FAQ
Q. Are there Two CLowes Foundations?
A. Yes! You are currently on the website of The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation (AWCCF), an independently operated private foundation separate from The Clowes Fund, a private family foundation. Learn more about the The Clowes Fund by visiting their website: www.clowesfund.org.
Q. What is the best means of initial contact with AWCCF?
A. Prior to submitting any grant requests, all organizations new to the Operations Cycle, having never received operations funding from the foundation, and all organizations intending to apply in the Capital Cycle must submit a Letter of Intent. AWCCF will not accept any new organizations’ grant proposals without receiving a letter of intent. LOIs for both cycles are online and accessible via the grant portal.
However, to better understand AWCCF funding priorities, our staff is happy to answer any questions via phone or email.
Q. When SHould I submit my organization’s Letter of Intent?
A. Please take a look at the AWCCF’s homepage for updated grant cycle information.
Q. Can you explain the differences between the two annual Grant Rounds?
A. AWCCF has two annual granting opportunities, the Operating Grant Cycle and the Capital Grant Cycle.
The Operating Grants Cycle supports ongoing organizational operations. The majority of organizations supported by operating grants are small and medium in size and budget. For the Operating Grant Cycle – organizations that have previously received operations funding from the Foundation are not required to submit an LOI; otherwise, the LOI is mandatory for all other organizations. LOI’s for the Operations Cycle are online and must be submitted via the grant portal between October 1 and November 30. The LOI will be reviewed with a decision communicated to the organization by December 15th.
The Capital Grants Cycle supports one-time, specific projects and undertakings that are not expected to recur on an annual basis. For the Capital Grant Cycle, the LOI is mandatory for all organizations and is located in the portal as part of the application process due by April 30.
Q. Who can apply for grants with AWCCF?
A. AWCCF supports charitable organizations that promote or preserve the Arts and Humanities. Priority will be given primarily to those organizations located in Indianapolis and Central Indiana. AWCCF will make grants only to those organizations that are described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are public charities defined in IRC Sec. 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3). In rare cases, AWCCF makes grants to private operating foundations as defined in IRC Sec. 4942 (j) (3) and will not make grants to individuals or for endowment purposes.
Q. Does AWCCF only Fund organizations in Indianapolis?
A. No. While the AWCCF’s primary focus is Indianapolis, it does support organizations and efforts in Central Indiana. Our geographic parameters include a radius of 60 miles from Indianapolis.
Q. What are your grant priorities?
A. AWCCF focuses its funding toward arts organizations, including museums, performing arts ensembles, symphonic and choral groups, visual arts centers, theaters and others. Please note: educational institutions may only apply in the Capital Grants Cycle for arts related projects.
Q. Does AWCCF Grant Multi-Year Grants?
A. AWCCF typically does not award multi-year grants. However, the board of directors have the ability to make all grant making decisions.