WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING

Do you have a general question about the Francis Family Foundation? This area is meant to provide responses to some commonly asked questions about the foundation and its programs. This list will continue to be updated as additional questions arise, so please check back.

Q – Are there changes to the 2007 application forms and required attachments compared to last year?

A – Yes. This year there are fewer questions and we have added word count limits. We have tried to give you more time to complete the applications, and applicants with an up-to-date DonorEdgeSM profile may skip the Background Information Attachment form.

We continue to use the same software (IGAMTM from MicroEdge) to accept applications online, including required attachments. In addition, rather than requesting an IRS letter of determination and Form 990 as attachments, the Foundation staff will check the IRS database and review financial information on the Internet. 

Q – Is there anything special I will have to do to apply online?

A – Yes. There are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You will log in to the online grant application using your organization's Federal Identification Number.
  • You may save your application and return to it at a later time.
  • You will create an account using your e-mail address and a password in order to save and return to your online grant application.
  • Please note that all applicants, regardless of amount requested, must provide the additional documentation listed online.
  • You will not have access to your application after you have electronically submitted it.
  • The grant administration staff does not have access to saved applications that have not yet been electronically submitted.
  • If you save but do not electronically submit your completed application before the appropriate deadline, the Foundation will not be able to consider your grant request.
  • Please note that saved applications will expire after 120 days if not electronically submitted
  • The online application requires a Web browser set to allow cookies. You may need to change your computer security settings.
  • If your organization uses spam-blocking software, please set it to recognize apply@francisfoundation.org as a valid address so you can receive the notification e-mails the Foundation will send you.
  • The following browser versions will allow you to submit your application properly:
    • Internet Explorer 5.5 (for PC and Mac)
    • Internet Explorer 6.0 (for PC)
    • Netscape 7.02 (for PC)
    • Opera 7.11 (for PC)
    • Safari 1.0 (v85) (for Mac)
      Use of other browsers or versions may result in the irretrievable loss of all your data.
  • As is the case in many other web forms, you should not use your browser's back and forward buttons to navigate through the application. You will lose your data if you do. Rather, you should use the page number links at the top of the application form and the "Next" links at the bottom of the application form.

Q – Do I have to "sign-up" for an online grant application account when prompted? 

A – You will find it much easier if you do. Once you have established an account, you can leave the grant application in a partially finished state and return to it at your convenience. You will receive an automatic e-mail from us (see note above about spam-blocking software) with a link to your unfinished application. The link is:  https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_531. You will be able to edit your application at any time before final submission. You will be able to view and print out a paper form for your files.

Q – The application seems short; does the Foundation want short general answers? And, do you have any advice on completing the application?

A – We would like specific and quantifiable information that concisely answers the questions. We recommend applicants review the summarized data the organization has collected about past customers served and evaluation results. In addition, benchmark measures of success from your strategic plan and program work plans would also be good resources while completing the application. We prefer the use of numbers, percentages and specific time frames rather than flowery, non-specific language. If you can cite comparisons to national and regional information for your sector, that is very helpful as well.

Q – Can we change or delete our application after we submit it?

A –You may go in and out of the application as much as necessary while it is still in the pending stage. The information you enter in the pending application is password-protected and held private until you click on the SUBMIT button. This is why we encourage you to establish an account, and submit the application close to the due date.

Once you complete the application, have previewed it, and then clicked on the “SUBMIT” button, you will not be able to make any changes to it. After that point, only the Foundation staff has access to the application. If your application was submitted in error or you do not want it considered at this time, please contact us via email or call us. We can remove it from the system on your behalf. 

Q – Is our information private? Will you share or sell your data to anyone?

A – The information you enter in the pending application is password-protected and held private until you click on the “submit” button. The Foundation does not share or sell data to anyone. We comply with IRS disclosure rules concerning grant awards as reported on our annual 990-PF.

Q – What kind of support does the Foundation provide?

A – The Foundation supports qualifying nonprofit organizations through grants for:

  • general operating (a.k.a., unrestricted) support
  • program (or initiative) support
  • capital campaign support

Q – Does the Foundation make “lead gifts” to campaigns for capital projects?

A – Not usually. The Foundation prefers to be involved once half or more of the fundraising goal is committed.

Q – Can we submit more than one application at a time?

A – The Foundation will typically only consider one application from an organization in a grant cycle.

Q – If our organization received a grant in the past, when can we apply for another?

A – The Foundation will consider a new request each calendar year. Your new application will only be considered if your organization is up-to-date on scheduled reports or other requirements from any previous grant(s) from the Foundation.

Q – Are there parameters for how much money I should request?

A –There is no dollar limit to our grants. We look at the amount needed for each specific project, and evaluate the request based on the budget, scope of work and expected outcomes. The Board looks favorably on organizations that demonstrate broad community support and sound fiscal management. The Foundation recognizes the long-term benefit of developing partnerships and strives to leverage funding from multiple sources. 

General operating support requests should be in line with contributions from other foundations.

Program/initiative requests typically should have a mix of funding sources to support the program/initiative budget (i.e., the request to the Foundation should be less than the total program/initiative budget). We do recognize the need for administrative overhead and believe it is appropriate to include a percentage of administrative overhead for indirect costs in the total program/initiative budget. 

Typically, grant awards range from $2,000 to $50,000 (not including capital campaigns).

Q – How much weight is given to each section of the application and other supporting documents?

A – The initial readers use a 60-point scale, roughly: 

  • 0-20 points for the financial and budget information;
  • 0-20 points for the organization information (and program/initiative, if applicable); and,
  • 0-20 points for the planning and evaluation information.    

Q – If my organization is awarded a grant will we need to submit reports and when will payment be made?

A – Annual grant reports are required (approximately nine months after payment), and interim reports are sometimes requested. The grant reports show actual measurable results compared to the proposed information in the original application. In general, grant payments are made at the time of award.

Q – I'm not so sure I like this online grant application … can I send our application the old-fashioned way?

A – We ask that you give it a try! We are convinced that you will spend less time and money than the old-fashioned way … less photocopying … less postage … you know what we mean! If you have special circumstances, please contact our office.

Q – Is there someone I can talk to at the Foundation to see if our organization or program would qualify or if I have questions?

A – Yes. Program Officer Lyn Knox will be happy to help you with any questions. She is available by phone throughout the application process at 816-531-0077.

For a printer-friendly version of this page, click here. >>