Frequently Asked Questions: Core Mission Grant Process
Q: Will a Grant Information Session be held?
A: Yes. A virtual grant information session will be held, and the recording and slides will be available on our website. We recommend that all applicants attend the session and review the on-line materials to understand Impact100 SJ’s mission and grant review process.
Q: What type of organizations are eligible for a Core Mission Grant?
A: Impact100 SJ’s grants are intended to support a wide variety of community nonprofits by awarding grants to organizations that fit into five broad Focus Areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Children & Families
- Education
- Environment & Sustainability
- Health & Wellness
However, applications will not be reviewed based on the Focus Area selected in the application. This information is used solely to verify the proposal fits within our funding criteria.
Q: What do you mean by a grant in support of “core mission?”
A: A Core Mission Grant helps an organization deliver its services more effectively by significantly strengthening its programming—typically through a new program or an expansion of an existing program to meet an unmet community need. We encourage organizations to identify how support from Impact100 SJ could improve their services and advance their mission in the future.
Q: Can former applicants submit a new application to lmpact100 SJ?
A: Yes. We encourage previous applicants who did not receive funding to apply again. Previous grantees must wait before reapplying: three years after receiving a $100,000 Core Mission Grant or two years after receiving a General Operating grant.
Q: What were some of the reasons that applications were not selected for grant review or as finalists in the past?
A: We review applications thoroughly to assess financial stability and whether the proposed project is well planned and will benefit the organization and the community it serves. As a collective grantmaking organization awarding donations from many generous women, we are responsible for making these assessments carefully.
We have reluctantly passed on organizations with a shaky financial situation, those that did not make a thorough and thoughtful case for the proposed project, including thoroughly stating how the proposed project would accomplish its goals, or whose budget and activities did not correspond with the timeline of our grant implementation period.
Q: Can we include additional materials with our proposal, such as a brochure or a report?
A: No, please submit only the documents requested. We will not consider anything else received as part of your proposal.
Q: We serve communities across New Jersey and want to expand a program at a satellite office in your four-county region. Are we eligible to apply?
A: Yes. However, your organization must serve residents of Cumberland, Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties and have either its headquarters or a satellite office in that four-county region. Organizationsheadquartered elsewhere, including Philadelphia or another part of New Jersey, may apply if they meet these requirements. If invited to submit a proposal, the project must be within our four counties.
Q: Our organization does not have its own 501(c)3. May we apply if we have a fiscal sponsor?
A: No, we require that your organization operate under its own 501(c)(3) status.
Q: Will Impact100 South Jersey consider a proposal from a group of organizations collaborating on a project or program?
A: Yes. One collaborating organization must apply as the lead organization on behalf of the collaboration, as if applying individually. If awarded the grant, the lead organization must be willing to assume all potential rights, responsibilities, restrictions and liabilities associated with it.
Q: May we submit as part of a collaborative project and then separately as an individual organization?
A: No. Each organization may only submit one grant application each year.
Q: Will lmpact100 SJ consider an infrastructure improvement or construction project?
A: Yes, if the project is shovel-ready and can be implemented and completed within our two-year timeframe. The application must include detailed plans, a detailed line-item budget and a detailed timeline, all signed by a licensed NJ contractor. The contractor’s submission must include all planning and zoning permits from the municipality and county, if applicable. The application must also identify all project funding and include letters of commitment from any outside organizations funding the project.
Q: What kind of communication from Impact100 SJ can we expect during the grant review process?
A: Applicants must use the online portal to register and submit applications. All correspondence between applicants and Impact100 SJ will take place through the portal, including an invitation to complete a full proposal. Keep your contact information current; Impact100 SJ is not responsible for important information missed because your organization’s primary contact information has changed. To ensure a fair review, we do not respond to unsolicited communications except questions about the guidelines or grant process, which may be sent to grants@impact100sj.org.
Q: Is there a period of time in which the grant money must be spent?
A: Core Mission Grant recipients have up to 24 months to spend the grant funds.
Q: What are the reporting requirements for organizations receiving grants?
A: Core Mission Grant recipients must complete two interim reports and one final report during the 24-month grant period. General operating grant recipients must complete one final report 12 months after receiving the grant. All awardees will sign a Grant Agreement stating their reporting requirements.
Q: How does Impact100 SJ pay out the money for the Core Mission Grant?
A: The Core Mission grantee receives two payments of $50,000 each. The first is issued soon after the grant is awarded, upon completion of a Grant Agreement. The final payment is issued after Impact100 SJ’s Leadership Council reviews and approves the second interim report, approximately 12 months after the award. General Operating grantees receive one payment soon after the award, upon completion of a Grant Agreement.
QUESTIONS?
Email grants@impact100sj.org