Grant Information
HOW TO APPLY
If your organization is considering a grant application, we encourage you to explore our mission, vision, and core programs to see how your initiative can contribute to our goals. While your proposal doesn’t have to perfectly align with a specific core program, we are especially eager to support projects that uplift children and families in need through educational and well-being initiatives, preserve and celebrate community and cultural heritage—particularly Italian-American traditions, advance medical and surgical knowledge to enhance healthcare, inspire creativity and enrich communities through arts and culture, drive progress through scientific innovation, and promote environmental stewardship for a sustainable future. If your vision resonates with ours, we’re excited to hear from you.
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2025
The Sam J. Frankino Foundation (SJFF) will accept grant applications only once in 2025, with a submission deadline of September 30, 2025.
Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission Deadline
All organizations seeking funding must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) no later than July 1, 2025. The LOI process allows us to assess alignment between your organization’s programs and our strategic priorities. Please check our website periodically for updates.
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Before submitting a full grant proposal, organizations must complete and submit an LOI using our standardized online form.
- Download the LOI form
- Email the completed LOI to sjffoundation@aol.com along with your organization’s IRS determination letter.
- Do not include additional documents at this stage.
All LOIs will undergo an internal review, and applicants will be notified of their status by August 15, 2025. If additional information is required, the SJFF team will reach out via email.
Step 2: Full Grant Proposal Invitation
Organizations whose LOIs are approved will be invited to submit a full grant application. Detailed submission instructions will be provided upon invitation. Required documents include:
- SJFF Cover Sheet – Attach copy of the submitted LOI Form
- Letter signed by the Executive Director, CEO or Board Chair
- Organization Budget
- Project/Program Budget (if applicable)
- Board & Leadership List
Full proposals must be submitted via email no later than 11:59 PM ET on September 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
PROPOSAL REVIEW & FUNDING DECISION
Upon submission, each proposal will undergo a thorough review. Additional information may be requested, and meetings may be scheduled to discuss the project in more detail. Funding decisions will be communicated within 90 days of submission by email.
GRANT REPORTING & FOLLOW-UP
Grantees are required to submit progress reports:
- For grants of $10,000 and above: An updated progress report on previous grant funding is recommended for future funding consideration.
- For grants of $50,000 and above: An updated progress report is recommended for future funding consideration, and a site visit may be requested to be conducted before future funding is approved.
IMPORTANT GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES
- Submission Deadline: All applications must be emailed by 11:59 PM ET on September 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Incomplete Applications: Proposals missing required documents will not be reviewed.
- Funding Alignment: LOIs and grant proposals must align with The Sam J. Frankino Foundation’s funding priorities. Please review our website for details.
- Solicitation Appeals: Generic fundraising appeals will not be considered.
- Multi-Year Funding: Multi-year funding requests may be considered for up to two years.
- Restrictions on Funding:
- Endowments (except in rare cases)
- Political campaigns or action groups
- Grants or loans to individuals
- Personal scholarships, tickets, or fundraising event advertisements
- Event Sponsorship Requests: These should not be submitted through the grant application process. Instead, email sjffoundation@aol.com with the organization name and event name in the subject line. Be sure to include all necessary supporting documents with your request.
For additional questions, please contact us at sjffoundation@aol.com.