Grant Application Instructions & Forms

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DEADLINES December 15 April 15 August 15

Before applying for a DTE Energy Foundation grant, please read our eligibility restrictions. Applications will be accepted via mail postmarked within the week of the stated deadline. Please do not hand deliver.

Application Format

All requests must be in writing and should be directed to either the Secretary of the DTE Energy Foundation, or any other DTE Energy Foundation board member or DTE Energy Regional Manager. Requests initiated by telephone will not be acted upon until a written request is received. Requests initiated by facsimile are discouraged, as well as the use of videotapes as supplementary material. Send only one copy of your proposal.

Application Instructions

The DTE Energy Foundation uses the Council of Michigan Common Grant Application procedure to facilitate the application process for grant seekers. Please follow the instructions below.

• Please type and double-space your proposal.
• Complete the DTE Energy Foundation Grant Application Checklist*.
• Complete the Common Grant Application Cover Sheet* making sure to include the signatures of the chief executive or senior development officer of your organization or the chair of your volunteer board.
• Provide the following information in this order using the headings indicated below.
  
  
• • Narrative
    
    
    1. Executive Summary
       Begin with a half-page executive summary. Briefly explain why your agency is requesting this grant, what outcomes you hope to achieve and how you will spend the funds if the grant is made.
       
       
    2. L.E.A.D. Description
       Briefly describe how your program fits the L.E.A.D. Program theme(s) selected on the Grant Application Checklist (only 1-2 L.E.A.D. themes should apply).
       
       
    3. Purpose of Grant
       
       • Statement of needs/problems to be addressed; description of target population and how they will benefit
       • Description of project goals, measurable objectives, action plans and statements as to whether this is a new or ongoing part of your organization
       • Timetable for implementation
       • Who are other partners in the project and what are their roles?
       • Acknowledge similar existing projects or agencies, if any. Explain how your proposal differs, and what effort will you make to work cooperatively
       • Describe any cooperative actions with other similar organizations to advance mutual goals and control duplication of services
       • Describe the quantity and types of support given by non-board volunteers
       • Describe the active involvement of constituents in defining problems to be addressed, making policy and planning the program
       • State long-term strategies for funding this project at the end of the grant period
       
       
    4. Evaluation
       
       • Describe plans for evaluating the project including how success will be defined and measured
       • Describe how you will use and/or disseminate the evaluation results and, if appropriate, how you will replicate the project
       • Describe how you will actively involve the constituents in evaluating the program
       
       
    5. Budget Narrative/Justification
       
       • Provide your grant budget, use the Grant Budget Format*.
       • On a separate sheet, show how each budget item relates to the project and how you calculated the budgeted amount
       • Describe your fund-raising plan, including the total goal, the corporate goal and projected fund-raising expenses.
       • List the amounts you are requesting/have requested from other foundations, corporations and other funding sources, either:
       • 1. During the past year (general operating), or
         2. To last year's special event (underwriting), or
         3. To this request to-date (if broad-based campaign)
       
       
    6. Organization Information
       
       • Brief summary of your history
       • Short statement of your mission and goals
       • Description of your current programs, activities and accomplishments
       • Organizational chart, including board, staff and volunteer involvement
       
       
    7. Donor Recognition
       
       • List various donor recognition opportunities.
       • Provide key publicity-related dates, if available.
       
       
  • Attachments - Please provide the following additional information.
    1. Copy of your current IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3)tax-exempt status
    2. List of your Board of Directors including their affiliations
    3. Financial Information
    • Organization's current annual operating budget, including expenses and revenue
    • Most recent annual financial statement (independently audited, if available; if unavailable, attach Form 990)
    4. Annual Report, if available
    5. Optional - Letters of support verifying your project need and collaboration with other organizations
  
  

Please send your proposal to:
The DTE Energy Foundation
2000 2nd Avenue, 1578 WCB
Detroit, MI 48226

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