Caroline Roan¹, Erica Weinberg², and Bill Mannion². (1) Pfizer Foundation, 235 East 42nd Street, Mailstop: 235-7-25, New York, NY 10017, 212 733 0953, caroline.roan@pfizer.com, (2) Philanthropy, Pfizer Inc, 235 East 42nd Street, Mailstop: 235-7-25, New York, NY 10017

Issues Small- to mid-size community based organizations often lack expertise, resources and time to successfully compete for funding. Funders are challenged to establish a meaningful process that targets these organizations. Description In 2003, Pfizer Foundation launched the Southern HIV/AIDS Prevention Initiative dedicating $3M over three years to fund prevention programs in nine southern states targeting small- to mid-size organizations serving women and multicultural communities. A two-phase grantmaking approach was used: an open letter of interest (LOI) followed by an invitation only RFP. 445 LOIs were received; approximately 50 organizations utilized technical assistance (TA) in completing the LOI. 63 organizations participated in the RFP phase; all received TA. 24 organizations received program grants; all 63 RFP applicants received mini-grants to attend an annual Foundation conference. Capacity building and HIV prevention models will be primary topics at the conference. Lessons Learned °Two-phased grantmaking approach allows for a wide range of participants initially and limits the RFP phase to candidates likely to successfully compete for funding; therefore, limited resources are maximized. °Small-to mid-size organizations often require intensive TA to complete the RFP phase. Offering technical assistance ensures that organizations benefit from the process whether they receive a grant or not. Recommendations °Funders should consider leveled grantmaking approaches due to the resources required of applicants. °Providing TA during the application process will support small organizations which may lack the ability to successfully compete for funding.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will learn how to develop an effective model for supporting small- to mid-size organizations targeting underserved populations in grant application processes.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.