If my organization receives a grant from Greater Toledo Community Foundation, are we required to report outcomes associated with the funding?
Some grants issued by Greater Toledo Community Foundation do require interim/final reports to be submitted. Any required reports and associated deadlines would be described in the grant agreement provided to the grantee organization. Specific instructions on how to submit reports are also included in the agreement.
Is there a difference between a Request for Propsals (RFP) and Guidelines?
No. These terms are used interchangeably to mean a set of instructions an applicant must consult to find all pertinent information about how to respond to a specific grant opportunity. The term “Guidelines” has historically been used at the Foundation to refer to a set of grant application instructions that are expected to remain roughly the same from year to year. The term “Request for Proposals” has historically been used to refer to a set of grant application instructions that may change each year or may be used one time for a special opportunity. Regardless of whether the document is called “Guidelines” or “Request for Proposals,” each prospective applicant must read the document very carefully to ensure that their grant application is responsive and complete.
What are the Foundation's current procedures regarding the collection of due diligence documents?
Organizational due diligence attachments (board list, IRS letter, financial statements, budget, background) must be submitted with every grant application made to Greater Toledo Community Foundation, with the exception of applications made to the First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund and the Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund. They must be submitted every single time the organization applies for a grant. These documents must be submitted through the online application portal at the time of the grant submission. Faxed, emailed, mailed and/or delivered documents will not be accepted. Please find detailed instructions within each set of grant guidelines.
There are some important details to keep in mind when submitting due diligence attachments. Acceptable file types include Word, Excel and PDF only.
With regard to the board list, applicants must be sure to include both the names and affiliations of the board members.
With regard to financial statements, there are two options for submission: (1) If the organization has had an audit prepared within 12 months of the date of application, the applicant may supply the full audit; or (2) If the organization does not have a full audit, or has one that is older than this, the applicant must submit both the balance sheet and the income & expense statement (also known as a “profit & loss statement” or “P&L”). Both of these statements must be supplied for the most recent fiscal year-end for the organization. These statements (balance sheet and income & expense statement) can be supplied as either one single attachment, or two.
Finally, when it comes to the organizational budget, be sure to submit a budget that has been approved by the board for the current fiscal year of the organization at the date of application.
Greater Toledo Community Foundation suggests that you clearly name your files before submission. Before you upload these attachments to our application portal, save these documents on your own computer with a name that matches the attachment type and includes your organization’s name. (For example, “Board List – ABC Services Agency” or “Operating Budget – ABC Services Agency.”)
Many of our grant guidelines require other attachments to be submitted, such as a project budget. Always read the grant guidelines for all required details. If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation grant application process, please contact the Program Department.
How long does it take from the time I submit a proposal until a decision is made?
All grant applications are carefully reviewed by the Foundation’s professional staff and Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees meets approximately 3-1/2 months subsequent to each deadline date to make funding decisions. Applicant organizations are notified, in writing, of approval/denial of funding requests within one week after the Board of Trustees takes action.
How does an agency go about applying for a grant from the foundation?
The Foundation publishes a set of Guidelines or a Request for Proposals for each competitive grant opportunity. All prospective applicants must read this document carefully to determine whether the grant opportunity presents a “fit” for the specific project they have in mind. All prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Officer listed on the bottom of the Guidelines or Request for Proposals document to discuss the proposal prior to application submission.
If the applicant wishes to proceed, click the link under the grant opportunity that states “To apply, click here” to be taken to the Foundation’s online application portal. All applications must be submitted using this online application process.
New and returning applicants log into the online application portal, and then click “Apply.” Once a new webpage has opened, search for grant opportunities by utilizing the “quick search bar,” or scroll down through the listed grant opportunities. Grants that are currently accepting applications will have the “Apply” icon.
Where can I get assistance in writing a proposal?
The Foundation does not provide direct assistance with writing proposals, but The Center for Nonprofit Resources can connect you to training and individuals who provide the necessary guidance. The Center conducts workshops on proposal writing, among other services.
You can find more information on the Center's workshops here or contact Milva Valenzuela Wagner, Director, The Center for Nonprofit Resources.
Can I call someone at the Foundation to inquire about my specific grant proposal?
Specific questions regarding the grant application process should be directed to the program officer listed on the very bottom of the grant guidelines document associated with each funding opportunity. General requests can be addressed to Patrick Johnston, Vice President, Community Investments.
We encourage first-time and returning applicants to contact our Program Department staff to discuss proposals prior to submission. While we cannot review draft proposals, we can answer questions about the application process and provide general guidance on types of requests that each funding opportunity will consider.
What do I do if I am having trouble submitting an application through the online application portal?
If you have received an error message from the online application portal, please clear the “cookies” in your internet browser and try your submission again. Follow the instructions associated with your particular internet browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.). If this does not resolve the issue, contact the Program Department.
While Foundation staff makes every effort to be available in advance of the grant deadline, we may be unable to help with requests made very near to the deadline. Contact us early if you have questions and to test your system well in advance of submission to ensure that you will have no technology issues. First time applicants are encouraged to view the system tutorials located on the login page for the grants application system.
Can individuals apply for grants?
The Foundation only makes grants to nonprofit organizations and not to individuals. However, if you are a student seeking scholarship assistance, learn more here.
What types of request are not funded?
Areas generally not funded include individuals, computer hardware and software, vehicles, conferences, capital and research.
Are grants funded over multiple years?
It is unusual for a grant award to cover a period of several years; grant requests are generally funded for one year.
What is the amount of the average grant?
There is a wide range in the amount of grants awarded. Grantees are encouraged to request the amount actually needed to successfully complete the proposed project.
Where do community funds come from?
The Foundation offers a number of fund options for individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations. One fund – a Community Fund - leaves the decisions about your gift to the Foundation. We also refer to Community Funds as Unrestricted Funds. A Community Fund provides maximum assurance a fund will remain timely and relevant, and allows the Foundation to respond to immediate and changing needs of our community and its residents.
Due to the generosity of many individuals and families, these Greater Toledo Community Foundation Unrestricted Funds make up and support the following three internal funds: 1). Community Builder Grants, 2). Community Impact Grants and the 3). Initiative Fund Grants:
The Foundation offers a variety of ways for you to make donations to reach your philanthropic goals. Corporations and businesses are limited to gifts of cash, securities, closely-held stock, limited partnership interests and real estate. Individuals and families have even more options to consider.
ExploreThe Foundation offers a number of fund options for you, your family, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The funds are flexible and you decide how much or how little you want to be involved in making grants.
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Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: 419.241.5049
Fax: 419.242.5549
Email: toledocf@toledocf.org
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