Mountaineers Foundation Funding
The Mountaineers Foundation annually sets aside money to be used specifically for Mountaineers 501(c)(3) projects. The Foundation also accepts donations for funds established through fiscal sponsorships agreements with the club. The current funds are listed below:

• Friends of The Mountaineers
  A dedicated fund to support public benefit projects of The Mountaineers.
• Friends of Mountaineers Books
  A dedicated fund to support conservation and environmental publishing projects of Mountaineers Books.
• Friends of the Mountaineers Library
  A dedicated fund to support the operation of the Mountaineers Library and their unique collection of mountaineering titles.
• Kitsap Restoration Fund
  A dedicated fund to support the restoration and preservation of the historic Kitsap Property including Kitsap Cabin and the outdoor Forest Theatre.

Donations to the Foundation are deductible for federal income tax purposes. Under federal law these funds can only support Mountaineers projects that qualify under 501(c)(3) guidelines.

Mountaineers Foundation Fiscal Sponsorship Agreements
This is a legal arrangement where a 501(c)(3) organization sponsors and approves qualified projects of another organization. The Mountaineers Foundation has several such agreements with The Mountaineers. The Foundation has a legal obligation to protect its IRS status. Therefore, these agreements must be carefully written to ensure that the programs supported through these agreements are educational, scientific, historical, or charitable in nature. The programs must benefit the general public, not just members, and cannot support specific legislation or political candidates.

The difference between grant requests and fiscal sponsorship
If you would like funds from the Mountaineers Foundation to run or enhance a qualified program, then you are submitting a grant request. If you would like to solicit donations or grants of money or goods from individuals or other organizations for your qualified program (and you want the donor to get a tax deduction) then you are applying for a fiscal sponsorship. The majority of 501(c)(3) organizations will not give grants directly to the Mountaineers. Individual donors to The Mountaineers do not get a tax deduction.

Supported projects must be

• Educational, scientific, historical, or charitable in nature
• Of benefit to the general public (not just members)
• Support and uphold the purposes and the mission of The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers Foundation
  

These funds or donations/grants cannot support projects that

• Support or endorse specific legislation or political candidates
• Exclusively benefit Mountaineers members
• Improve or acquire an asset that is not used for qualified purposes

How we judge proposals

• A firm commitment from the presenting committee and any other organizations that may be included in the project
• Compatibility with The Mountaineers purposes and mission
• The applicants' ability to conduct and complete the project
• Significance to the environment and/or the community
  

Proposals for funding should contain
1. A completed Application Form; please use this as your proposal's cover page.

2. A short (4 page maximum) narrative telling us about what you propose to do, why it is important, what outcomes you expect, how it addresses the Mountaineers' purposes and mission, who will do the work (you may attach resumes), and a project schedule.

3. A budget detailing sources of all project funds.

Proposal for fiscal sponsorship should contain all of the above and include
1. A fundraising plan including possible and expected funding sources and method(s) of solicitation.

2. A sample grant request or solicitation letter if you plan to approach individuals, businesses or other 501(c)(3) organizations for funding.

3. A plan for periodic status updates to the Mountaineers Foundation


Applying
Please submit your application to
Fundraising Committee
The Mountaineers
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115

You may also submit your application via e-mail to grants@mountaineers.org. You must follow-up with a hard copy of the original signed application form and narrative by postal mail by the application deadline for your project to be considered for funding.

Application deadlines

• December 1st - to be considered for February
• February 1st - to be considered for April
• April 1st - to be considered for June
• July 1st - to be considered for September
• September 1st - to be considered for November

Review Process - Grants
The Fundraising Committee will review all completed applications. Applicants who are not approved will receive written notice from the Fundraising Committee with an explanation of why their proposal was declined. The committee will also provide suggestions on improving the application. Successful applicants will be notified of funding in writing within 7 days of approval. The entire process can take as long at two months.

Review Process - Fiscal Sponsorship
Applications for Fiscal Sponsorship will be evaluated and passed onto the Mountaineers Foundation when the Fundraising Committee can provide a positive recommendation for acceptance of the agreement. The Mountaineers Foundation has a separate committee and process for these agreements. Applicants will be notified directly of approval.