The foundation is relatively new to this field and is exploring ways in which we might have the most meaningful impact. On occasion, the foundation makes grants outside the regular guidelines. Often they provide an opportunity to explore potential new areas for future grantmaking subject to full board approval. Each year the trustees of the foundation authorize small general support grants to organizations representative of the charities to which Walter S. Johnson contributed during his lifetime. The foundation does not accept applications for these grants.
Some projects call for short-term funding.
Others require multiyear funding to assure continuity as a program progresses from planning through implementation and, in some instances, dissemination. Increasingly, the foundation is focusing on the health of organizations and is thus willing to consider less restrictive funding over several years. In a few instances, the foundation has entered into informal partnerships with organizations and has formed close working relationships in conjunction with flexible funding. From the outset, we encourage organizations to develop a plausible plan to sustain the program with stable, long-term funding. If a grant applicant is recommended for funding, we will work with the organization to prepare a summative or formative evaluation plan that is appropriate to the specific project.