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FAQs

What We Fund

Q: What does Piper Trust fund?

A: Piper Trust makes grants to projects that intervene in the following areas:

  • Arts and Culture
  • Children
  • Education
  • Healthcare and Medical Research
  • Older Adults
  • Religious Organizations

Piper Trust’s particular interest lies with projects that benefit young children, adolescents and older adults in Maricopa County. The Trust makes grants to faith-based organizations that serve these target populations in a manner consistent with program guidelines.

Eligibility

Q: What types of organizations does Piper Trust fund?

A: Piper Trust makes grants to actively operating Section 501(c)(3) organizations in Maricopa County. These organizations must have been in operation for at least three years from the effective date of their IRS ruling.  Special rules apply to private foundations and 509(a)(3)(Type III) organizations.

Q: Does Piper Trust have a regional focus?

A: Because Piper Trust funds organizations that principally serve residents of Maricopa County, Arizona, it does not seek applications from organizations principally serving residents of other parts of Arizona or other U.S. states. Piper Trust does not make international grants.

Types of Grants

Q: Piper Trust typically awards grants of what size?

A: Over the past year Piper Trust has awarded grants that have ranged from a few thousand to several million dollars. Search Grants provides a detailed list of grants the Trust has awarded.

Q: Does Piper Trust consider multi-year grants?

A: Piper Trust considers multi-year terms for proposed projects whose objectives require more than one year to achieve.

How to Apply

Q: How often can I apply for a grant?

A: Piper Trust asks that applicants submit no more than one request per year. This time limitation helps both applicants and Trust staff to prepare and review proposals with greater thoughtfulness.

Applicants whose project Piper Trust declines to fund may submit another request 12 months after the date of the previous submission. The Trust asks that any organization with an active grant refrain from reapplying until 12 months after the date of the active grant’s expiry. We make exceptions for organizations whose project the Trust has initiated and application it has invited.

Q: Does Piper Trust have application deadlines?

A: Piper Trust imposes no deadlines on initial proposals, and it accepts and reviews letters of inquiry throughout the year. If the Trust asks for a full proposal, its disposition depends on its completeness and the meeting schedule of the Piper trustees.

Q: How does an organization apply to Piper Trust for a grant?

A: Piper Trust asks that applicants complete an online grant summary form and attach a two-page letter of inquiry.

Q: What grant review process does Piper Trust employ?

A: Under normal circumstances Piper Trust staff will review the initial inquiry and request any further information within six weeks of receiving it. A program director may ask for a site visit and full proposal. After staff complete their review of proposals the trustees review staff recommendations at a following meeting. The Trust sends applicants written notification of the disposition of their request after this meeting. The application and review process can take up to four months after receiving the full proposal.

More Information

Q: May applicants phone Piper Trust staff with questions regarding prospective requests?

A: Piper Trust encourages applicants to phone program staff with questions about a prospective project because this allows staff to determine whether the project aligns with the Trust’s guidelines. (Grant proposals submitted online without any prior contact with Trust staff are not likely to be successful.)

Q: May applicants meet Piper Trust staff to learn more about program guidelines and the application process?

A: It is recommended all new applicants attend one informal information session known as “Piper 101″ held on the first Wednesday of each month. This informal session offers answers to frequently asked questions and offers a basic overview of the Trust’s core program areas and funding strategies. Staff will offer insights into what makes a strong proposal and how grant seekers can best work with staff to develop a proposal. Register for Piper 101.