Below are frequently asked questions about applying for an Impact100 NWF grant.
Qualifications:
Do small or newer nonprofits have a chance of winning a grant?
Yes. Grants have been awarded to small, medium, and large-sized nonprofits. Applications are evaluated on the strength of the organization, the strength of the project, the project’s sustainability, and the impact of the project on the community.
If a nonprofit is a religious organization, can it apply for a grant?
Possibly. Although a church is ineligible from applying for a grant, a separate tax-exempt public charity that is not under the umbrella of the church, synagogue or other body of worship can apply if the grant is for a project that is not restricted to a particular faith, denomination or religion. (An example of a project that would be considered: a daycare at a community church that is open to all children regardless of where their parents/guardians attend church. An example of a project that would not be considered: a general therapy program that is open ONLY to those who practice a particular faith.)
Why can’t we use the funds for operating expenses?
Each nonprofit must already have sufficient funds to sustain their ongoing operations. This grant is to enable you to pursue funding for organizational growth that you might otherwise be unable to achieve. Projects that expand current capabilities by improving operational efficiency can be considered. Salaries can be funded if the salary is paid when an individual has significant involvement in the proposed project. We will want to know how the expanded capability or salary will continue once the grant funds are spent. How will you sustain the project?
Letter of Intent:
Do we have to submit a Letter of Intent to complete the application?
Yes, a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required so we may check eligibility prior to the grant application process.
Once the LOI is approved, the nonprofit will receive their link to the application document and invitation to attend our Grant Workshops.
Submitting an LOI does not obligate you to apply. We strongly recommend submitting an LOI even if you are unsure if you will apply.
With the LOI, each nonprofit will confirm their organization meets each of the following requirements:
- Able to provide a copy of the Dept. of Treasury letter affirming the organization’s status as a tax-exempt public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) for a minimum of 2 years prior to July 1st of the year that the organization is applying. (Religious institutions must have a separate tax-exempt entity, not under the umbrella of the body of worship, to apply.)
- Able to provide current proof of registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), unless the organization is exempt.
- Registered with the Florida Division of Corporations.
- Carry Directors and Officers Insurance as well as General Liability Insurance.
- Currently be a provider of services or collaborating with an organization(s) who is providing services in Okaloosa and/or Walton counties.
How do we submit the LOI?
The LOI form will be available online, beginning February 1.
What is the deadline for the LOI?
The deadline for the LOI is March 31.
Why do we need a copy of the Dept. of Treasury letter granting 501(c)(3) status for our organization?
The Dept. of Treasury letter that your nonprofit received when it obtained its status will verify that your organization was granted the 501(c)(3) designation as an individual or group charity. This is how we check for current certification. This is NOT the same certificate as your tax-exempt letter.
How long do we need to have had our Dept. of Treasury designation as a 501(c)(3) organization?
An eligible nonprofit must have held their 501(c)(3) status for 2 years, as of July 1st of the year that the organization is applying.
Applications:
What is the deadline for the grant application?
The deadline for the online grant application is July 1.
Can our organization submit different grant applications in different categories?
No. Each organization may only submit one grant application per year.
Why won’t you tell us which focus area to apply in?
Regardless of an organization’s primary mission, a project often meets the criteria for multiple focus areas. You will be asked to identify your first, second, third, fourth and fifth choice of focus area for your project. We will ensure that your application is placed in one of your top three choices. Our goal is to have as even a number of applicants in each category as is possible.
Can we meet with our Focus Area Chair/Co-Chair to review our application before we turn it in?
No. But it is a great idea to bounce your application off some of your board members, or even women who are members of Impact100 NWF, but not on the board of directors. Impact100 NWF Grant Committee members are available for general questions about the grant process. We offer Grant Workshops to qualified applicants and we encourage your questions at the workshop.
Can we include our brochures, annual reports or videos about our organization?
No, we do not accept these types of materials with the application.
What if our organization does not have to complete a 990?
Submit a copy of the IRS form 990-N (E Post Card) if Form 990 is not required.
What are some of the most common application errors:
- The grant project does not benefit residents of Okaloosa and/or Walton Counties. Or the organization does not already have a presence in Okaloosa and/or Walton Counties.
- The organization requested less than the full grant amount. This is a significant grant opportunity. An organization must decide if they have a need or a program that meets the criteria for the full $100,000 amount.
- The project cost exceeds the $100,000 grant amount and the organization has not provided details of how the remaining costs will be funded.
- Grant project may not demonstrate the ability to fully expend the grant funds or complete the project within the twenty-four-month time frame.
- Financial information is missing.
- Grant funds are requested to be used for general operating expenses of the organization not associated with expansion of services and/or expansion of current capabilities by improving operational efficiency.
- The grant project, if designed to be ongoing, does not show how it will be funded after the end of the grant--sustainability was not demonstrated.
- The grant project requires participation in activities of a particular faith, denomination or religion in order to benefit from the project or program.
- The grant is for general renovations or building on a property that is not owned by the organization or the organization does not have an at least five-year lease on.
- The application is unclear or poorly written.
- The project budget is not clear or well defined. Cost estimates, quotes or bids and other supporting documents are not included to explain all line-items in the budget.
- Waiting until the last minute to submit the application. Late applications WILL NOT be accepted. Our members are volunteers, so waiting until the last minute could affect your ability to complete your application correctly.
Site Visits:
What should we expect to happen at the 1 hour site visit?
This is the time for your organization to shine and for you to be able to tell your story, your vision, and your project in person. You will have the opportunity to explain what the application cannot always convey: the passion, the difference this grant would make, and the impact on the organization and the community. You should plan to have the following people attend the site visit: your board chair, your treasurer or someone who can answer financial questions, and perhaps one or two key employees or other members of your team.
How many people will participate in the site visit?
There will be an average of 15 - 20 members from the focus area committee participating in the site visit.
Can we provide snacks/beverages or thank you tokens to site visit attendees?
No.
After the Grants are Awarded:
If we apply for an Impact100 NWF grant and are not selected as a finalist, can we apply next year?
Yes, we encourage your organization to reapply the next year.
If my organization is not selected as an Impact100 NWF finalist, can we get feedback on the strengths and weaknesses to improve our grant submission for next year?
Limited feedback can be given if requested.
If we submit an application and are awarded a grant, how soon can we apply again?
An organization must have expended all funds from a previously awarded grant before they are allowed to submit another grant application. Organizations must expend all funds within two years. In effect: The organization is awarded the grant in November at our Annual Meeting. Funds are disbursed starting January 1st in year #1 and are expected to be depleted by December 31st in year #2. The organization is eligible to apply again the following year.
How does Impact100 NWF disburse the grant money?
Impact100 NWF disburses funds on an as expended basis. Grantees must submit quarterly reports upon implementation and progress of the project. Prior to the release of grant funds, each recipient must complete the Impact100 NWF grant agreement form.
What is the period of time the money must be spent?
A project must expend the grant funds within the two years following the year the grant was awarded. Following our Impact100 NWF Annual Meeting in November, a grant agreement will be signed between Impact100 NWF and the recipient organization. Grant recipients may start expending funds as early as January 1 and must expend the grant funds by December 31 two years later.
Conflicts of Interest:
Can you be a member of Impact100 NWF if you work for a nonprofit organization?
Yes! You can even participate on a Focus Area Committee, but not one that reviews your organization’s application.
Can you be a member of Impact100 NWF if you are an Executive Director/ CEO of an organization?
Yes! You can even participate on a Focus Area Committee, but not one that reviews your organization’s application.
Contact Information:
Who can we contact for more information or questions?
Contact the Impact100 Grants Committee at grants@impact100nwf.org.