Application and Review Process
The Quantum Foundation has a three step application process and a four stage review process, designed to encourage organizations to approach the Quantum Foundation as often as needed to present relevant, creative ideas in an effective and efficient manner. Together, these processes allow for the maximum number of projects to be presented to the Quantum Foundation with the minimum amount of burden placed on applicant organizations and prospective grantees. The application and review process generally takes from three to six months, depending on the time of year and schedule of meetings.
Application Process
Step 1: Complete the online eligibility quiz
To streamline the application for both applicants and staff, we ask that all applicant organizations begin the application process by completing a short eligibility quiz. Upon completion of the quiz, you will be immediately notified as to whether or not your organization is eligible to apply for a Quantum Foundation grant. Eligibility Quiz.
Step 2: Complete the online Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If your organization is eligible to apply for a Quantum Foundation grant, you will be directed to our online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form. Complete this brief document online, and submit it to Foundation staff for review. Although LOIs are limited to 1,000 words or less, please describe your project in as much detail as possible and note that projects outlined in LOIs must address the mission of the Quantum Foundation and must align with at least one of the Foundation’s Focus Areas. Quantum staff rely on information contained in the LOI to determine whether or not to invite the submission of a Full Proposal. The Quantum Foundation accepts LOIs through our online grant system year round. Letters of Inquiry are received and reviewed on an on-going basis. There are no LOI submission deadlines.
Step 3: Submission of a Full Proposal
If you are invited to submit a Full Proposal, you will be directed to our online proposal form. All areas to address in your Full Proposal will be clearly identified. It is important to note that an invitation to submit a Full Proposal is not a guarantee of grant funding. The Quantum Foundation invites submission of Full Proposals through our online grant system at least three times per year. Full Proposals must be submitted online and must be received by close of business on the Full Proposal due date.
Review Process
The Quantum Foundation supports only those requests that are approved at all four stages; requests that receive an unfavorable review at one stage do not advance to the next.
Stage 1: Review of LOI by Quantum Foundation staff
On average, the Foundation reviews all LOIs within 45 days of receipt. Within 45 days, applicants will be advised if either: (1) additional information or a Full Proposal is needed for further consideration, or (2) the request has been declined. If a Full Proposal is requested, this should not be construed as a guarantee of funding.
Stage 2: Review of a Full Proposal by Quantum Foundation staff
After you submit your proposal, it will be reviewed by Foundation staff. Proposal review may include a request from Foundation staff for additional information. Foundation staff makes a recommendation to the Grants Committee to either approve or deny a request.
Stage 3: Quantum Foundation Grants Committee Review
The Quantum Foundation Grants Committee, made up of several members of the Quantum Foundation Board of Trustees as well as members of the Palm Beach County community, review the recommendations of Foundation staff. The Grants Committee meets a minimum of three times per year to review and discuss Foundation staff recommendations and to make recommendations to the Quantum Foundation Board of Trustees to either approve or deny each request.
Stage 4: Quantum Foundation Board of Trustee Review
The Quantum Foundation Board of Trustees meets three times per year to review funding recommendations. The Board of Trustees makes the final determination to either approve or deny each request. Once a final determination is made regarding your request, you will receive written notice from the Foundation.