The Carver Trust is a grant opportunity for organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. Before submitting a formal proposal, prospective applicants should review the Trust's grant policies and procedures to determine eligibility. It is also important to consider if the project aligns with the Trust's areas of interest. The application process requires completion of an Application Cover Sheet, submission of required enclosures such as IRS letter granting tax-exempt status and audited financial statements, and a letter of inquiry before submitting a formal request.

Once funded, grantees are required to provide project reports on an annual basis to demonstrate proper use of grant funds. The reports should include programmatic goals and financial information. Grantees are also expected to conduct a project evaluation to assess effectiveness and identify any unintended consequences. Evaluation plans should be included in the proposal and may require qualitative or quantitative indicators depending on the nature of the project.

To submit a proposal to the Carver Trust, applicants should complete the standardized Application Cover Sheet and provide a clear description of the project's goals and how they will be achieved. A detailed budget allocation is required along with a statement explaining why participation from the Carver Trust is crucial for project success. Applicants must also include plans for evaluating the project and information on possible sources of funding after the grant period concludes. Proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is necessary along with the most recent audited financial statement.

The Board of Trustees reviews grant requests quarterly with decisions typically made in January, April, July, and October. Grant payments are distributed semi-annually in April and October.