The entire process of getting funding from foundations generally takes 9-12 months. This includes finding the foundations whose mission matches your research or program area, developing the proposal and budget, obtaining required departmental approvals, following the submission process as outlined by the Office of Grants & Contracts Administration (and the University of Massachusetts Foundation Inc. if 501(c)(3) status is required); grant submittal; 2+ months of consideration by foundation committees; notification of foundation decision, and lastly award payment.