SILT, Inc.

We’re eager to hear from you and about your work. This is the framework.

Step 1: Express interest. Review our web materials and submit an “expression of interest.” The form will prompt you to schedule an introductory call.

Step 2: Apply. Coming out of that call, we recommend that you discuss with your team, funding partners, advisors, and scope out other options that might meet your needs (see Who are your peers? in the FAQ.) Determine if our approach is aligned with your own work. If you decide to proceed, fill an application.

Step 3: Review. Your application is reviewed by our core team. Once we receive it, we will either reach out to a schedule a second, more material call to make sure we understand your needs and timeline OR we’ll let you know that our Commons is not a good fit for your work at this time. The second call includes the core team and at least one participating member of the SILT Commons. During the call, we’ll discuss your planned activities, sources of funding, team, and hopes for the future. The call also gives you a chance to ask more questions of us, what you can expect as a member, and to chat with another member of the SILT Commons. The core team + commons member will decide together within 7 days whether to take your application to the rest of the Commons’ projects. If we decide not to present your project to the commons at this time, we’ll follow up with other ways to stay connected.

*Steps 1-3 must be completed to get a letter of support from SILT to accompany a funding application. A letter of support is not a fiscal sponsorship agreement and is not a binding commitment for either party.

Step 4: Quote. The commons will vote on whether your needs and activities are within the scope of what SILT can offer. If the vote is Yes, the Core Team+Commons member that interviewed you will build a quote for services we expect your project will require. You can either accept or decline the quote, or ask for a third call to discuss. If the vote is no, we’ll follow up with other ways to stay connected.

Step 5: Due Diligence. Once you accept the quote, we’ll check in with your references and funders and submit a package to our Board.

At last! Onboarding Begins. If we can host you with the approval of Commons members, Core Team, and the Board, and you sign a contract, we’ll begin onboarding! If we can’t host you in the Commons, we’ll follow up with other ways we might work together.

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