FAQ

The Shavlik Family Foundation awards grants to Minnesota based charitable, nonprofit organizations that are recognized by the IRS as 501(c) 3 public charities, or Tribal governments, that impact the lives of Minnesotans.  Organizations that impact Minnesotans and have a physical presence in Minnesota but have headquarters outside the state can be considered if the project is going to be installed at a Minnesota site. Minnesota nonprofits that serve populations outside of Minnesota; for example in another country, will not be considered.  If you want to submit a grant and have questions about eligibility, please Contact Us.

While we like to understand the programs and services of every organization, we base our grant awards on the merits of the technology project being submitted. Only organizations that are fully prepared to give us detailed technical information about the project should submit a proposal. 

The Foundation awards approximately 15 to 20 grants each year over 2 grant cycles ranging in size from $1,000 to $30,000. These grants support innovative program initiatives or technology that improves operations, efficiency, fundraising, communications, data collection, or clients’ access to opportunities. See what we have funded under the About Us tab on this site.

The Foundation is willing to accept technology requests for operating, program/project, or capital grant requests. Technical assistance and consulting costs may be included if it is required by the project. The Foundation welcomes collaboration with other grant-makers.

Projects should be able to be accomplished within a year of the grant being made. All projects should be prepared to have detailed project implementation and budget plans. Websites or database projects that are to increase traffic, donors or program usage should also be prepared to include a marketing and communications strategy. Database requests must also show how data migration from existing systems will be accomplished. Training of any type must be shown to be incorporated into organizational processes.

We recognize that technology is ever changing and it is incorporated into many appliances, equipment, and devices. Technology has also been transformative in how we gather data and communicate with each other.

The Shavlik Family Foundation works to leverage the experience of its members around rolling out systems that include: hardware; software applications; mobile applications; audio-visual equipment and software; internet connectivity; information driven systems like databases; and communication interfaces including websites, and technology driven devices. While we remain open to newer definitions of technology, the proposals  we have focused on are systems based in computers and communications technologies.

If you want to propose something that you feel should be included in our definition of technology please contact us to discuss.

The Foundation is primarily focused on technology resources that remove barriers or build capacity for nonprofits and their clients. The Impact or Return on Investment (ROI) statement you make to us is as important as the implementation and budget planning you provide when we are making our decisions.

​Technology that makes a transformative difference in how a nonprofit operates is the outcome we most want to fund. We want to see technology used to help solve issues that take your organization or your clients into the future. 

Examples of what we have funded can be found under the About Us tab on this site.

You may also Contact Us at anytime to discuss a project your organization is considering. 

We know that there are factors that will make a project successful. Thoughtful planning that shows a focus on details in the implementation and budget as well as outcomes give us confidence that the organization is prepared not only for the project to go as planned, but also show an ability to adjust, through a proven process, if there need to be changes made.

Projects that advance the mission of an organization and give a solid case for a return on the investment provide a strong example to the Foundation about the impact a project will have and how the organization will leverage the technology changes.

Organizations that recognize that all technology has an expiration date and that the organization is planning for that inevitability show us that the effort behind the current project is critical and will continue to be a part of the organization's future processes.

When all these criteria are met our investment has proven to have had a greater impact than just providing an immediate fix, upgrade, or just bringing the organization in line with their peers.  What we are most looking for is a long term strategy for how technology fits into your organization to build stronger capacity for the future.

Currently we are accepting grants only from 501(c)(3) non-profits. If you are a Tribal government or an organization using a fiscal sponsor, please reach out to us before applying. We do not accept grants from individuals. Generally, the Foundation will not:

• Provide multiple-year grant funding
• Make grants to individuals or for the benefit of pre-selected individuals
• Provide funds to lobby legislation or influence public elections
• Promote any religious doctrine or any specific religious organizations
• Provide services outside of the State of Minnesota

While the Foundation encourages organizations to undertake a full planning process including working with consultants to determine the best solution, this stage is outside our funding focus. It would be premature to apply to us if you have not completed the vetting, budgeting, and implementation plans of the technology project for our consideration. Our focus in funding is on implementation of technology versus the planning stage.

In addition, we do not fund routine replacement of hardware and software. We encourage organizations to create regular budget plans for upgrades within their operating budgets. Also, we are very cautious to fund customized software. Custom software puts the organization in the position of needing to be responsible for its technology and ongoing upgrades and maintenance as platforms change. We feel this can take away from an organization's ability to focus on the core services it provides. We do not fund STEM or other educational programs, although we will consider a technology that supports these efforts.

The Foundation welcomes inquiries regarding potential submissions. The best way to start a conversation with us is to send an email to the Foundation's Grant Manager at Kelsey@ShavlikFoundation.org.