However, the Fund Advisor often provides pre-application technical assistance encompassing problem analysis and identification of appropriate management or governance projects for a grant from the Fund. For Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Washington counties, award decisions are made four times per year by a committee representing the sponsoring funders. Two funding cycles are administered in Waukesha County. Applications are rigorously reviewed by the Fund Advisor on the basis of accuracy of problem analysis, appropriateness of planned approaches to solving the problem, and most importantly, the degree to which the proposed technical assistance will build the internal capacity of the organization to address its own management needs. Key attachments to most proposals are the contract and the workplan from a consultant whose services will be engaged using the Fund's award.
Nonprofits can apply for projects in two categories.
Organizational Alternatives is a category for groups which are considering a significant change in program direction or corporate structure, such as an affiliation, merger or service redirection. Overall, the project has been carefully monitored to assess its impact upon individual nonprofit organizations, local technical assistance resources, and the knowledge base of the nonprofit sector in the greater Milwaukee area. The Fund Advisor reviews final reports and maintains a variety of statistical information. The Nonprofit Management Fund is committed to implementing cost-effective methods to meet organizational needs, with the ultimate aim of improving the programs and services available throughout the greater Milwaukee area.