Grants and Partnerships FAQ

Please make sure to read our granting criteria in addition to the following FAQs if you are an organization thinking about applying for a grant through ODW.

What is the difference between a grant and a partnership?

A grant is simply an amount of money given to an organization chosen by either the ODW Board of Directors or ODW Community members. Grants are either derived from or grown through a partnership with a certain organization. At times, we use the terms interchangeably. A partnership with an organization is more reciprocal. ODW partner org’s agree to promote ODW through social media and other networks, and assist in an ODW board or community member traveling to the project site that a grant funded to see the completed project and report back to the ODW community.

What are the different types of grants that ODW gives?

There are 4 main types of grants that ODW gives.

1. Microgrants: grants up to $1,000 USD for specific, short-term projects by organizations in developing regions. Microgrants are reviewed and awarded at the discretion of the ODW staff and do not require Board approval.
2. Community Goal Grants (Partnerships): grants where ODW agrees to profile the organization and project on our website and raise a specified amount through the ODW community. ODW community members can choose specifically to have their donations go towards this project. Our current partnerships with Charity:Water and  HEAL Africa and examples of Community Goal Grants. A CGG will allow greater visibility for the organization through website exposure over the course of several weeks, months, or until the CGG is fully funded.
3. General Grants: General grants are lump-sum grants given at the discretion of the ODW Board of Directors.
4. Matching Grants: A blend of the Community Goal Grant and General Grant, Matching Grants guarantee 50% of fundraising done by the ODW community while working towards raising the other 50% of the grant through their own community of donors.

How do I know which kind of grant my organization or project qualifies for?

In short, you don’t. If you have a preference, please list it on your grant application. Otherwise, our Board of Directors will be reviewing grant applications on a quarterly basis and will decide which kind of grant to give to your project.

Can I apply for more than one type of grant?

No.

What is the first step in applying for a grant?

The first step is to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) with the following questions answered in full:

• What is the name, address, and website (if one exists) of your organization?
• What is your name and your relationship with the organization?
• What countries do you work in?
• Are you a registered NGO or CBO?
• What is your annual operating budget?
• Please include a brief description (100 words or less) of the project you are seeking a grant for:   

How long will it take to know if my LOI was approved?

You’ll receive a response within 4 weeks.

If my LOI is approved, how long do I have to submit a grant application?

We ask that grant applications be submitted no longer than 6 months from the time of the approved LOI.

If my LOI is not approved, can I reapply?

We ask that organizations wait at least 6 months before submitting a new LOI.

If my grant application is not approved, can I reapply?

We ask that organizations wait at least 6 months before submitting a new LOI AND grant application.

If my grant application IS approved, how long before the grant is disbursed?

The grant will be disbursed no less than 60 days prior to the beginning of the project that the grant was awarded for, according to the timeline submitted in the grant application.

If I’ve already received a grant from ODW, how long do I have to wait to apply for another grant?

Generally, we ask that grantees wait a minimum of 2 years from the completion of their project before applying for a new grant. Exceptions will be made is some cases.

Once my grant is disbursed, how long do I have to submit proof of usage (not limited to, but including photos, video, written documentation of project progress) to ODW?

This depends on how long your project will take to complete. Generally, we ask for an initial update report 90 days from the time that the project began, and the final report no longer than 90 days after the project is completed.