Please review the questions below for more information before starting an application
Grant Partnering FAQs
Q: Are there deadlines for applying?
A: Yes. Applications for open cycles are available the first week of January, due the end of January and awards are made in May.
- Christ-Centered Living in odd-numbered years.
- Healthy Eating & Active Living – Open in even-numbered years.
- Early Learning – Open in even-numbered years starting.
Note: Nonprofit Excellence does not have its own grant cycle. Organizations have the opportunity to apply for organizational capacity-building support in their application during each priority area grant cycle.
Q: Are nonprofits required to have a 501(c)(3) designation to apply?
A: Yes. All applicant organizations must be nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and further defined as public charities 509(a)(1), also known as 170(b)(1)(1A) groups. Faith-based nonprofit organizations and most churches are eligible for funding. Additional eligibility and restriction information (See eligibility information).
Q: Do my organization’s programs and services need to be located in a county served by WBF to receive a grant?
A: Foundation Grants are for organizations that have their main office located in a county included in the WBF service area, or who have a main office outside of the service area but whose initiatives serve the counties in the WBF service area.
The WBF Service area includes: In Indiana – Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson, Spender, Dubois, Perry, Pike, in Illinois – Saline, Gallatin, White, Wayne, Wabash and in Kentucky – Henderson. The majority of requested funds should support the covered counties even if the project serves a broader area.
Q: Can my organization submit multiple applications within the same priority area or across different priority areas?
A: Yes. Unless otherwise directed by the Foundation, there are no restrictions on the number of applications an organization can submit within one priority area or across priority areas. In fact, preference may be given to organizations advancing multiple priority outcomes.
Q: Can I apply on behalf of a collaboration?
A: Yes. The Foundation encourages collaborative approaches to solving complex community issues. In order to support this strategy, an eligible nonprofit can apply for funding as a fiscal agent on behalf of a variety of entities. Documentation such as MOU’s or agreements that outline roles and responsibilities of participants may be required.
Grant Process FAQs
Q: How do I apply for a grant?
A: Applications must be submitted online through a link provided on the Foundation’s website welbornfdn.org.
We encourage organizations who are limited by technology or who are new to grant writing to reach out for additional support. Email [email protected] or Phone 812-437-8260.
Q: What steps are involved with the application process?
A: WBF uses a single-stage application process. For each priority area cycle, applications can be submitted starting the first week of January of the active cycle year. Applications are generally due by 5pm on the due date during the last week of January. Actual due dates are publicized ahead of each open cycle. The Foundation will engage in a period of internal review with staff and board. Additional information, meetings and/or site visits may be requested during the review period. The Foundation Board of Directors will vote on grant awards at the May board meeting.
Q: Will a site visit or meeting be required?
A: There is no formal requirement for meetings and/or site visits during the application cycle, though this might be requested.
Q: When will I find out if my application is approved for funding and how will I be contacted?
A: Applicants are notified of their award decision after the final decisions have been made at the May board meeting. Applicants will receive notice from their Program Officer regardless of decision.
Grant Application FAQs
Q: Will I be required to set up a profile or account?
A: The online application process requires applicants to set up an online profile. The login information can be used for future grant cycles unless the applicant’s email changes. The system offers a password recovery option if needed.
Q: If I’m completing an application for more than one organization, do I need to create separate profiles?
A: No. Please use the same email address for applications associated with multiple organizations. Contact [email protected] to gain access to the additional organization application.
Q: Who should be identified as the point person for the grant?
A: Within each application, you will be asked to provide a primary and secondary grant contact as well as a contact for the person overseeing evaluation and grant reporting. Please be sure to select individuals who are knowledgeable about the project.
Q: Do I have to complete the application in one sitting?
A: No. The grants management system saves your work every time you click out of a field as well as every 30 seconds. You can exit as needed and return to your work later.
Q: How can I ask questions during the application cycle?
A: The application program is interactive. You can ask a question while you are working in your application (by clicking on the conversation bubble icon). You can also email [email protected].
Q: Will I be required to upload any documents?
A: Yes. You will be required to upload a board roster, non-discrimination statement, detailed budget, and financial statements. You may also be asked to upload M.O.U. agreements if applying on behalf of a collaboration.
Q: Can I use my own forms for the project budget?
A: No. You will be required to complete and upload a detailed project budget using the Foundation’s budget template.
Grant Funding FAQs
Q: Will I receive the full amount requested in my application?
A: Award amounts will vary. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and, if approved, the grant amount may be different than your original request.
Q: Will there be any conditions or stipulations to my award?
A: The grant may contain certain conditions. For example, grants can include a match portion to further your organization’s fundraising ability. If your grant contains a match requirement, this means that WBF will release a specified dollar amount upon the successful raising of a matching dollar amount. For example, a $30,000 grant may contain a $20,000 direct payment and a $10,000 dollar for dollar match award. WBF will fund the $10,000 match portion as the grantee successfully raises this same amount. (Grants may contain partial match requirements or the entire grant could be contingent on a match.)
Q: What is an appropriate dollar amount to request?
A: The amount requested from the Foundation should be proportionate to your organizational budget, project or program budget and expected income from other sources. Funding is ultimately contingent upon the initiative’s alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and funding availability from the Foundation’s annual budget.
Q: Do I need to include a dollar amount for evaluation in my request?
A: Measurement of grant-funded activities and outcomes is a requirement. Organizations are strongly encouraged to include funding for needs related to evaluation, e.g., survey materials, third-party consultant. The Foundation also offers each grantee partner some limited technical assistance with a third-party evaluation firm for high-level guidance and advice during the grant period. This technical assistance is optional.
Q: How do I apply for capacity building for my organization, e.g., develop my board of directors, grow my leadership skills, create a strategic plan, improve human resources?
A: Organizations can apply for capacity-building support as part of their Early Learning, Healthy Eating & Active Living and Christ-Centered Living grant application. Applying for this type of support is completely optional.
Grant Implementation FAQs
Q: What is required to receive my grant award payments?
A: All funded organizations are required to sign a Grant Agreement and complete a form with ACH bank deposit information for electronic fund transfers. If there are any other grant-related conditions or stipulations, these must be met for payment to be issued.
Q: How often will my organization receive grant payments?
A: Unless other arrangements are made, funds will be electronically deposited to the designated bank account as early as the quarter of the grant award and continuing on a quarterly basis over the grant period. Match dollars are funded upon approved submission of required documentation.
Q: How often will I interact with Foundation staff during my grant?
A: The Foundation believes strong relationships are crucial to advancing shared impact goals. You can expect regular and routine interactions with Foundation staff, especially your Program Officer. Grantee partners are encouraged to reach out to Foundation staff as needed throughout the grant period.
Q: What reporting is required?
A: Reporting requirements include the following steps. Grantee partners are expected to:
- Engage in a planning discussions to develop an approved evaluation plan. (Soon after grant award)
- Engage in a Progress Check-In discussion with Foundation staff. (Mid-way through the grant period)
- Participate in a final report process to include an interview, collection of data, stories, quotes, pictures, etc., to develop a comprehensive Impact Report. Third-party evaluation consultants will assist with this process. (In the final months of the grant period)
*For additional questions, please call 812-437-8260 or e-mail [email protected]