Our process
This is a highly collaborative process that will require your active partnership.
We welcome you to take the first step of expressing interest at any time of the year.
We open windows for initial proposal submissions several times a year.
Next submission window for initial proposals: January 13 to February 21, 2025
From idea to initial proposal (6-16 weeks)
1. Express interest
At any point in the year, your team reaches out with a project idea using this form.
2. Informational calls
We discuss if your project is a fit, invite you to office hours to learn more, and share our upcoming proposal submission window.
3. Initial proposal
During our next submission window, your team submits a lightweight initial proposal using this template. The TMF PMO and OMB review your proposal.1
4. Board review
The Board selects only the most competitive proposals for further development, and you may be invited to advance.
From full proposal to funding decision (18-20 weeks)
1. Workshops
Your team participates in workshops geared towards refining your proposal, such as value proposition, risk management, or measurable outcomes.
2. Full proposal
Your team prepares a detailed proposal with a breakdown of project milestones and financial plans. Here are previews of the proposal template and financial spreadsheet that you will submit. The TMF PMO and OMB review your proposal.
3. Present to Board for final vote
Your team makes a pitch to the Board, which you’ll receive help preparing and practicing for. The Board votes on whether to fund your proposal.
4. Agreements
We complete an interagency agreement, notify Congress, and make a public announcement.
Investment engagement
Congratulations! It’s time to dig into your challenge. In this time, you can expect:
Funding
Your first transfer follows the public announcement. Additional transfers unlock as your team achieves project milestones. Your repayments to TMF begin within one year of the first transfer.1
Support
Your team joins a community of other investments to share resources, learn from one another, and problem solve.
Reporting
Your team has regular touchpoints to report on key metrics, present progress, and share successes and lessons learned.