These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to provide insight into grant making at The Lake County Community Foundation. If you have technical questions about the online system, please contact the grants manager. Every effort will be made to answer your question as quickly as possible.
How do I obtain a Project Screening Form (PSF)?
Will any general operating support grants be awarded?
Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?
Can my organization submit proposals for multiple grant making priorities?
My organization does not have tax-exempt status. Can we still apply?
My organization received a Foundation grant in the past. Are we eligible to apply again?
If information in our pending proposal changes, what should we do?
Can organizations apply for grants from donor advised funds?
What does the Foundation fund?
The Foundation has refined its strategic grant making to be more proactive to the current challenges and opportunities affecting our community. The Foundation will provide grants for programs/projects that make a measurable impact on high priority issues with its limited available funding and additional resources. More information can be found in our funding priorities.
What does the Foundation not fund?
The Foundation has not changed its policies regarding ineligible projects or recipients. Information on eligibility and funding limitations can be found in our grant guidelines.
How does my organization apply?
First, determine if your organization is eligible. Second, discern if your project fits within the grant priorities of the Foundation. Third, if you determine that the project does align with our priorities, follow the instructions provided to submit a Project Screening Form (PSF). For submission deadlines, visit the Foundation’s calendar.
How do I obtain a Project Screening Form (PSF)?
The Project Screening Form (PSF) can be submitted by using the Foundation’s online system. Visit the How to Apply page for information about the online system and registering your organization.
Will any general operating support grants be awarded?
Organizations may request operating support for planning or implementation of specific projects. The availability of general operating support will be determined by specific grant priorities.
Yes, it is possible that your organization may be awarded a smaller grant than requested.
Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?
The Foundation does not make multi-year grants.
Can my organization submit proposals for multiple grant making priorities?
Yes, the Foundation is open to receiving proposals from any eligible organization with projects that fit within our grant priorities and guidelines. Given the limited amount of funding available, the Foundation expects the grant making process to be highly competitive.
My organization does not have tax-exempt status. Can we still apply?
The Foundation funds nonprofit agencies with evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are not classified as private foundations. The Foundation also accepts applications from agencies that operate under an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Our grants management staff verifies the nonprofit status of all applicant nonprofits and fiscal sponsors using Guidestar.
My organization submitted a PSF but we have not heard back. Can we check the status of the request?
Using the online system, you will receive an on-screen acknowledgment when you complete your Project Screening Form (PSF). You will not receive an additional email confirmation from the Foundation. If the grants manager requires additional information, the contact person associated with your organization will be notified.
My organization received a Foundation grant in the past. Are we eligible to apply again?
If your agency has completed the requirements of all previous Foundation grants, including the final grant report and you have not received funding for more than three consecutive years, you may be eligible to submit a Project Screening Form (PSF). Please review the Foundation’s current funding opportunities to be sure your program fits within our new priorities.
If information in our pending proposal changes, what should we do?
Any material change that may affect the Foundation’s evaluation and decision should be brought to the attention of the grants manager or appropriate Foundation program officer as soon as possible.
Can organizations apply for grants from donor advised funds?
Organizations may not apply directly to donor advised funds. Grants from these funds are made at the sole discretion of the donor, whose areas of interest may be very different from the Foundation’s grant priorities.
Does the Foundation publicize grant awards?
While the Foundation does not expect every grant recipient to invest in publicizing the grant, the primary responsibility for publicizing a grant award rests with the grant recipient. The Foundation greatly encourages recipients to publicize their award and their good works. Any publicity of or reference to a Foundation grant must be approved by the Foundation. Grant recipients will receive a copy of the “Publicity for Grant Recipients” guidelines, which outlines the approval process. Any questions regarding publicity, logo or press releases should be emailed to Susan MacLean Niederlander, Manager of External Affairs, at susan@lakecountycf.org.
In addition, all grants made by the Foundation will be noted in the Foundation's publications and may be subject to additional publicity by the Foundation.
If our proposal is declined, can our organization reapply?
Any proposal submitted for consideration by the Foundation must fit our grant guidelines and requirements. Staff will be available to provide feedback regarding project declinations. An eligible organization may re-apply by submitting a new Project Screening Form (PSF).
Does the Foundation release information about grant applicants to other funders?
The Foundation’s evaluation of an organization and/or its proposed projects may, on occasion, be shared with other funding sources, including donors.
I have more questions about applying. How can I seek additional help?
Contact our grants management staff at lccfgrantsmanager@lakecountycf.org.
I’m not seeking a grant; I’m looking for a way to give. Can the Foundation help?
A key component of the Foundation’s mission is to support philanthropy by assisting current and prospective donors in identifying appropriate giving vehicles, finding worthy charitable recipients and planning an efficient and effective way to reach their philanthropic goals.
Please visit our resources for donors for more information about how the Foundation can help facilitate your desire to improve the future of Lake County.
