WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY

Table of Contents
Q: What is a grant?
Q: What is an RFP?
Q: What types of organizations do you support?
Q: What are RCF’s areas of focus?
Q: What is not funded through RCF?
Q: How do I know if my organization is eligible to receive a grant from RCF?
Q: My organization’s 501( c )(3) has pending status. Do I qualify?
Q: Is my project eligible for funding?
Q: When is RCF releasing grants?
Q: How do I apply for a grant?
Q: Do you accept unsolicited proposals?
Q: When do you accept applications?
Q: Can I apply for more than one grant with RCF?
Q: What types of grants are available?
Q: Do you accept proposals for sponsorships?
Q: Can I fax in the application?
Q: How can I submit my application?
Q: How will I know you received my application?
Q: Will all grantees receive the full amount requested?
Q: How are funds disbursed?
Q: I was awarded a grant, what’s next?
Q: Why didn’t I receive a grant? Do you provide feedback?
Q: What are the reporting requirements?
Q: When do I submit my final report?
Q: What happens if I can’t meet the grant project goals?
Q: What if I need an extension on my project report?
Q: Are there other resources out there for additional funding?
Q: Who reviews the applications?
Q: If I am having problems completing my application, who can I contact for help?
Q: What are some common mistakes you see in proposals or applications?
Q: Can you send us a grantee kit?
Q: Is there an appeal process?

Q: What is a grant?

A: A grant is a financial award that is given by Richmond Community Foundation to be used for a particular purpose. Grants do not have to be re-paid. However, grantees typically report to the grantor on how the funds are used.

 

Q: What is an RFP?

A: An RFP means Request for Proposals. Potential grantees submit grant applications and written proposals in response to RFPs. Submission of applications to RFPs usually have strict deadlines.

 

Q: What types of organizations do you support?

A: This depends on the each grant opportunity. Please read the individual grant guidelines for details.

 

Q: What are RCF’s areas of focus?

A: Our grants are designed to strengthen the non-profit sector serving Richmond and the greater Contra Costa County area, and to enhance the effectiveness of our community organizations.

RCF usually focuses on these issues:

  • Education & Youth Development
  • Economic Security
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Health & Public Safety

 

Q: I am an individual seeking financial assistance. Am I eligible for a grant?

A: Richmond Community Foundation does not provide funding to individuals. However, RCF’s Non-Profit Resource Center provides a database that can help you find grant makers and grants for individuals. The resource center is open 10AM to 4PM. Contact RCF to learn more about RCF Non-profit Resource Center.

 

Q: What is not funded through RCF?

A: The Richmond Community Foundation does not make grants in support of individuals, for political campaigns or lobbying efforts, for businesses established for personal gain or profit, to support annual fund drives, capital campaigns, to fund an agency’s deficit or endowment, to repay loans, to pay for expenses incurred in the past, or for the direct support of religious activities.

 

Q: How do I know if my organization is eligible to receive a grant from RCF?

A: It is always important to read the grant guidelines that RCF provides for each grant. Generally, eligible organizations must serve Richmond, CA or the greater Contra Costa Area, have 501( c )(3) status or show proof of a fiscal sponsor that has 501( c )(3) status.

 

Q: My organization’s 501( c )(3) has pending status. Do I qualify?

A: Yes, if a potential grantee’s organization provides a letter from a fiscal sponsor which holds a 501( c )(3) status confirming their willingness to act as the program/project’s fiscal sponsor.

 

Q: Is my project eligible for funding?

A: Grant seekers must meet minimum level of criteria as outlined in each grant’s guidelines & RFP (Request for Proposals). Please read RFPs carefully.

 

Q: When is RCF releasing grants?

A: The best way to stay up to date and informed is to subscribe to our newsletter.

 

ABOUT YOUR GRANT APPLICATION

Q: How do I apply for a grant?

A: Richmond Community Foundation directly invites proposals through published Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or letter of inquiry. Our RFPs usually include a formal application and detailed instructions on how to apply. RCF also offers free workshops to assist potential grantees with their applications. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to receive information about any new or current RFPs that are open.

