit a Proposal Summary (1,500 character limit). If your project is compatible with Ordean’s mission and aligns with Catalyst grant funding priorities, we will send you instructions to access our online grant portal and complete the Catalyst grant application. Please allow up to two weeks for Ordean to review your proposal summary and notify you of our decision to invite or decline a full application.
Application
Organizations invited to apply for a Catalyst Grant should be prepared to describe WHAT your project will accomplish, WHO it will impact, and WHY it is a community need. You will also be required to submit a project budget using the Catalyst Grant Budget Template.
The application submission deadline for the 2024 Spring cycle is April 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm CDT.
Review Process
Ordean staff review applications for completeness and may request additional information or a site visit as part of the grant approval process. The Ordean Foundation Program Committee evaluates proposals each cycle and makes recommendations to Ordean’s Board of Directors. Winter cycle grants are approved by the Board in March, Spring cycle grants in June, and Fall cycle grants in November. All applicants receive notification of the Board's action within two weeks by email.