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Application Instructions: Initial Inquiry Stage

Please review the following directions to access the Foundation's online application system.

STEP 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT...

Visit the appropriate program page for your request and follow the link to "start a new application," which will take you to a new webpage.
Click "I am a new online applicant" and click CONTINUE.
You will be asked to create an online account using an email address and password. Keep a record of this login information, as you will need it in the future to access your in-process applications and your online application history. (Account info will be confirmed via email.)
Share this information with everyone who needs access to your online application. Applications can be accessed only via the account in which they were started.

...OR LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

Visit the appropriate program page for your request and follow the link to "start a new application," which will take you to a new webpage.
Click "I am a returning online applicant" and click CONTINUE.
Login with the email address and password you used to create your account.

STEP 2: ANSWER THE INITIAL ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS

Please answer the eligibility questions honestly and accurately. To make the best use of your time, these questions are used to determine if your organization's work meets the basic requirements to be considered for funding from McKnight.
After answering the questions, you will either see a message onscreen informing you that your organization is not eligible for funding, or the next page will appear for you to continue your initial inquiry.

STEP 3: BEGIN YOUR INITIAL INQUIRY

All questions with a red diamond require answers. You will not be permitted to submit your application without answering these questions.
Content will be sent as text only, and will not maintain formatting such as bold, italics, or bulleting.
For tech support during the process, please email apply@mcknight.org.

STEP 4: SAVE AND FINISH LATER

At the bottom of any page you can save your work to continue the application at a later time by clicking the button labeled SAVE AND FINISH LATER. Or you may click NEXT to continue working.
To access an in-process application, you may either use the link that was emailed with your account confirmation, or return to the program page link labeled "Login to Your Account." (You will need the email and password used to create the account.)

STEP 5: REVIEW AND SUBMIT YOUR INITIAL INQUIRY

When you have completed your initial inquiry application, click REVIEW AND SUBMIT. You will be able to review your application one last time before submitting it to the Foundation, but submitted inquiries are final and can no longer be edited. Print a copy for your records.
The Foundation will email you to confirm that we've received your initial inquiry.
Within six weeks, McKnight will email to decline your request or to provide additional instructions for submitting a full proposal online.

Sample questions to consider before applying:

What are your organization's primary goals, projects, or services? (500-word limit.)
Which populations, communities, or stakeholders are priorities in your work? (500-word limit.)
What specifically do you hope to accomplish if funded, and how will you go about it? (500-word limit.)