Application Process

Our application process is designed to identify organizations with both proven effectiveness and vision for growth

  1. Initial Assessment - Complete our online questionnaire to determine alignment with foundation priorities

  2. Concept Development - Selected applicants develop a detailed concept paper outlining proposed initiatives

  3. Collaborative Refinement - Foundation staff work with potential partners to strengthen proposals

  4. Final Proposal - Submit comprehensive plan with clear metrics and implementation strategy

  5. Partnership Decision - Foundation board reviews and determines funding partnerships

The William Guitar Little Foundation partners with organizations that demonstrate

Operational Excellence - Strong leadership, sound financial management, and effective governance. All partnerships begin with meeting the "Do’s and Dont’s

The Do’s

  • Have high expectations

  • Support innovation

  • Urge fund matching

  • Focus on promoting prosperity

  • Outcome measurement

  • Respect the process

The Don’ts

  • No sustained funding

  • No duplication of existing services

  • Funding does not replace tax funded programs/initiatives

Strategic Vision - Clear understanding of community needs and innovative approaches to addressing them

Measurement Focus - Commitment to defining and tracking meaningful metrics of success

Collaborative Spirit - Willingness to work across sectors and with other organizations to maximize impact

Central Missouri Focus - Primary service area within central Missouri communities

Funding Priorities

  • Transformational initiatives that address systemic barriers to prosperity

  • Collaborative approaches that leverage existing resources

  • Projects that demonstrate potential for sustainable, long-term change

Our questionnaire is the first step in building a potential partnership. This initial assessment

Organizations must meet these basic requirements to submit a questionnaire

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsorship

  • Minimum two-year operational history

  • Primary service area within central Missouri

  • Current annual operating budget

  • Board of directors with at least 5 members

  • Demonstrated commitment to outcomes measurement

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While there is no set minimum or maximum, all grant requests should be based on the scope and scale of achieving transformational goals.

  • Organizations may apply for multiple grants. Multi-year grants may be considered for projects demonstrating strong alignment with our mission and have timeline constraints for achieving deliverables that may require more than one year.

  • Strong applications clearly articulate transformational change, the community need, demonstrate innovative approaches, show potential for transformational impact, include collaborations, and present clear measures of success.

  • We primarily fund program expenses, but reasonable operational costs directly tied to program implementation may be included.

  • We understand that programs may need to adapt. If significant changes are anticipated, please contact the Foundation to discuss amendments to your grant agreement.

Currently, grant applications are accepted by invitation only, as determined by the WGL Foundation Board of Directors. All applications must be submitted to the Executive Director at least one month prior to a scheduled quarterly Board meeting.

Applications received after this deadline will be considered at the following quarterly meeting. Funding begins upon execution of a performance agreement, with a target timeline of fewer than 30 days following Board approval.

Timeline and Key Dates

Application Deadline

Q2: June 26, 2025
Q3: September 18, 2025
Q4: If needed

Board Meeting

Q2: July 26, 2025
Q3: October 18, 2025

Notification Date

Q2: July 31, 2025
Q3: October 27, 2025

Have questions about the application process? Our team is available to provide guidance and answer questions.