The Funeral Service Foundation (FSF) accepts grant proposals for programs and projects that fall within its funding areas.

FSF will occasionally issue Requests for Proposals for specific projects the Board of Trustees wishes to undertake.

Organizations must submit a Grant Application by the deadlines listed below to be considered.

FSF Funding Areas

Career and Professional Development

Grants from this area will support the promotion and advancement of funeral service as a career. Options include scholarships for mortuary science students as well as funeral professionals. Additional support would be considered for programs and research that support vocational education, career assessment, and personal development.

Support of Funeral Service and Allied Professions

Grants from this area will support research and continuing education opportunities focusing on the issues related to funeral service. Options include, but are not limited to, family business management issues, development of best business practices, industry research and professional speakers.

Public Awareness and Education of Funeral Service and End of Life Issues

Grants from this area will support community programs and educate the public on the compassion and generosity of the funeral service community. Options include, but are not limited to the end-of-life issues, grief support, and healing.

Support of Grieving Children and their Families

Grants will fund national programs that provide education, support and comfort to grieving children and their families.

Disaster Relief

The Funeral Service Foundation creates and/or administers disaster relief funds and initiatives in response to devastating national and international disasters. Funds are dedicated to supporting a funeral service response, caring for the dead, and the emotional well being of affected families.

Eligible Organizations

Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or similar exempt organizations. Non-exempt organizations can apply for funding when working in conjunction with an exempt organization which agrees to serve as the fiscal agent for the grant. Non-exempt organizations can also apply solely. Grants will only be made to individuals who qualify through FSF scholarship programs.

Grant Cycles

Grant cycles will run twice per year. Specific RFPs issued by FSF may identify other timelines.

2009 Proposal Deadlines

February 27, 2009 (funding decision made by April 15*)

July 31, 2009 (funding decision made by Sept. 15)

*Funding decisions may be put on hold for certain proposals until the second cycle, with a final funding decision by September 15.

Scholarship Cycles

Scholarship criteria and applications are available on the FSF website in January each year. Application deadlines vary with each program. Please see the scholarship section of the website for specific information.

Grant Amounts

Grants will typically range from $1,000 - $10,000.

Indirect costs* of projects will be considered on an individual case basis. Grant applications should outline any proposed indirect costs in detail.

The term indirect costs encompasses a broad range of expenses that enable an organization to offer the program, but are not specifically used to conduct program activities. Indirect expenses are typically the fixed costs of running an organization that benefit all of its programs: rent/mortgage, utilities, janitorial services, insurance, accounting, administrative and clerical staff and fundraising activities. Indirect costs are also called overhead, administrative or management expenses , or general operating costs.

Ineligible Projects

Absent extraordinary circumstances, FSF does not grant requests for:

• Capital construction projects
• Endowment campaigns
• Tickets or sponsorships for charitable dinners, golf tournaments or other special events

Support for otherwise qualified multi-year projects and staff positions will be considered, but the applicant must provide specific, detailed information about plans to secure future funding for the projects of position.

Multi-year funding from FSF is rare. Successive annual requests for funding by an organization may be viewed by FSF as a multi-year request.

Review and Notification Process

Proposals are accepted during active grant cycles outlined in this policy or during an active Request for Proposal period. FSF will acknowledge by mail all grant and scholarship applications after funding decisions are made.