FAQs


  1. Why does the Nellie Mae Education Foundation make grants?
  2. What are the Foundation's program priorities?
  3. Is the Foundation making grants in 2008?
  4. Which types of organizations are eligible to apply for Foundation grants?
  5. Is there a geographic requirement for organizations that apply for grants?
  6. What areas are not considered for funding by the Foundation?
  7. What is the process the Foundation uses to determine funding for organizations?
  8. How do I contact the Nellie Mae Education Foundation?

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1.  Why does the Nellie Mae Education Foundation make grants to organizations that focus on education?

The Foundation believes that extraordinary education outcomes for the majority of New England’s learners – especially those currently underserved – are not only necessary for our society, but that they are entirely possible.

2. What are the Foundation’s Program Priorities?

As of 2008, the Foundation’s new strategic initiatives are: Early Learning, Pathways to Higher Education, Time for Learning, Adult Learning, and Systems Building.

For more information visit the initiative pages and our Grant Information page.

3. Is the Foundation making grants in 2008?

There will be new grants available in 2008 within the Foundation’s new strategic initiatives:

For more information, visit our Grant Guidelines page for our projected 2008 funding opportunities.

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4. Which types of organizations are eligible to apply for Foundation grants?

Pursuant to its Articles of Organization, the Foundation operates exclusively for the benefit of, and to promote the charitable and educational purposes of, educational organizations, including universities, colleges, secondary schools, elementary schools, and other educational organizations that are described in IRC Section 501(c) (3) and that are not private foundations as described in IRC Section 509(a). The Foundation's activities include making grants to the public charities it supports and providing services to those organizations. The Foundation does not fund religious groups, private foundations, or individuals.

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5. Does the Foundation have a geographic focus?

Yes. The Foundation supports only those programs/organizations that serve students in New England or research pertaining to education issues in New England.

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6. What areas are not considered for funding by the Foundation?

The Foundation does not fund capital campaigns, endowments, scholarships or fellowships, debt reduction or cash reserves, building construction or renovation, and certain indirect costs.

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7. What is the process the Foundation uses to determine funding for organizations?

Funding determination may be made in one of three ways:

  1. A specific organization may be invited to apply for a grant within an agreed upon timeframe and the proposal is reviewed in a noncompetitive process.
  2. A limited number of organizations may be invited to apply via a Request For Proposals (RFP) before a set deadline.  Proposals submitted would then be reviewed in a competitive process.  All or a selection of the group would be funded.
  3. Funding guidelines that outline the Foundation’s requirements, goals, and funding strategy and an open RFP are distributed by the Foundation or by an intermediary hired to manage a cluster of grants and to post on appropriate websites.  Organizations determine their potential eligibility and whether they should submit a proposal before a set deadline.  Proposals submitted are reviewed in a competitive process.  All or a selection of the group are funded based on the criteria outlined in the guidelines.

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For more information on funding opportunities, visit the Guidelines page.

 

 8.  How do I contact the Nellie Mae Education Foundation?


Toll-free telephone: 1-877-635-5436
Telephone: 781-348-4200
E-mail: info@nmefdn.org
Fax: 781-348-4299
Mailing address:
Nellie Mae Education Foundation, 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 205N, Quincy, MA 02169.

Click here for driving and public transportation directions to the Foundation

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