August 1, 2026

Fundamentals to Funding

Foundation Grants Success Made Simple

About Our Foundation

Our Mission

The Foundation is a humanitarian philanthropic organization whose mission is to empower Altrusans to provide effective local and global community service programs.

Goals of the Workshop

Your Guide to Successful Grant Planning and Submission

Grant Application Overview

Purpose

Provides funding to Altrusa and ASTRA Clubs, and Districts for independent service projects that improve education, economic conditions, and quality of life in communities.

Eligibility

• Only Altrusa-affiliated Clubs, ASTRA Clubs, and Districts may apply (except for Club 52 Program)
• Projects must not serve as fundraisers or pass-through funding for other organizations
• Request between $250 and $2,500 per fiscal year
• Applicant may apply in either grant cycle , but may only receive (1) grant per fiscal year (June 1 to May 31)
• New Clubs chartered (within one year following the charter date) may request a one-time Charter Grant at any time during the fiscal year

Grant Application Overview

– Cycle One: September 15

– Cycle Two: March 15

Grant recipients must acknowledge the Altrusa International Foundation in all publicity (e.g., social media, websites, interviews, press releases)

Use the required statement:

“This [project/program/etc.] [is/was] awarded grant funding by the Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. Please visit foundation.altrusa.org.”

Application Deadlines:

Important

Important Reminder

Grant funding is limited, and awards are based on:

• Quality of submissions
• Number of applicants
• Available funds for the cycle

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Applicants should plan accordingly and consider alternate or supplemental funding

• Use only the most current application and guidelines
• Outdated forms will not be accepted
• Applications and guidelines are available foundation.altrusa.org

Grant Application Overview

Available to Altrusa Clubs, ASTRA Clubs, and Districts for community service projects

Types of Grants

01

PROJECT GRANT

• Submitted by an Altrusa Club, ASTRA Club, or District on behalf of an individual
• Supports continued education, vocational training, skill-building, or self-employment equipment

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*Can fund students from developing countries under specific eligibility conditions

Types of Grants

02

INDIVIDUAL GRANT

• Supports camps for children with disabilities and illness (Cycle Two), and international healthcare and education efforts (Cycle One).
• Awarded to external organizations (Altrusa Clubs, ASTRA Clubs, and Districts are not eligible for Club 52 funding)

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Types of Grants

03

CLUB 52 PROGRAM

• One-time funding for newly chartered Altrusa or ASTRA Clubs
• Apply within 1 year of charter date
• Altrusa Clubs: up to $2,000 | ASTRA Clubs: up to $1,000
• New Charter grant receipts may apply for a Project Grant in the same fiscal year, but the combined total may not exceed $2,500.

Types of Grants

04

NEW CLUB CHARTER AND ASTRA

Supports unmet needs of community partners following a natural disaster

• 500-word narrative describing the need
• Verification document confirming the disaster
• Signed by Club President and District Governor.
• $250–$2,500 – Requires approval by Foundation Chairperson.
• Over $2,500 – Requires approval by Foundation Board.

Types of Grants

05

DISASTER RELIEF

Total Aid in 2023-2025: $41,300

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How to Apply

Step 1

foundation.altrusa.org

Click the “Grants Programs & Awards” Tab

Download the most current application and guidelines forms from the website:

Visit each grant program in the drop-down menu

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How to Apply

Step 2

Typed and submitted in Word or PDF format, minimum font size 10

Application must include three components:

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• A. Cover Page Fully completed and signed
• B. Grant Narrative: Includes all 10 section titles; underline key terms
• C. Budget Table Template: Customized to your project and aligned with the narrative

• Grant narrative and Budget Table Template may not exceed 3 pages

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• When combined with the cover page, the entire application must fit within 4 pages total

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• Follow the point values in the guidelines to determine how much space each section should receive

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• Include Attachments (supporting documents, photos, etc.) are allowed and do not count toward the page limit

Prepare your

application

A) Cover Page

• Type complete answers to all requested items. Typed and clearly handwritten responses are accepted.

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• Applications without the Club President or District Governor’s signature will not be reviewed.

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• Use Adobe Acrobat to complete the fillable PDF.

