GRANTSEEKER FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q. What is the preferred method to submit an application?
A. We strongly encourage you to submit online when online submission is available. Please see individual grant rounds for details.

Q. Does the application need to be received at the VCF office on the due date?
A. No, it needs to be POSTMARKED by the due date. We are unable to accept late applications.

Q. Is the financial statement considered one of the maximum number of pages allowed?
A. No. You may submit an additional sheet with your organization’s financial information.

Q. Do I have to send multiple copies of all the attachments?
A. We only need one copy of your tax-exempt letter from the IRS.

Q. How can I be sure I am sending everything required for a grant application?
A. If you follow the guidelines carefully, you will be in great shape.

Q. If I send a letter describing my project before the application deadline, would you review it?
A. No. But if you have read the guidelines provided on our website and still have questions, you can certainly call or email us for guidance.

Q. If I send in my application ahead of the deadline, will someone read it and give me feedback?
A. No. Out of fairness to all applicants, we review applications only after the deadline has passed. But if you have questions about the grant guidelines on our website, you can certainly call or email us.

Q. If I received a grant last year, can I apply again?
A. Yes, although we rarely fund the same project for two consecutive years. If you received a grant last year, you will need to submit a final report for that year’s grant before we will consider a new grant application.

Q. Can I submit more than one application in a year? For example, can I apply to both Basic Human Needs and to Sustainable Communities?
A. Yes, but we strongly encourage you to submit your application for the grant round that is the best fit for your project. Because of our limited resources, it would be unlikely that we would consider making more than one award to your organization   in a single year.

Q. If I apply to Special and Urgent Needs, can I also apply to another grant round? For example, can I apply to Special and Urgent Needs and to Basic Human Needs in the same year?
A. Yes. You may apply to Special and Urgent Needs for emergencies, and to another grant round for a different project.

Q. Do you fund capital campaigns?
A. No. We prefer to make grants that will have a significant impact on a proposed project. Because capital campaigns are usually very large projects, the relative impact of a grant from the Community Fund would be very small. However, while we will not consider contributing to capital campaigns themselves, we will review proposals for the initial planning expenses that may ultimately result in a capital campaign.

Q. How do I find out about, or contact, your advised funds?
A. The vast majority of the VCF’s funds do not accept applications for support, as the grantmaking is either advised by a living donor to meet his or her charitable objectives, or is predetermined by a specific fund purpose (such as an annual scholarship award or a permanently designated annual grant to a specific nonprofit organization). As a service to fundholders who request it, we let them know of proposals that we receive in their areas of interest, but grantseekers can not directly apply to, or contact, these advised funds.

Q. What is a 501(c)(3)?
A. The 501(c)(3) is a section of the tax code which indicates the IRS has determined an organization to be a charitable not for profit entity. A copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter is due with your application. If you are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status, a copy of a receipt/acknowledgement from the IRS that the paperwork has been received will suffice, however an award check will not be issued until the IRS has determined your 501(c)(3) status.

Q. What is a fiscal sponsor?
A. Our grants must be paid to a 501(c)(3), town or municipality, church or public school. If your organization does not have 501(c)(3) status, you might be able to use a fiscal sponsor which is an organization with a mission that is supported by your project. They must be willing to accept money on your behalf, and they would be ultimately responsible for making sure the project is completed and that all grant reports are filed as required. Some organizations charge a fee to be a sponsor. If you need to use a fiscal sponsor, we require a copy of the sponsor's 501(c)(3) determination letter and a copy of the sponsor's financial statements with your application. The VCF cannot act as a fiscal sponsor.

Do you have other questions? Please contact our community philanthropy stewards. They are always happy to help you.

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