Nonprofit FAQs

Yes, Donor Advised fund holders may request a distribution to go anywhere in the world as long as the recipient organization meets the IRS charitable organization criteria. Foundation grants, by policy, are targeted to the local community and would usually only be given to an outside nonprofit for work that affected our local community. The ultimate authority on grants rests with the Foundation Board.

Yes, if the school is a nonprofit or government agency. Scholarships, for the benefit of a named individual, are only awarded to the school or college for further distribution.

Yes, but only for non-religious and unrestricted public service projects.

• Projects that benefit individuals directly;
• Religious organizations where the funds would be used to further the organization’s religious purpose;
• Political organizations;
• Any group that discriminates as to race, creed, ethnic group or gender;
• Travel, conferences or any form of direct financial assistance to individuals;
• Association dues;
• Budget shortfalls or debt retirement;
• Fundraising event costs.

Yes, in fact it is required.

In summary and in approximate sequence:

• Pre application meeting(s) with Foundation representative(s);
• Submission of the grant application;
• Initial review by the Foundation Grants Committee;
• Possible additional questions for the applicant that may require refinement of project/program.

Yes. You can apply online on the Grant Application page. Alternately you can contact the office to obtain a copy.

A meeting with Foundation representatives is required before a grant application is submitted. Please call the office at (360) 378-1001 to request a pre-application meeting.

Grant applications are available online and are submitted electronically. Applications may be submitted at any time following the required pre-application meeting with Foundation representatives.

We have found that an early meeting to discuss your project significantly helps both the applicant and the Foundation come to a common understanding of the parameters underlying a grant request and funding possibilities. An overwhelming number of positive reports have been received regarding the value of these meetings, which often creatively open up new directions and funding possibilities for an organization.

The in-person, pre-application meeting will consider some of the following:

• Leadership. Does your project offer an opportunity to develop community leadership or expand civic involvement?
• Purpose. Does your project reflect the purpose of the grant program for which you are applying?
• Impact. To what extent might your project make a lasting and significant difference in the quality of life for San Juan Islanders?
• Strategy. Does your project address current or emerging community needs or opportunities?
• Capacity. Does your organization have the resources and leadership to ensure project success?
• Leverage. Can you show that additional funds, partners etc… are (or have been) involved?
• Inclusiveness. Are any underserved segments of the community reached by your proposal? Is diversity promoted? How are the stakeholders for this project included?
• Sustainability. Is the project designed to become self-sustaining and when? Projects requiring unending philanthropy are discouraged. Exceptions apply.
• Goals. Can you explain what ‘success’ will look like and how will it be measured?
• Design. Is your project designed in a clear, thoughtful, reasonable manner?

We will also want to know if there is a sound business plan to support your goals.

In summary and in approximate sequence:

• Pre-application meeting(s) with Foundation representative(s);
• Written submission of a complete grant application;
• Staff review/due diligence of grant application;
• Foundation Grants Committee review of grant request;
• Possible follow-up questions and possible application revision;
• Grant request is either approved for fund development or denied.

If your application is approved an internal review of funding options is conducted. The grant may be sourced from internal discretionary funds or the Foundation will undertake active fund raising for your project.

It is important to us that we maintain regular contact with your organization for updates on project planning, partner funding, any changes in conditions etc. When a grant is awarded, a formal contract is drawn up and signed. The contract will stipulate the details and requirements regarding receipt and expenditure of the grant. Additionally, we require a written project report(s) to be submitted as specified in the contract.

Once a grant application has been approved for fund development, sources of funds are researched. The process is very hands-on since almost all funding for a project comes from new sources and fund raising involves a significant effort of time and energy. The minimum time is typically 3 months but depending on the project, fund raising can be quicker or even extend over several years. The timeline will be discussed in the follow up meetings with the Grants Committee.

After years of reviewing and awarding grants, the Foundation has determined that including other granting agencies in the project funding process adds significant benefits including better project review, broader community awareness and advocacy and ultimately more money and support for your project. There are exceptions but partner funding will be a critical component of each required, pre-application meeting including the identification of resources that will be allocated by the applying organization itself.

No. While we believe that sole reliance upon the Foundation for full funding is not ideal, you may apply for full or partial funding of the project.

Yes, but those requests should be consistent with the general intent of the grant request. For example, an organization could apply for funding for office equipment, training seminars, and capital improvements if they are all related to the same project. However, if your organization is requesting money for several projects that are unrelated to each other, then we request submission of separate grant applications for each unique project.

The Foundation has determined that in many cases, donors and projects are best served when the project is designed from the onset, to become financially self-sustaining within a few years. Notable exceptions are the organizations providing basic social services to financially challenged clients. The concept of self-sustainability will be covered in depth in the pre-application meeting.

Yes. Contact the office at (360) 378-1001.

Grant amounts vary tremendously based upon the project. Amounts need to be justified using a sound financial and business planning approach. To date, the range has been approximately $500 to $10 million.

There is no restriction but the Foundation would expect multiple requests for funding to each fit into a well-articulated long-range plan.

Every organization that receives a grant is required to report on the results and use of the funds by submitting a formal Grant Reporting Form within one year of the receipt of funds. Financial reporting and follow up are one of the ways the Foundation is distinguished from other organizations. Reporting back is of primary importance. Organizations not in compliance will not be eligible for further funding support until their reporting is up to date. Other informal requirements include acknowledgement of the grant award in other ways. For example, you may want to send a thank you letter to the project donor(s). Letters to the editor are also welcome and important. Letters should be sent directly to the press and you can send the Community Foundation a copy of your letter. Public awareness benefits everyone.

The Foundation requests that any organization using its name submit a draft for review before release. The Foundation logo is not available for use. Please call us at (360) 378-1001 for further details.

We employ standard, industry accepted data encryption to ensure safe and secure data transfers on our website. Online donations are made through PayPal, which uses its standard measures to ensure account information security. While the Foundation will continue to adhere to industry standards for online access, we cannot ultimately guarantee total security. We are prepared to make special offline arrangements with any donor who is uncomfortable with online access.