GEOList Summary: Query about Invitation-only Grantmaking Programs

One of your foundation colleagues is preparing to launch an invitation-only grantmaking program as part of their grants portfolio. Since they are still in the planning phase and wish to remain anonymous until the program is ready, they have asked GEO staff for help in querying GEOList for resources they can use to setup an effective program. In particular, they are interested to hear from other grantmakers with invitation-only programs about the following questions: What process do you use to determine which nonprofits to solicit, and who makes those decisions? Are there any challenges with that process? How much advance notice do you give to organizations from which you are soliciting applications? How involved/directive are you in helping them craft their application? Do you tell them how much money to request? Is there an assumption that, if they are solicited, that they will receive a grant? If not, how do you communicate about/avoid that assumption?