Frequently Asked Questions/ General Application Information

Over the last few years the Trio board undertook a planning and vision process to define a framework for Trio’s future grantmaking. The board is now putting the new framework in place that we hope will be even more responsive to community needs. Our grantmaking in 2023 will look different than it has. We hope to address some questions below:

Do you accept unsolicited proposals?
Because the Trio Foundation is undergoing a significant shift in our grantmaking, we are generally not accepting unsolicited proposals during 2023. Some exceptions may be made for arts or environment organizations that fit the new giving framework. If you think your organization is a fit in these categories and are interested in applying please email Grants Manager, Sara Breed sara@triostl.org before moving forward with an application.

Who does the Foundation want to support?
Our focus will be on increasing opportunity for everyone, particularly those who may experience discrimination in regard to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and/or physical ability. In particular, we recognize the impact of racial discrimination in our community. Many of the problems Trio continually works to address through our giving will be unsolvable until racial equity is achieved. Trio will continue to focus the vast majority of giving in the St. Louis City and immediate near counties

What are next steps for current grantees that no longer fit in the new framework?
Transition to the new framework will take place over a few years, and will occur deliberately, carefully, and with respect for our current longtime grantees. We and the staff are committed to making changes thoughtfully and respectfully, and we will work with organizations that may no longer fit these new strategic goals to ensure a smooth transition to our new framework.

Do you make general operating support and/or multi-year grants?
Over the next few years, our work will be even more trust-based, collaborative, stressing the building of authentic relationships with all our partners and the community. A major component in the new strategic framework is that most of our grants will be multi-year and/or for general operating support.

Do you support capital campaigns?
Yes, under limited circumstances. It is recommended that you talk with the Foundation Executive Director in advance of submitting a capital campaign application.

How does an organization apply?
We have an online application process. Click here for the Trio Grant Application Portal.

Can we send a generic grant proposal or the Missouri Common Grant Application (MOCGA) form?
The Trio Foundation of St. Louis has a formal application process and at this time accepts our online application form only. Almost all of the questions are from the MOCGA 2.0. Short Form. We ask that you use our online form but feel free to cut and paste from responses to the MOCGA as appropriate. Please note that some responses have character limits.

What about the pre-application grant agreement in the application?
In an effort to be more sustainable we will no longer be mailing hard copy of grant agreements to organizations that receive funding. The application now contains a pre-grant agreement that is required before submission. (Please note that in the rare case the response to the final “true/false” question is false we have been advised to obtain additional information that will pop up.)

What are your specific funding limitations? 
The Foundation is not interested in supporting the production of videos, conferences, seminars, feasibility studies, routine technology expenses, event sponsorship, charter schools, or the development of strategic plans. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals or for scientific or medical research. 

What is the policy for supporting organizations?
It is the policy of the Foundation not to make grants to Type III supporting organizations that are not functionally integrated. Any organization applying to the Foundation submits that it is not an organization described in IRC 509(a)(3)(iii) which is not functionally integrated.

What is the best way to contact the Foundation?
It is best to reach us by email. Sara Breed, Grants Manager, sara@triostl.org and Marissa Rosen, Executive Director, marissa@triostl.org.