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• If needed, email the Foundation Office to request a Word version of the form

The Club President or District Governor’s signature is required

Typed or clearly handwritten

Project Grant

Grant Guidelines and Narrative Requirements

Guidelines Now Separate from Application Form

• The grant narrative and Budget Table Template must not exceed 3 pages

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• Combined with the cover page, the full application is limited to 4 pages total

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• Each section is assigned a point value, reflecting its weight and importance

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• Use point values to guide how much detail and space to devote to each section

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• The narrative must include the following 10 required sections, each clearly labeled

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• Use the provided budget form and ensure that revenue and expenses are balanced.

• Abstract (5 points)
• Eligibility Requirements (5 points)
• Need (10 points)
• Project Description (25) points
• Altrusa Involvement (10 points)
• Timeline (10 points)
• Evaluation (10 points)
• Sustainability (5 points)
• Publicity (5 points)
• Budget Narrative (15 points)

B) Project Grant Narrative Guidelines

B) Grant Narrative

1. Abstract (5 points)

Prompt:

In 100 words or less, describe the proposed Project, including (a) the target population, (b) objectives, (c) community need for the Project, (d) method of implementation, and (e) expected benefitsand results. This section is an abbreviated form of the rest of the narrative. This section should be comprehensive, concise and be able to be used for press releases, websites, and other communication.

Helpful hint: Prepare this section last.

Good Example

“Sleeping Bags for Homeless Heroes will provide 200 sleeping bags and care packages to veterans experiencing homelessness in Gotham City. Altrusa members will coordinate a supply drive, assemble items, and deliver them to three local shelters. This project addresses urgent needs during winter months and fosters long-term relationships with partner agencies. The goal is to offer practical support while building awareness of the challenges faced by homeless veterans.”

Poor Example

“This project is important because homelessness is a major issue in our community. This project will help people experiencing homelessness by providing sleeping bags and food. Our Club members are passionate about serving the community, and we believe this effort will make a difference. While we are still working out the details, we plan to partner with a local shelter to reach those in need. We hope to provide comfort and support during the winter months through this project.”

• Good summary, within the 100-word limit

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• Shows basic understanding of the project’s goal
• Lacks focus (e.g., number of people served, timeline, method)
• Doesn’t summarize target population, objectives and expected outcome
• Exceeds the 100-word limit and is too general for press or review use

B) Grant Narrative

2. Eligibility Requirements (5 points)

Prompt:

Only list the categories that the proposed Project is expected to meet. Projects that address multiple categories are encouraged.

• Involves Altrusa Club members in hands-on participation
• Is literacy-based and improves participants’ literacy skills
• Benefits one or more of the following groups: abused and battered women, the aged, the homeless, the handicapped, underprivileged children, and underprivileged children requiring medical attention.
• Community members who are disadvantaged, active military and/or Veterans.

Good Example

This project meets the following eligibility criteria:

– Involves hands-on participation by Altrusa Club members

– Benefits homeless individuals, specifically military veterans

– Addresses basic needs and promotes health and safety during winter months.

Poor Example

This is a project that helps the community and supports people who need it. Our club believes in doing good work, and we hope this project will have a positive impact.

• Clearly matches eligibility categories
• Includes Altrusa member involvement and service to homeless veterans
• Concise and direct – easy for reviewers to follow

• 🚫 Fails to identify any specific eligibility category
• 🚫 Too vague – doesn’t explain who benefits or how Altrusa members are involved
• 🚫 Generic language – says “helping the community” but lacks detail, making it hard for reviewers to evaluate

B) Grant Narrative

3. Need (10 points)

Prompt:

Cite current local, regional, or state data/statistics that support the community’s need for the Project. Estimate how many participants the Project will serve.

Describe how the members of the Altrusa Club, ASTRA Club, or District ("Applicant") made the decision to support the Project.

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Good Example

According to the Gotham City Housing Authority’s 2023 report, over 1,200 individuals are experiencing homelessness in the city, and nearly 30% are military veterans. Local shelters have reported a critical shortage of sleeping bags and winter supplies, especially during the months of December through February. This gap leaves hundreds of individuals without basic protection from freezing temperatures.

