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FAQs about 2010 Grantmaking Cycle
On this page
- How to Apply
- Timeline
- Types of Funding
- Geographic Areas Served
- What We Do Not Fund
- Grantmaking Program Goals
How to Apply
How do I apply for a grant?
There are two ways for grantees to access The San Francisco Foundation for grants:
- By invitation from Foundation grantmaking staff – called Invitation Only.
- By an open call for applications, or the Responsive Cycle.
Please visit our Learn How to Apply page after November 1, 2010, for more information.
How do I submit my application?
All applications must be submitted through Grantee Center, our interactive resource for applicants and grantees. Please register for Grantee Center to submit your application.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are formally acknowledged via email with a tracking number. You will receive written notification regarding the status of your application. For a complete grant cycle calendar, please visit our Learn How to Apply page [link to www.sff.org/apply] after November 1st.
What if I miss the deadline?
Due to the large volume of applications received by the Foundation, we regret that we cannot accept late applications. Grantee Center will only allow submissions through the deadline, applications saved In Progress will not be considered.
My group doesn't have tax-exempt status. Can I still apply?
Groups that do not have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code must use a fiscal sponsor in order to apply. If you are looking for a fiscal sponsor, please visit our fiscal sponsorship page to learn about an organization called Community Initiatives.
Timeline
What are the timelines for the new grantmaking program?
There are multiple timelines for the new grantmaking program:
- Priority Funding Timeline (By Invitation Only)
- Beginning Monday, October 11, 2010, we kick off our Priority Funding Program, by invitation only. Proposals are due Monday, November 1, 2010. Grantees will be notified by December 10, 2010, and the grant start date will be December 15, 2010.
- Open Application Funding Timeline (Responsive Cycle)
- Monday, November 1, 2010, we launch our Open Application, or Responsive Cycle. Visit our Learn How to Apply page [link to www.sff.org/apply] on November 1, 2010, for more information.
- Transitions Fund Timeline
- Visit www.sff.org in early 2011 for more information.
- Immigration Integration Fund Timeline
- Visit www.sff.org in early 2011 for more information.
Types of Funding
What are the Foundation’s areas of funding?
The funding areas of The San Francisco Foundation are: Priority Funding, Open Application Funding, Transitions Funding, and Immigration Integration Funding.
Priority Funding
In response to the recession, and to support those hardest hit in the region, The San Francisco Foundation will grant $5 million to nonprofit organizations in three priority areas:
- Safety Net: To support organizations who are addressing the immediate needs of individuals and families most impacted by the economic recession and to sustain and strengthen the nonprofit safety net. Grants range from $30,000 to $50,000.
- Job Training and Creation: To connect low-income, low-skilled workers to training and employment opportunities that offer family sustaining wages and career advancement opportunities. Grants range from $30,000 to $50,000.
- Foreclosure Response and Neighborhood Preservation: To support projects and initiatives that assist families to avoid displacement, protect family and community assets, and stabilize neighborhoods by addressing the negative impact of foreclosed properties and preserving affordable housing. Grants range from $35,000 to $50,000.
Open Application Funding
An open call for applications is available in the content areas of Community Health, Community Development, the Environment, Education, and Arts and Culture.
Our goals and objectives reflect our organizing principle that meaningful and positive change happens in community through People, Organizations, Neighborhoods, and Policy, Advocacy, and Organizing.
Our staff will use this principle as a backdrop when we review applications in order to find synchronicity, overlapping efforts, and the opportunity to create impact that is greater than just one grant or idea.
Our Programs section has detailed information, including goals and objectives and contact people for each of the content areas
Transitions Fund
Our Transitions Fund, for nonprofit organizations seeking support for mergers and acquisitions, shared-services, and other substantial organizational transitions, will reopen in early 2011. It is a two-step open application process that requires an initial Intent to Apply letter, followed by the application. It is an ongoing funding process beginning in early 2011 and will be open through June 30, 2011, or until all funds are spent.
Immigration Integration Fund
The Immigration Integration Fund, promoting the integration of immigrants into the civic and economic life of our region, will launch in early 2011.
Geographic Areas Served
What geographic areas does the Foundation fund?
As a regional community foundation, The San Francisco Foundation funds in San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo Counties.
What We Do Not Fund
What does The San Francisco Foundation not fund?
The Foundation generally does not fund:
- Projects outside the five Bay Area counties we serve (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo)
- Medical, academic, or scientific research
- Religious activities (although religious institutions may apply for nonsectarian activities)
- Direct assistance to individuals
- Conferences or one-time events
We encourage you to visit the Programs section, where we share with you specific details about what we fund and do not fund.
Grantmaking Program Goals
What are the goals of the Foundation’s grantmaking program?
The San Francisco Foundation’s new grantmaking program aims to strengthen our impact in community by focusing, deepening, and measuring our work to address critical issues effecting the most vulnerable in the region to improve the quality of life for all.
Guided by input from our grantees, donors, and public and private partners, we continue to adapt and respond to community needs with focused grantmaking strategies and structures that:
- Narrow our focus to increase our impact
- Respond to the critical needs created by the recession
- Support nonprofits working in Community Health, Education, Community Development, Arts and Culture, and the Environment
- Streamline the application process for our grantees.
Please visit the Programs section to read about each areas specific goals and objectives.