Application Process

The Foundation accepts, but does not require, the Colorado Common Grant Application. All requests must be in writing and contain the following information:

  • Concise history/accomplishments of requesting organization.
  • Amount of request and brief description of the program or purpose for which funding will be used.
  • Population(s) to be served.
  • List of board members and executive officers.
  • Other financial resources available.
  • Copy of 501(c)3 IRS Determination Letter.
  • Copy of last two years' audited financial statements.

The foundation discourages lengthy proposals with multiple attachments. If additional information is required, you will be contacted.

The proposal deadline is December 31st, and
proposals must be postmarked on or before that date. Proposals are accepted throughout the year.

Proposals should be addressed to:

Lee E. Schlessman, President
Schlessman Family Foundation, Inc.
1555 Blake Street, Suite 400
Denver, Colorado 80202
     
 

Proposal Review Process

Upon receipt, proposals are circulated to the trustees for their review and comment. Include all pertinent materials with the original request. Proposals are circulated to trustees who are off-premises and supplements may not get attached in time for consideration.

Visits to organizations are made at the request of one or more of the trustees. A Foundation consultant will usually make the site visit. Meetings and/or presentations to the trustees are made only at their request and only after receipt of a proposal.

Funding Notification

Distributions are made once a year on March 31st. Organizations will be notified in writing whether or not a request was approved. Organizations that meet the Foundation's criteria for funding are eligible to reapply each year.

PLEASE NOTE: The trustees do not critique proposals for public comment. The most frequent causes of denial are lack of funds, geographic limitations or the request did not clearly fit within the Foundation's guidelines.
Please do not call the Foundation office to ask why a request was denied.

The Foundation does not publish an annual report.