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After volunteering at a local shelter in early fall, members of the Altrusa International of Gotham City identified the urgent need for warm supplies. The club held a planning meeting in September where they reviewed data from the Housing Authority and shelter partners. Based on these findings and input from shelter staff, the members unanimously voted to sponsor this project.

Poor Example

Gotham City experiences cold winters, and we know many people without housing struggle during that time. Our Club members have heard that shelters often run out of sleeping bags. We believe this project can help fill that gap by supporting those most affected by harsh weather. Several members expressed interest in doing something to support the community during winter.

• Includes relevant statistics to support the urgency (1,200+ homeless, 30% veterans)
• Identifies the specific population served (homeless veterans)
• Quantifies impact (200 individuals across 3 shelters)
• Explains how the Club identified the need (volunteering, meetings, reviewing data)
• Describes the decision-making process (formal vote, member input)

• ✅ Mentions a general community need (cold weather, shelter shortages)
• ✅ Includes some member awareness and interest in addressing the issue
• ❌ Lacks concrete data or statistics to support the need
• ❌ Does not specify how many people will be served
• ❌ Describes interest, not a formal decision-making process (e.g., no mention of a vote, meeting, or structured planning)

B) Grant Narrative

4. Project Description (25 points)

Prompt:

Describe the Project in detail, including:

(a) target population, (b) objectives, (c) methods of implementation and (d) expected benefits and results.

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If the Project was previously funded by Altrusa International Foundation, explain what updates, growth, or changes are being made to the Project since that time and to the Applicant’s involvement. These changes might include new outreach or growth, new sources of funding, new volunteer opportunities for Altrusans, etc.

Good Example

The “Sleeping Bags for Homeless Heroes” project will provide 200 insulated sleeping bags and care packages to veterans experiencing homelessness in Gotham City. Altrusa members will organize a fundraising campaign, purchase supplies, host a community packing event, and coordinate distribution to three local shelters. This builds on our 2023 project, which served 120 individuals. In 2024, the project expands to include nutritious food items and serves a broader network of shelters. All activities will be led and executed by Club members in collaboration with community partners.

Poor Example

Our Club plans to donate funds to Helping Hands Shelter so they can buy sleeping bags and distribute them to people in need. We supported this organization last year and are providing funds again this year. Helping Hands already has a system in place for purchasing and distributing supplies, and Altrusa members will assist on the process. Our Club will promote the project on social media, and will assist in planning or possibly delivery.

• ✅ Describes what will be done, how, and who is involved
• ✅ Shows Altrusa’s hands-on involvement at every stage
• ✅ Highlights expansion from a previously funded project
• ✅ Aligns with grant guidelines (no pass-through funding)

• 🚫 No clear description of what the project entails or how it will be executed
• 🚫 No mention of expanded services or improvements over last year’s project
• 🚫 Pass-through funding to another organization
• 🚫 No meaningful Altrusan involvement in planning, implementation, or evaluation

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B) Grant Narrative

5. Altrusa Involvement (10 points)

Prompt:

Indicate the number of Applicant members participating of total members (%). Describe in detail the types of activities that members are expected to accomplish. Show the number of members needed for each phase of the Project, (i.e., activity, financial contributions or hands-on Project service). The details should include but are not limited to member meetings, additional fundraising for the Project, and preparation/participation in Project events.

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• ✅Specifies number and percentage of participating members
• ✅ Describes clear roles and activities across multiple phases (fundraising, prep, delivery, reporting)
• ✅ Includes meetings and reporting responsibilities, not just event participation
• ✅Demonstrates organized, hands-on member involvement

Good Example

14 of our 18 members (78%) will participate in the “Sleeping Bags for Homeless Heroes” project. Five members will lead fundraising efforts, including organizing a community raffle and contacting local sponsors. Four members will coordinate supply procurement and logistics. The remaining members will assist with packing care kits and distributing items at three local shelters. The entire club will meet twice—once to plan and once to debrief—ensuring shared involvement and reflection. Members will also collect feedback and assist with final report preparation.

