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Executive Summary

This survey, first conducted in 1997, seeks to increase TCWF’s understanding of how funding applicants and current grantees perceive the Foundation, how they heard about it, how accessible and useful they find its materials and information, how staff treats them, and whether TCWF funds are reaching underserved communities. Questionnaires were mailed to everyone who applied for or received funding in 1999.  

Please note:  The views expressed by respondents are not necessarily the opinions of The California Wellness Foundation.

Analysis of survey responses showed:

• A major improvement in attitudes toward TCWF. In 1997, TCWF received high ratings but harsh and critical comments. In 2000, TCWF received even higher ratings and the comments were overwhelmingly complimentary.
  
  
• That TCWF is seen as a competent and professional organization, dedicated to improving the health of diverse populations, leading in its use of innovative solutions to serious social problems and having a knowledgeable and responsive staff.
  
  
• That in 2000, more TCWF materials were more widely distributed than in 1997 and that TCWF’s website was the second most used source of information after the annual report.
  
  
• That TCWF’s website, annual report and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were the most helpful materials received or accessed. Visitors to the redesigned website like it a great deal and describe it as "easy to use," "comprehensive" and "attractive."
  
  
• That nine out of every ten respondents (96%) telephoning TCWF in 2000 were treated "very courteously" (62%) or "courteously" (34%).
  
  
• That in 2000 more (80%) applicants received responses to Letters of Interest (LOIs) (denials or invitations to submit proposals) within 3 months than in 1997 (67%).
  
  
• That most of TCWF’s materials — annual report, Reflections publications, grants information brochure, the quarterly newsletter Portfolio — and its website are highly valued. Respondents are less sanguine about Notices of Funding Availability and the RFP process.
  
  
• That current grantees were much more positive than negative (8:1) about their relationships with program staff responsible for their grants, describing these staff as "helpful," "accessible and available," and "responsive."
  
  
• That more respondents in 2000 (66%) believe TCWF funding is reaching traditionally underserved communities than in 1997 (56%).
  
  
• That responses to TCWF’s 2000 survey were replete with compliments; one sums up the general tenor, "[b]est foundation I’ve ever worked with."

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