For Pierce College faculty and programs

Grant Support & Fiscal Sponsorship

A clear path for exploring eligible grants and managing awarded funds through The Foundation for Pierce College.

Start with the Foundation before you apply

The Foundation may serve as the charitable recipient or fiscal sponsor for an eligible grant-funded project when approved in advance. Please contact us before submitting an application that names The Foundation, uses its tax identification information, or directs grant funds to a Foundation-held account.

What the Foundation can help with

The Foundation provides the financial and administrative structure for approved projects. It does not replace the applicant’s responsibility for designing the program, writing the proposal, delivering the work, or meeting the funder’s reporting requirements.

Confirming whether the Foundation’s role is appropriate

Providing 501(c)(3) organizational information when approved

Establishing a restricted/program account

Receiving and tracking designated grant funds

Processing approved vendor payments and reimbursements

Maintaining supporting financial documentation

How the grant process works

Identify the opportunity

Find a grant that fits your program, students, and proposed project. Note the funder, deadline, amount, eligibility rules, and whether the funder requires a 501(c)(3) applicant.

Contact the Foundation before applying

Tell us about the opportunity before naming the Foundation, using its tax identification information, or directing an award to a Foundation-held account. We will help confirm whether the proposed arrangement is appropriate.

Prepare the application

You remain responsible for the project description, outcomes, budget, and grant application. The Foundation can clarify its role and provide organizational information when an arrangement has been approved in advance.

Set up or use the designated account

If awarded, the grant may be received by the Foundation and allocated to an approved restricted/program account with a defined purpose statement. These funds remain designated for the approved project.

Request payments or reimbursements

Use the Request for Funds process to pay vendors directly or reimburse eligible expenses. Supporting documentation and the required campus approvals help maintain clear grant records.

Track spending and reporting

The Foundation maintains financial records for funds it receives and disburses. Program leaders are responsible for providing project updates, outcomes, and any funder reporting information required for the grant.

What to bring to the first conversation

Sending these details early helps us understand the opportunity and identify the right next step.

✓Grant name and funder
✓Application deadline
✓Project summary and intended student or community impact
✓Requested amount and preliminary budget
✓Proposed timeline for spending the funds
✓Whether the funder requires a 501(c)(3) applicant
✓Pierce College department and administrative contacts

Important responsibilities

Foundation approval is required before using its name or tax information in a grant application.
Grant funds must be used only for the approved purpose.
Expenses require the applicable forms, documentation, and campus approvals.
The applicant remains responsible for program delivery, outcomes, and funder deadlines.

Exploring a grant opportunity?

Contact the Foundation before you apply. We can help clarify the proposed arrangement and connect you with the appropriate next step.

Contact the Foundation View all forms