Poor Example

Several members of our club are interested in supporting this project. While we have not assigned specific roles yet, we plan to involve members in packing care kits and possibly helping with distribution. We expect more members to participate once the schedule is confirmed, and we may also hold a meeting to discuss next steps.

• 🚫 Does not indicate number or percentage of participating members
• 🚫 No breakdown of roles or tasks across project phases
• 🚫 Unclear commitment—too many “may,” “possibly,” or “not yet” statements
• 🚫 Lacks mention of fundraising, reporting, or planning involvement

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B) Grant Narrative

6. Timeline (10 points)

Prompt:

In outline format by quarter or month, specify when Project activities will take place within one year following the date of the award.

• ✅Project will be completed within the 12 month grant period

Good Example

The project will begin in October with fundraising efforts and donor outreach. By November, we will finalize the supply list and place orders for sleeping bags and food items. Supplies are expected to arrive in December, and Club members will assemble care packages during a scheduled event that month. Distribution will take place in January and February through three local shelters. In March and April, members will collect impact statements, photos, and shelter feedback. The project will conclude in May, with all evaluation and reporting submitted to the Foundation by the 12-month deadline.

Poor Example

The project will begin in October with fundraising and community outreach. Due to scheduling conflicts and anticipated vendor delays, supply ordering is planned for February, with items expected to arrive by May. The Club will host a care package assembly event in August, followed by storage of items until distribution in the winter months of December and January. However, the final distribution phase and evaluation will extend into February and March of the following year,

• 🚫 Project ends well beyond the 12-month grant window
• 🚫 Demonstrates poor planning and lack of urgency despite addressing a seasonal winter need

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B) Grant Narrative

7. Evaluation (10 points)

Prompt:

Describe the methods and tools to assess progress towards the goal and assess the specific outcome objectives listed in the project description: a) define how Project success will be measured during the project period (e.g., increase in reading level); b) the planned outcomes (e.g., number of books students checked out for home, increased children’s reading time at home, number of individuals who have increased their reading level as a result of Project participation); c) the tool(s) to be used to evaluate these outcomes (e.g., teacher and parent reports, schools standardized test scores related to project activities, or other teacher recommended outcome measures), and any other impact on the target audience and community.

• ✅ Clear success metrics
• ✅ Uses logs and feedback tools
• ✅ Combines data and stories

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Good Example

Project success will be measured by the number of sleeping bags and care packages distributed and the direct feedback from partner shelters and recipients. Our planned outcome is to distribute 200 sleeping bags and 200 food kits to homeless veterans in Gotham City. Progress will be tracked through a distribution log maintained by Altrusa members, noting the date, quantity, and shelter location of each delivery.

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Additionally, shelter staff will be asked to complete a short feedback form that includes observations on recipient responses and the impact of the supplies on clients’ well-being. Altrusa members will collect informal testimonials from shelter contacts and community partners, which will be included in the final project report. Member participation and community engagement will also be documented to measure internal impact.

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Poor Example

We plan to keep track of how many sleeping bags and care packages are given out and which shelters receive them. Club members will write notes about the distribution events and will talk to shelter staff informally about how the items were received. We plan to collect stories or comments from people who received the supplies.

• 🚫 No clear goals or metrics
• 🚫 No formal tools or methods
• 🚫 Vague, anecdotal feedback only
• 🚫 Relies on assumptions

B) Grant Narrative

8. Sustainability (5 points)

Prompt:

Explain how the Applicant plans to sustain the Project after the grant is expended. Include future fundraising, member participation and support, community partner commitments/involvement and other relevant information. If this is a one-time Project, please state. There are no penalties for one-time projects.

• ✅ Clear long-term plan
• ✅ Includes fundraising and member support
• ✅ Mentions confirmed partner
• ✅ Shows organized leadership (committee)

Good Example

The project is designed to be an annual service initiative. After the current grant is expended, our Club plans to continue funding the project through an annual winter fundraiser and ongoing member donations. We have secured a long-term partnership with the Super Heroes Alliance Foundation, which has committed to donating supplies for future years. We will also seek additional local sponsors and in-kind donations from retailers. Club members have expressed strong interest in making this a recurring project, and a Committee has been formed to manage planning and partnerships moving forward.

