Site Visits

One of the most important ways that the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation learns about a nonprofit or charitable project is by making site visits. This in-person visit allows us to get to know the organization, its staff and facility, and to see its work in action. As a result of the visit, the RSF Foundation can begin to develop a relationship with staff and have a thorough understanding of your organization. We also want to give the nonprofit the opportunity to learn about RSF Foundation and our grantmaking.

We nearly always meet with a local nonprofit at least once before a request for proposal is extended. Site visits last about an hour and generally take place at the organization’s place of business. We typically meet with the Executive Director and Development Director, and tour the facility.  With all-volunteer organizations, we meet with two or three Board Members. 

What to expect

• We want to have a thorough understanding of your project so that we can share your story with our donors.
• We’ll ask questions about your operating budget, program budgets, sources of funding and grant applications pending.
• A site visit does not guarantee a recommendation for funding.
• What are your most pressing needs right now? In the next twelve months?

Site visits may also be conducted during the funding period after a grant has been awarded. Again, we will meet with the Executive Director and the Development Director as well as anyone from the organization who has had direct involvement with the compliance and implementation of the grant.

• RSF Foundation members will ask to see the impact of the grant (i.e. program results, capital or capacity-building evaluations). It is generally a short meeting (approximately one hour) with a tour if applicable.
• Please be prepared to provide any materials etc. that will demonstrate compliance with the terms of the grant.