Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do we apply for a grant?
Please see our Process in this website.
2. Can I meet or talk with someone from the Foundation’s office?
You can call our office at anytime with questions. We do not have the staff for personal meetings.
3. Is a letter of interest required in advance of submitting a written proposal?
No.
4. Must a written proposal contain a required number of pages either minimum or maximum?
No.
5. Can I fax or email my proposal?
No, we only accept mailed or hand-delivered proposals.
6. Are there any limitations in your grant making?
Proposals from first time grant seekers are restricted to the California Counties of Contra Costa and Alameda. And, we do not fund individuals nor do we fund capital projects and equipment.
7. Are there specific deadline dates for submission of a written proposal?
No. Each committee meets at a minimum of once a quarter. You may call our office with regard to an upcoming date for a committee meeting.
8. What is the appropriate time to follow up on the submission of a written proposal?
You may call at any time to inquire about the status of your proposal; however, know that all written proposals will be acknowledged with a call upon receipt of the proposal and a letter regarding the committee's decision.
9. If my organization received a grant from the Foundation recently, how long must we wait before submitting another proposal?
You may submit another proposal one year from the date of your previous grant award. Know that your Grant Evaluation Form for your previous grant must have been received by the Foundation prior to our review of your new proposal.
10. Can you suggest any other resources which would be helpful to non-profit organizations?
We suggest that you visit the following websites:
Center for Community Benefits Organizations www.cbocenter.org
Organization seeks to build the professional capacity of community benefit organizations serving the East Bay
Compass Point Services www.compasspoint.org
A non-profit training and consulting organization that provides non-profits management tools and concepts necessary to best serve their communities.
East Bay Funders Directory -- check Compass Point Services website
The Foundation Center ~ San Francisco www.fdncenter.org
Regular free classes for grant seekers and a library of resources.
Taproot Foundation www.taprootfoundation.org
Leverages the talents of the business community to provide pro bono business services to non-profit organizations through the award of service grants.