Grant Information

HOW TO APPLY

If your organization is considering a grant application, please review our mission, vision and core programs to see if your proposal aligns with our objectives. While your proposal need not fit into a particular core program to be eligible, we are particularly interested in collaborations that provide opportunities for the education and well-being of children and families in need; strengthen, preserve and celebrate community and culture, particularly Italian-American heritage; advance the knowledge of medicine and surgery; nurture the arts and culture; encourage scientific discovery; and promote the care of our environment.

Eligibility

Applicant must be holding a current tax-exempt status under 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code.

Grant Limitations

SJFF will not consider funding requests for endowment (in most cases); political campaigns and political action groups; grants of loans to individuals; or other personal purposes including scholarships, tickets or fundraising event advertising.

Timeline

You can apply at any point in the year by completing and submitting a grant application by the appropriate quarterly deadlines.

Grant Awards

We consider proposals for grants of $1,000 and higher. Multi-year funding requests may be considered for a maximum of two years.

Grant Format

Grant seekers may submit by mail. Proposals should be a maximum of four pages. Proposals must include:

• Cover letter, signed by chief executive officer and list of board trustees
• Copy of IRS determination and IRS tax status
• Most recent annual report
• Organization history
• Strategic plan
• Brief description of services provided
• Service area
• Grant application form (Click to Download)
• Brief overview of grant purpose and project description
• Evaluation method — how organization plans to measure progress and success

Project Description

The grant application must include a project description that contains the following:

• Statement of why the project is needed and the specific problems it will help to address in the community. Provide relevant statistical data that supports your needs statement.
• Description of the project for funding.
• Description of project goals with specific measurable outcomes and indicators of success. (We will put greater priority on projects with a clear program.)
• Timeline of activities to meet project’s objectives.
• Total dollar amount requested along with a line item and projected budget, if available.
• List of partners in the project and their roles.
• List of amount pending and/or amounts already committed by other funding agencies or sources to the project.
• Explanation of how the project will be handled (sustained) beyond the projected funding period.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Grant proposal applications are considered twice a year by the Foundation’s Trustees. Deadlines for submitting grant proposals for review are March 15th and October 15th. Forward all grant proposal applications by mail only.

Once received, SJFF funding decisions are informed by mail or email process within 90 days of receipt.