Our Philosophy

Through our grantmaking process, the Funeral Service Foundation supports initiatives of national scope that strengthen the funeral service profession, create greater public awareness of the role of funeral service in society, and support grieving communities and organizations working in the end-of-life care continuum.

The Funeral Service Foundation is not accepting grant applications at this time.

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Scholarship Opportunities

The Foundation offers several scholarships for new and existing funeral service professionals. Check out our professional development and scholarship opportunities for more information!

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GRANT ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Projects

Eligible Projects

Non-profit organizations may apply for funding for projects of national scope and significance.

The submitted project must align with the granting philosophy described above and be structured to provide visibility for the Funeral Service Foundation as the granting organization.

Grant requests from US 501(c)3 non-profit and Canadian registered charity organizations will be considered. Non-exempt organizations can apply for funding only when working in conjunction with an exempt organization.

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible Projects

The Foundation is focused on grants to projects that are consistent with our mission. The following categories of grant requests will not be considered:

  • Capital construction projects
  • Costs associated with burials, memorialization, cremations, etc.
  • Endowment campaigns
  • Individual scholarships outside of the Foundation’s scholarship program
  • Local or regional initiatives that cannot be reproduced on a national scale
  • Ongoing organizational operating expenses
  • Organizational debt reduction
  • Political campaigns or lobbying efforts
  • Projects with a narrow religious purpose or focus

GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Submission Information

In addition to your organization’s contact information, when submitting your grant application, you will be asked to provide the following:

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Grant/Budget Information
  • Requested amount and dated funds are needed.
  • Funding priority area, estimated number of individuals served, and target population.
  • Detailed project budget and supporting materials.
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Project/Program Narratives
  • Explain why you are requesting funds, and how/where they will be directed.
  • Discuss your capacity to deliver.
  • If funded, how will your organization define the success of this program/project?
  • Do you anticipate any obstacles in completing this program/project successfully?
  • Are you collaborating with other organizations or businesses on this project?
  • What are your ideas to promote and acknowledge the grant and partnership between your organization and the Funeral Service Foundation?
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Additional Information
  • US Federal Tax ID, most recent 990, or Canadian equivalent.
  • Names of governing board members.
  • Link to website and name as listed GuideStar profile (if applicable).
  • Hi-res company logo.

Review Process

The Grants Committee will review proposals to determine/ensure:

  • The project aligns with the Foundation’s grantmaking philosophy.
  • The project is of national/international scope and significance.
  • Demonstrated need for the project or program.
  • Fiscal health and stability of organization.
  • Applicants have the capacity to deliver an effective program with results-oriented, defined and measurable outcomes.
  • The program has the potential to become sustainable or replicated.
  • Collaboration is meaningful with responsibilities clearly defined.
  • Quality and effectiveness of the project.
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GRANT COMPLIANCE

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Progress Report

Once a proposal is funded, grantees are required to complete a mid-project progress report. Designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative information, the report allows the Foundation to compare targeted vs. actual results, and verify a measurable impact on funeral service.

A progress report will address the following questions:

Please indicate which population(s) your project served, and describe the problem/need you are addressing.

  • Describe how the project has progressed in achieving the key measurables as outlined in your proposal narrative. Do any measurables need adjustment? Why or why not?
  • Explain any problems encountered, unexpected benefits or lessons learned thus far.
  • Are additional strategies being considered to ensure the project’s continuation?
  • Have you met the goals outlined in your communication plan? Does the plan need to be adjusted? Why or why not? Provide copies as appropriate.
  • Please attach a year-to-date financial accounting for the project, specifying the use of foundation funds.
  • What project-related success thus far are you most proud of?
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Post-Project Evaluation

Once a proposal is funded, grantees are required to complete a post-project grant evaluation. Designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative information, the report allows the Foundation to compare targeted vs. actual results, and verify a measurable impact on funeral service.

A post-project grant evaluation will address the following questions:

  • Please indicate which population(s) your project served, and describe the problem/need you addressed.
  • Explain any problems encountered, unexpected benefits or lessons learned during the term of the grant.
  • Was the project completed as planned? If not, please describe how the project changed and provide an explanation for the changes.
  • Did you meet, exceed or far exceed your key measurables as outlined in your proposal and/or progress report? Why or why not? Provide examples.
  • Note any publicity as outlined in your communication plan/progress report. Provide copies as appropriate.
  • Please attach complete financial accounting for the project, specifying the use of foundation funds.
  • What project-related success are you most proud of?