FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a bit nervous about the online application...
- Print the grant guidelines from our website to use as checklist as you prepare your request.
- As you are creating the online application, you may want to SAVE a few times during the process. Your application is only available to us after you click SUBMIT. If for any reason you lose your internet connection before saving or submitting, you will need to start again.
- When you choose SAVE you will set up a user account and a password so that you can easily return to your partially completed application. You will receive an automated email with a link to your account.
- If you are working on the application with other staff members, be sure to share the user account and password with them.
- When you return to a partially completed application, choose the UPDATE option to include your changes/ modifications.
- Once an application is submitted, you cannot add, modify or delete anything. If you have any questions please contact us by email at grants@cweal.org.
How much should we ask for?
- The maximum grant awarded by the Foundation is $50,000. Please consider all of your potential funding sources when deciding how much to ask for!
May faith-based organizations apply for grants?
- Yes. However, the applicant, or its separate charitable organization, must qualify as a 501(c)(3) public charity and their operating budget may not exceed $2,500,000 as reported on line 18 of their most recent IRS form 990.
What about matching funds or challenge grants?
- We like them! Be sure to tell us if you are trying to raise matching funds to meet a challenge grant. Our current direction is to encourage non-profits to broaden their funding base... we may ask you to raise funds from other sources to receive matching funds from the Foundation.
We are a new organization... can we still apply?
- Your organization must be registered as a 501(c)(3) with the IRS, and have a valid Federal Employer Identification Number(FEIN) before you can apply for a grant from our foundation.
Will we visit your site to see your organization in action ?
- We may, and we will contact you to arrange a visit.
Do we sponsor special events or attend fundraisers or advertise?
- Although we have awarded grant money to support special events, historically, we do not attend fundraisers or advertise. You may send us invitations and donor solicitations to keep us "in the loop," however we typically do not respond to these items, unless we are able to attend.
We need computers - can you help?
- We will not send you computers or software. We may award grant money to use for technology acquisition or upgrades. We encourage you to include a detailed list of your technology needs, as well as a few competitive quotes as a part of your grant request.
Do I have to "sign-up" for an online grant application account when prompted?
- Technically, NO, however, we do recommend that you sign-up. If you do sign-up, you can leave the grant application in a partially finished state and return to it at your convenience. You will receive an automatic e-mail from us with a link to your unfinished application. You will be able to edit your application at any time prior to submission. You will also be able to view and print out a paper copy for your files.
Can we change or delete our application after we submit it?
- No, this is not an option at this time. If your application was submitted in error or you do not want it considered for our next grant cycle, please contact us via e-mail at grants@cweal.org. We can remove it from the system on your behalf.
We're not so sure we like this electronic grant application... can we send you our application the old fashioned way?
- We ask that you give it a try! We are convinced that you will spend less time and money than the old fashioned way. If you have special circumstances, please contact us at grants@cweal.org.
- PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in February 2008 , the Foundation has only accepted requests filed electronically.