How to Apply

The first step in the application process is to mail a brief “test letter” to the Vice President. This letter should include a description of the project to be funded, the amount requested from the Foundation, justification for such a request, and background information about the applying organization. The Foundation acknowledges receipt of all requests.

If you are confident that your organization and grant request fits squarely within the Foundation’s guidelines, you may forego the test letter and submit a full proposal. Please structure your request according to the outline for grant format.

Within three months, Foundation staff will inform the organization whether or not the application is qualified for consideration by the Board of Directors. If the application qualifies, more detailed information is requested and a date is set for a meeting or site visit. Unless initiated by a Foundation director, personal communication with individual directors by representatives of applicant organizations is not encouraged.

Once all documentation has been received and the staff has completed its review, full applications are considered in chronological order by the Board of Directors, which reviews grant requests five times per year. While all requests cannot be funded, each qualified application is considered carefully and seriously. Decisions are made based upon the Foundation’s priorities and the amount of money available for distribution.

Letters of inquiry should be submitted to:

Beth Downs, Vice President
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
1055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1701
Los Angeles, California 90017
Telephone: 213.482.3185