Is the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation affiliated with the Fort Worth-based Bass family?
No. Harry W. Bass, Jr. is not related to the Fort Worth Bass family, and the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation has no relationship or affiliation with the Fort Worth Bass family.

What are the deadlines for grant proposals?
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation accepts grant proposals at any time throughout the year. However, it is a good idea to submit your proposal several months before the funding is needed.

Can you send me an application?
There is no formal application form. The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation’s grant guidelines contain the components required in a proposal.

How do I get a copy of the guidelines?
Grant guidelines are available on our Web site. In addition, we can fax, mail, or e-mail one to you.

Can we meet with someone to discuss a possible proposal?
We prefer not to hold an in-person meeting prior to a grant application submission. After receiving a proposal, we will work with you to schedule a meeting if necessary.

How often do you consider proposals?
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation’s grant-making body meets at least 3 times per year.

Do you fund general operating expenses?
Generally, we do not fund the annual budget of established organizations. Rather than being a source of funds to maintain the current level of services, we prefer to help organizations reach more people through new programs or expansion of existing services. However, under certain circumstances we will support the start-up of new organizations or efforts to strengthen the organizational capacity of existing ones.

Do you give grants to individuals?
No. Under the terms of its charter, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation can distribute grants only to qualified public entities or 501(c)(3) charities.

Do you give grants to organizations outside of North Texas?
On rare occasions, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation awards grants to organizations in other regions of Texas, provided that the funding is directed toward a program or project that directly benefits the people of Texas as outlined in our mission statement.

When and how will I know if my proposal has been accepted or rejected?
All applicants receive written communication regarding the disposition of their proposal. Proposals are usually processed within 3 to 4 months.

We recently submitted a proposal and were declined. May we re-submit?
Yes. Grant proposals are accepted at any time during the year. However, our policy limits grant requests from eligible organizations to one within each twelve-month period.

To whom should proposals be addressed?
Grants Department
Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation
4809 Cole Ave., Suite 250
Dallas, TX 75205

My grant was turned down. Can you tell me why?
Competition for grant funds is intense and there are a number of factors that determine if a request is declined. Most frequently, it is simply because we are unable to fund every worthwhile request that we receive. The Grant Review Committee looks for programs and projects that best meet the areas of interest outlined in the grant guidelines.

Do you prefer to fund capital or programs?
We prefer that you determine your highest priority.

Can you help us with writing the grant proposal?
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation does not provide grant-writing services, although we will answer specific questions that may arise
during the grant-writing process. We also refer callers to a local Center for Nonprofit Management Assistance that can help. A list of centers can be found at www.texasnetwork.org.

I’m a new organization and don’t have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can I still apply?
Yes. Send the most current information you have. Once your proposal is reviewed, a member of our staff will call you if additional information is required.

Do you require a letter of intent before submitting a proposal?
No. We prefer that applicants simply submit a complete proposal.

Should we wait to hear from you before applying to others?
No. It is a good idea to submit applications to multiple sources of funding, as doing so will improve your chances of success.

Will the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation consider loans?
No.

Do you need multiple copies of our proposal, and should they be bound?
No. Only one unbound copy is necessary.

Are there areas in which you don’t make grants?
Yes. In general the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation does not make grants to construct churches or seminaries; to underwrite fundraising events, professional conferences, symposia, out-of-state performances or competition expenses; or toward general sustentation drives.

Should we include letters of support?
Generally, they are not necessary. If they are necessary, the individual reviewing your proposal will request them.

Will the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation confirm that it would consider the type of grant I am looking for prior to drafting the application?
Unfortunately, we can give you a better response after seeing a full proposal. As long as the proposal reflects the interests of the foundation as outlined in the guidelines, we would appreciate a chance to review it.

Will you do a site visit and should we invite your Board members for a visit?
The staff person reviewing your application will determine the need for a site visit.

Does the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation grant money to commercial businesses?
No, the foundation does not fund for-profit organizations.

Is there a person responsible for handling grants in specific areas of funding?
No. Proposals are not assigned to staff based on specific areas of funding. Our grants staff is trained to review all types of requests.