[Richard King Mellon Foundation](https://www.rkmf.org)

Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

Most grants are for 12–18 months; in 2024, 27 grants awarded totaling $3.2 million.

Supports nonprofits and public sector organizations in building leadership, staff capacity, strategy, and communications to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Only organizations funded by the Foundation within the past 3 years are eligible.

--- ## Description The Organizational Effectiveness program of the Richard King Mellon Foundation is designed to strengthen nonprofit and public sector partners by investing in organizational capacity. The program addresses chronic underfunding in the sector by providing support in four key areas: Leadership and Governance, Human Capital Management, Strategy and Learning, and Communications. The aim is to help organizations attract and retain high-performing leaders and staff, foster effective governance, build resilient strategies, measure impact, and develop strong brand and storytelling capabilities. The ultimate goal is to empower grantees to pursue ambitious ideas and accelerate progress on their strategic priorities. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there are no fixed deadlines. - Requests for Proposals (RFPs) may have separate, specific deadlines (see Foundation website for current RFPs). --- ## Funding Amount - Most grants are for a duration of 12 to 18 months. - In 2024, the Foundation awarded 27 Organizational Effectiveness grants totaling over $3.2 million. - Multi-year grants are generally not offered at this time. - Both general operating support and project-specific support are available (except for postsecondary or research institutions). --- ## Eligibility - Only nonprofit or public sector organizations that have received general operations or project support funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation within the past three years are eligible. - Organizations must have a valid U.S. IRS Tax ID. - The Foundation does not fund individuals or organizations based outside the United States. - Fiscal sponsors may apply on behalf of projects. - Organizations not based in Allegheny or Westmoreland counties may apply if their project will serve economic development in these counties. - Postsecondary and research institutions are not eligible for general operating support or indirect expenses. --- ## Application Process - Review the Foundation’s [10-year strategic plan](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) and [funding programs](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/). - Confirm eligibility, especially recent funding history with the Foundation. - Applications are submitted via the Foundation’s [online portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/c3836f3d-abc2-4d98-b0fa-f0b71dbdedd8). - Applicants must select the type of support (Capital, General Operating, Land Acquisition, or Project Support). - Indirect expenses may be included for eligible organizations. - Collaborative proposals are allowed if all partners are pre-identified and supporting documents (MOUs, letters of support) are uploaded. - Immediate email confirmation is sent upon submission; no specific review timeline is provided. - Questions before submission may be directed to [rkmf@rkmf.org](mailto:rkmf@rkmf.org). --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation does not fund lobbying, advocacy, or political causes/events. - Regranting to individuals is not allowed; regranting to agencies is possible only for collaborative activities described in the application. - For-profit entities are not eligible for this program. - The Foundation periodically issues RFPs with specific focus areas and deadlines—check the [program page](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/organizational-effectiveness) for updates. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.rkmf.org/funding-programs/organizational-effectiveness) - [Apply Now](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/c3836f3d-abc2-4d98-b0fa-f0b71dbdedd8) - [FAQs](https://www.rkmf.org/apply/?app=orgeffectiveness#faqs) - [Foundation Strategic Plan](https://www.rkmf.org/about/2021-2030-strategic-plan/) - [Contact Page](https://www.rkmf.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------| | General Inquiries | [rkmf@rkmf.org](mailto:rkmf@rkmf.org) | (412) 392-2800 | | Grants Portal Support | [npirain@rkmf.org](mailto:npirain@rkmf.org) | |

Organizational Effectiveness

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