 

Q: Do you accept unsolicited proposals?

A: No. RCF only accepts applications and proposals in answer to a Request for Proposal (RFP).

 

Q: When do you accept applications?

A: RCF accepts grant applications based on RFP invitations.

 

Q: Can I apply for more than one grant with RCF?

A: Yes. However, there is no guarantee that all grants will be funded.

 

Q: What types of grants are available?

A: Each year is different. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on grant opportunities. Also check the Grant Opportunities page on this website frequently.

 

Q: Do you accept proposals for sponsorships?

A: No.

 

Q: Can I fax in the application?

A: No. According to each application, potential grantees will be asked to submit grant applications via e-mail, drop-in or regular post (mail).

 

Q: How can I submit my application?

A: Each application has a different submittal process. However, you can submit via e-mail, office delivery or mail. RCF does not accept faxed applications/proposals.

 

Q: How will I know you received my application?

A: Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the receipt of application.

 

Q: Will all grantees receive the full amount requested?

A: Not necessarily. Each grant committee will aim to provide optimal funding for numerous partnerships, though there is a possibility that potential grantees may not receive the full amount of requests, so budget accordingly.

 

YOU APPLIED, NOW WHAT?

Q: How are funds disbursed?

A: The grantee’s organization will receive an award letter and/or grant agreement. The grantee’s organization is required to sign this agreement and send it back to RCF as a receipt and acknowledgement of agreement. Shortly after RCF receives the signed agreement, a lump sum check (unless otherwise noted) is issued and sent to the grantee.

 

Q: I was awarded a grant, what’s next?

A: An award letter with grant agreement will be sent to the grantee organization. Sign and return a copy and RCF with disperse funds. At the end of the grant period, each grantee is required to submit a project report.

 

Q: Why didn’t I receive a grant? Do you provide feedback?

A: Yes, we provide feedback. You may also contact our Director of Grant Management, Monica Lazo at mlazo@richmondcf.org.

 

Q: What are the reporting requirements?

A: Read your grant agreement because each grant is different. Usually, RCF requires reports within 30 days of funding grants.

 

Q: When do I submit my final report?

A: Usually, final reports are due 30 days after your grant is funded. However, deadlines for reports are outlined on the grantee’s signed grant agreement. Please read the grant agreement carefully.

 

Q: What happens if I can’t meet the grant project goals?

A: Contact Monica Lazo, the Director of Grants Management immediately.

 

Q: What if I need an extension on my project report?

A: Contact Monica Lazo, the Director of Grants Management immediately.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT GRANTS

Q: Are there other resources out there for additional funding?

A: Richmond Community Foundation (RCF) is a part of the Foundation Center’s nationwide network of Cooperating Collections. This means you can search databases and directories for grants and grant makers throughout the U.S. and around the world—at no charge. The Resource Center is open 10AM to 4PM.

 

Q: Who reviews the applications?

A: Each grant has a steering committee that reviews, votes and decides grant amounts. Decisions are final.

 

Q: If I am having problems completing my application, who can I contact for help?

A: RCF provides application workshops and proposal writing workshops with each grant offering. These workshops’ dates and times are usually listed on grant RFPs and in RCF’s newsletter. We recommend that potential grantees subscribe to the RCF newsletter for the latest information. We also recommend that potential grantees read grant guidelines carefully. Grant seekers can gain additional help in writing proposals for grants at: http://www.grantspace.org.

 

Q: What are some common mistakes you see in proposals or applications?

A: There are several mistakes that are quite common:

  • Applicants not reading the grant guidelines and instructions thoroughly
  • Applicants not attaching required documents to their applications
  • Applicants not providing up to date documentation
  • Applicants not attending the free workshops that provide step-by-step instruction on the best way to apply and gain RCF grants

 

Q: Can you send us a grantee kit?

A: We are committed to collaborating with grant recipients to promote awareness of successful projects and its accomplishments. Please read your grant agreement for more details.

 

Q: Is there an appeal process?

A: No. The recommendations of the steering committee are final and there is no appeal process.