Frequently Asked Questions
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Do You Offer Regular Grant Cycles?
We do not operate regular grant cycles. Instead, we invite applications based on specific strategic objectives or announce broader opportunities to apply for funding on a periodic basis.
How Do I Receive Grant Funding or Learn About Grant Opportunities?
Learn more about our grantmaking process and sign up to be notified of new grant opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply for a grant from your foundation?
Organizations are eligible for grants from the Foundation if they have qualified for exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or are public instrumentalities (i.e., a government entity). Individuals and Type III supporting organizations are not eligible to receive grants. In very limited circumstances, we may provide funding to private foundations to support work aligned with our focus areas.
Can faith-based organizations apply for foundation grants?
Yes. The Foundation provides grants to organizations with 501(c)(3) exempt status, and places of worship, including churches, mosques and synagogues, and other faith-based organizations generally qualify for 501(c)(3) status. According to the IRS, churches (used by the IRS in a generic sense to mean a place of worship, including mosques and synagogues, for example) and religious organizations that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.
The faith-based organization applying for the grant should already have a program in place related to the focus area addressed in the grant (e.g. early care and education or healthy food). Any grant given to a faith-based organization should benefit the larger community beyond the church, mosque, synagogue, or organization's membership.
What type of financial and audit information will my organization be required to submit with its proposal?
The financial information required will be based on the dollar amount of the grant request. For grants $25,000 or less, no financial information is required.
- Organizations requesting $25,000 - $999,999 are required to complete and submit the Organizational Budget Narrative Form using the online grant portal.
- Organizations requesting $1,000,000 or greater are required to submit a copy of their most recent audited financials and the Organizational Budget Narrative Form using the online grant portal.
- Government entities and Universities and Colleges are not required to submit any financial information.
- For Fiscally Sponsored grants, additional documentation may be required.
Restrictions
Does the Foundation provide grants to individuals?
No. However, the Foundation invests in organizations that help and benefit individuals living in North Carolina.
Does the Foundation pay for indirect costs in a university setting?
No. We are unable to pay for university overhead costs. These are the costs associated with providing facilities and administrative support for sponsored activities and include operating and maintaining buildings and grounds, equipment, libraries, and providing administration at the university, college, and department levels.
Does the Foundation pay for capital, either equipment or construction?
We will invest in acquisition of equipment as it relates to a specific program. We typically do not pay for construction (a.k.a., bricks and mortar).
Does the Foundation pay for personnel expenses?
Yes. The Foundation recognizes the importance of providing for personnel expenses and will cover such expenses as they relate to the success of achieving the agreed upon grant outcomes.
What type of operational expenses does the Foundation fund?
We are committed to meeting the needs of grantees in support of advancing our mission. While it is common for us to support expenses in the context of a grant focused on specific activities and outcomes, we also provide more flexible funding for organizations that work within our priority areas.
Does the Foundation invest in existing programs or just new or expanding programs?
We provide support for existing, new, and expanding programs.
APPLYING FOR A GRANT
Do I need to contact the Foundation prior to submitting an application and/or may I set up a meeting to discuss my proposal?
If after reviewing the information provided with a call for proposal you still have questions, you are welcome to contact the team member most closely associated with your area of work. Team members may help clarify our process or guidelines related to a specific funding opportunity.
My organization is a government entity, what do I need to submit in lieu of an IRS tax determination letter?
The Foundation will verify the status of government entities, no documentation is needed to certify governmental status.
Will the Foundation invest in collaborative groups?
Yes. We encourage collaborations and partnerships and support re-granting to partner organizations. For each single grant, the application must be completed and grant reports managed by a single organization.
SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL ONLINE
For a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the grants portal and submit your grant application, please click on your preferred language: English , Spanish.
Can I get a copy of the online application form?
Advance or ‘generic’ copies are not available.
Do I need to have cookies enabled on my internet browser?
Yes, the online application system places a cookie on your computer to enable the “Save and Finish Later” functionality.
May I submit attachments with my request?
Please submit only the attachments requested with the grant application. Attachments will need to be uploaded online.
GRANT NOTIFICATION
How do I find out about the status of my request?
Once a determination has been made regarding whether your application is approved or declined, you will be notified via email.
How long does it take to review a proposal?
Each specific grant opportunity has its own review process and timeline. If for some reason the notification deadline is delayed, we will contact the grant applicants directly.
If I receive notification that I have been approved for a grant, when will I receive the actual money?
Once the grant is approved, a grant agreement is prepared and sent to the grantee for signature. Once we receive a signed grant agreement, payment is usually processed within 30 days.
