Grantmaking 2024 GES 031 2 revise
A proactive engagement with our investments

Grantmaking

We don’t just invest – we work closely with partners in pursuit of a shared objective: ending malnutrition by scaling proven solutions. This partnership-based philosophy to grantmaking drives solutions and catalyzes change.

How we collaborate

Opportunities for partnership

Most grant opportunities are invitation-only, but we occasionally post calls for proposals. We support partners who are bold, creative, and – like us – relentless in the fight against global malnutrition, and committed to saving lives.

Grantmaking 108 IMJ 0225 JT a flip
Grantmaking 108 IMJ 0225 JT a
Our process

Grantmaking

Whether you have been invited to apply for funding or responded to an open call, ECF will work closely with you to navigate a potential partnership and ensure alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a really great idea - but it falls outside of ECF’s strategy. Will you consider funding it anyway?

The Eleanor Crook Foundation team spent over two years developing our strategy. This process included a significant landscape analysis of the sector and the funding needs within it, an assessment of our comparative advantage as a Foundation; and a thoughtful exploration of what investment areas are most poised to drive the progress and change we want to achieve. We know that disciplined adherence to our strategy is critical to maximize the impact of our investment portfolio and leverage the expertise of our team. However, while it is unlikely we will fund great ideas outside of our strategic priorities, we would still like to hear about them. Powerful collaborations don’t always require funding and we’d still love to get to know you.

What is the typical size of an ECF grant?

It depends! Because we fund a diverse range of research, policy analysis, and advocacy, the relative size of our investments is highly dependent on the approach and objectives. We want to provide grantees with the resources they will do their job well. We focus on objectives and intended impact, first, and then work with grantees to determine the appropriate budget. We regularly make grants as small as $10,000 and as large as $2 million or more.

How long does it take to complete the proposal process?

On average, it takes 2-4 months to complete the proposal process. However, some grants move more quickly – particularly where there is a well-established relationship in place with a partner. Other grants will take longer to finalize, especially large, multi-year grants or if the partner or proposed approach is new for ECF. We will work with you to set clear expectations and an appropriate application process timeline.

My project proposal is over $400,000, but I think I just missed your Decision Day. Do I have to wait another 6 months?

Please reach out to the appropriate ECF team member to discuss next steps. Our biannual Decision Days allow us to evaluate larger grants at the same time and facilitates our ability to make strategic decisions about major investments. It’s important to us to maintain the integrity of this process. That said, we don’t want rigid process to stand in the way of action and progress. If you have a time-sensitive opportunity, we’ll work with you to evaluate it and move forward, regardless of the date on the calendar.

What do you really mean when you say you’re an active investor?

Our team is involved at every step of the process! We pride ourselves on knowing and understanding the details of our grants and focus areas. You can expect a few iterations on your grant proposal, to ensure we’re aligned on the intent and objectives of every investment. In addition, plan for regular check-ins with the ECF team where we’ll monitor progress across core deliverables, ask questions about what you’re doing, learning, and struggling with, and undertake joint efforts to troubleshoot or course-correct when needed. This “hands on” approach increases our ability to be flexible and provide partners with maximum support. We love learning from you – and we think we have something we can offer, too. Ultimately, we think this level of collaboration and engagement makes for better outcomes – and we hope you’ll agree.

Do you fund lobbying efforts?

As a private foundation, the Eleanor Crook Foundation does not provide support for lobbying activities. All of our advocacy efforts are strictly educational in nature.

I am looking to go to school for global nutrition (undergraduate, graduate education, etc). Are there opportunities for ECF to help support my academic development?

We’re so excited to hear that! While we do not provide scholarship support for individual educational efforts, we can’t wait to see the amazing things you do throughout your career. The sector needs you!

Do you fund malnutrition programs or research in the United States?

No. ECF is exclusively focused on fighting malnutrition in low and middle-income countries.

Will you come speak at my conference or event?

We’re flattered! And, please reach out – we love to engage with diverse audiences to discuss the global crisis of malnutrition and what we can do, together, to solve it.

What’s the size of your endowment? How much does the Eleanor Crook Foundation disburse each year?

The Eleanor Crook Foundation is a growing philanthropy endowed in perpetuity. In 2017, we made a commitment to invest $100 million in global nutrition over the next decade – and we met that commitment 5 years earlier than planned. Our team manages investments made through the ECF endowment in addition to Eleanor’s personal charitable giving.

Is Eleanor active in the Foundation? What about the Board of Directors?

Eleanor and ECF’s other board members all remain active in the governance, strategy, and operations of the Eleanor Crook Foundation. The board is made up of three generations of Crook family members, all of whom are deeply committed to ECF’s mission. They receive regular, detailed updates about all of the foundation’s activities and investments and love learning about the work of our partners. They provide valuable guidance and support across every aspect of the Foundation’s efforts.

I’m from Texas and I love H-E-B! What can you tell me about the company?

We always know when we’re talking to someone from Texas because of their enthusiasm for Eleanor’s family’s business, H-E-B. While we love to hear about your favorite H-E-B products, the Eleanor Crook Foundation has no direct connection to the grocery company.

Get in Touch

Connect with our team to request more information or ask a question.