Poor Example

We hope to continue the project next year if we can raise enough money. A few members have expressed interest in helping again, and we may reach out to local businesses for support. However, we do not have a confirmed plan or partners yet, and future efforts will depend on available resources.

• ✅ Shows intent to continue the project
• ✅ Mentions possible member and community involvement
• ❌ Lacks specific fundraising strategy
• ❌ No confirmed partnerships
• ❌ No structure or plan for follow-through

B) Grant Narrative

9. Publicity (5 points)

Prompt:

Define the planned local and regional publicity efforts within Altrusa sites, social media and the community.

• ✅ Uses multiple publicity methods (flyers, social media, website, media)
• ✅ Plans for visible recognition at the event

Good Example

We will include the Foundation’s required acknowledgment on all flyers, social media posts, and our club website. The project will be promoted through local media and at the community event, with visible signage and recognition in a thank-you video.

Poor Example

We plan to share photos of the project on our Club’s social media pages and mention the Foundation in our posts.

• ❌ Doesn’t commit to the required statement
• ❌ Limited publicity methods
• ✅ Mentions social media, but vaguely

B) Grant Narrative

10. Budget Narrative (15 points)

Prompt:

Provide details that justify the budgeted items in the Budget Table. (Note a descriptive Budget Table Template follows). Describe the purpose of project expenses and explain how costs included in the budget were determined, whether by bid, catalogue or estimate.

• ✅ Justifies costs with sources
• ✅ Matches budget table
• ✅ Focused, no unnecessary expenses
• ✅ Supports project goals directly

Good Example

The $7,000 budget includes $5,500 for 200 insulated sleeping bags at $27.50 each, based on a quote from Gotham Outdoor Gear. An additional $1,500 is allocated for nonperishable food items (e.g., canned goods, protein snacks) to create 200 care packages. Food costs were estimated using local bulk pricing.

No funds are needed for equipment, postage, or communications—Club members will provide materials and hand-deliver items. Funding includes a $2,500 grant request, $2,000 from the Club, and $2,500 from community partners ($1,500 confirmed, $1,000 pending). All funds directly support the project.

Sample - Budget Table Template

B) Grant Narrative

10. Budget Narrative (15 points)

Prompt:

Provide details that justify the budgeted items in the Budget Table. (Note a descriptive Budget Table Template follows). Describe the purpose of project expenses and explain how costs included in the budget were determined, whether by bid, catalogue or estimate.

• 🚫 Grant request exceeds the $2,500 maximum limit
• 🚫 No explanation or listing of the $5,000 in other contributions
• 🚫 No breakdown of how the $5,500 for supplies or $1,500 for food was calculated
• 🚫 “Other” expense is a pass-through donation, which is not allowed
• 🚫 Lacks documentation or sources for price estimates

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Poor Example

We are requesting $3,000 from the Altrusa International Foundation to support this project. The remaining $5,000 will come from other sources in the community. The funds will be used to purchase sleeping bags, food, and to support the Super Heroes Alliance through a donation for their outreach work. We expect these items will benefit homeless individuals in our city.

Sample - Budget Table Template

Final Review & Scoring Reminders

• Must earn at least 80 points to be considered for funding.

• Review by another individual prior to submittal

• Note: Grants must be used for the approved purpose only. If not, funds must be returned to the Foundation. Returned funds allow eligibility for future grant submissions

How to Apply

How to Apply

Step 3

Submitting Your Application

Submit your application as a PDF or Word document via email to foundation@altrusa.org

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• You will receive confirmation within 24 hours.
• Late, incomplete, unsigned, or outdated applications will not be accepted.

Required Project Reporting

Progress Report (Due 6 months after receiving funds)

• ½-page max narrative
• Include: project progress, outcomes, and any changes to the timeline, goals, or budget

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Final Report (Due within 12 months of receiving funds)

• Complete the official Grant Follow-Up Form (available on the website)
• Include: photos, testimonials, videos and impact statements
• Submit photos in JPG or PNG format, along with a brief description of each image
• Ensure photo releases are signed and submitted

Two Required Reports:

Questions and Feedback

Thank you for your participation!