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Foundation Funding FAQs

Foundation Funding FAQs

Private foundations differ in many ways from federal funders, from how they operate to how they make funding decisions. Our office is here to help you navigate the unique landscape of private foundation support. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our work and how we can partner with you.

Foundation Relations

Private foundations typically fund projects that align with their specific mission and priorities. They often prefer initiatives that have clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and potential for broad impact. Commonly funded activities include:

  • Research Initiatives: Foundations frequently fund research projects, especially in fields like health, science, technology, environment, and social science.
  • Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Projects: Foundations value innovative, cross-disciplinary projects that involve multiple partners for maximum impact.
  • Public Engagement and Outreach Programs: Many foundations are interested in community impact and community initiatives that benefit populations in their geographical focus areas.
  • International Projects: Some foundations fund global programs.
     

Foundations often do not fund general operating expenses, capital projects, or endowments unless expressly stated.

Our role is to: 

  • Identify strategic funding opportunities
  • Advise on proposal development and alignment with foundation priorities
  • Facilitate introductions and relationship-building with program officers
  • Review and provide feedback on concept papers, LOIs and proposals
  • Coordinate with University Advancement and Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) on submissions
  • Be your partners in building compelling proposals and long-term foundation relationships. 
     

FR does not write proposals on behalf of faculty, but we do: 

  • Assist with framing ideas and narrative structure
  • Offer detailed feedback and edits
  • Provide templates and examples
  • Help ensure alignment with foundation language and expectations
  • Our goal is to enhance your proposal's competitiveness while allowing you to retain authorship of your work. 
     

An LOI (Letter of Inquiry) or LOI (Letter of Intent) is often the first step in applying to a private foundation. It’s a concise summary (typically 1–3 pages) of your project that helps a foundation determine if they’d like to see a full proposal.

A strong LOI includes: 

  • A clear description of the project and goals
  • The problem or need being addressed
  • Target beneficiaries or participants
  • Anticipated outcomes and impacts
  • Requested funding amount and timeframe
  • How the project aligns with the foundation’s mission. 

Some foundations ask for specific content for their LOI, therefore this not a hard and fast format.

FR is happy to review and provide feedback on your LOI. 

It depends. Many foundations prefer institutional communication, especially for large or strategic proposals. 
We recommend checking with Foundation Relations before contacting a foundation.

Our team can:

  • Confirm any existing MSU relationships or submission limitations
  • Coordinate outreach to avoid duplication or conflict
  • Help you prepare materials for initial engagement

For foundations that allow or encourage PI-initiated contact, FR can help you prepare for those conversations. We are not here to gatekeep relationships but to be a support for context and strategy.

Start by reaching out to the FR team. 

Our team can: 

  • Help assess fit and alignment
  • Check for internal submission limits or prior MSU engagement
  • Assist with proposal strategy, timeline, and required approvals
  • Connect you with helpful resources 

You can also consult our internal prospect library for a curated list of funders by topic or discipline. 
 

While both fund research and programming, there are key differences:

Yes! FR can support strategic collaborations, especially when MSU is the lead institution or has a major role. We’ll help coordinate letters of support, budget guidance and communication with the foundation, while working closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs team as needed.

Our team recommends: 

We also monitor limited submissions and distribute internal calls when necessary.

Please email us or schedule a consultation. We’re happy to meet with individuals, teams or departments to explore ideas, identify opportunities or provide proposal support.