Q. If my organization fulfills the stated objectives for a program ILCHF funds, will we automatically be allowed to apply for renewed funding?
A. No. Funding is provided based on the terms of the initial grant. If an RFP, for example, offers funding for one year, then renewals will not be offered. It is important for any organization to understand that ongoing funding will be provided on an extremely limited basis, and will depend on the type of grants originally awarded. No recipient should expect ongoing support unless it was addressed under the original terms of the award.
Q. Do you fund requests for general operating support?
A. The general preference is to fund requests that are doing "more" than they may have done in the past to address children's health issues in Illinois. The programs do not need to be "model" but requests should focus on the enhancements you will make to a program to become more effective, efficient or assist more children. They should focus on the expansion of great ideas - if something is working in the northern part of the state and the need exists in Central Illinois, why not move it south. Applicants should do all they can to show how they are breaking new ground with their activities.
Q. If my organization requested funds over three years and received a grant for only one year, will we be able to re-apply for years 2 and 3? A. In instances where an RFP offered more than one year of funding, grant recipients that received funding for one year of a multi-year request may be able to re-apply for subsequent years' funding through a streamlined renewal process. If the RFP did not offer multi-year funding, then a renewal may not be provided. In general, additional funding is not assured beyond the original grant.
Q. Can community-based organizations apply for funding or does funding go only to larger organizations?
A. Any size nonprofit organization may apply for funding. Size-specific limits are included with RFPs issued annually.
Q. What is collaboration? A. In short, collaboration is working with other organizations/entities to accomplish your activities more efficiently and effectively. You may be collaborating with an organization that provides a piece of your program more efficiently than you could with your own staff or volunteers. You may be collaborating with a group of funders or providers to address a problem more effectively. Simply describe who you are working with (service provider, funder, etc.) that helps/will help you accomplish your goal(s) and include any documentation requested that attests to their involvment.
Q. Do you fund multiple-year projects?
A. Depending on the specific RFP or other area of funding a grant is awarded under, more than one year of funding at a time may be available. In all instances of multi-year grants, funding provided for the years after year one is based on the submission of an annual progress report that ILCHF Staff and Board find satisfactory.
Q. What is the range of dollar awards for recent grants? A. The maximum amount an applicant may request will be determined with each RFP issued. The Board of ILCHF is prepared to make a major commitment to those organizations/activities that will have a significant impact on children's health in the state. In any case, an applicant should limit its request to an amount that is consistent with that organization's capacity and the scope of the proposed program.
Q. May my organization apply for ILCHF funding at any time during the year?
A. Generally no - for the most part, grants from ILCHF are awarded by application through a scheduled RFP process. While there are discretionary funds allocated annually for more urgent needs, these funds are limited and available at the Board's discretion. Engagement Funding dollars are not available through an application process, but organizations with initiatives they believe fall under this proactive area of funding may contact a member of the Foundation's staff to discuss the opportunity.
Q. Are grant decisions made public?
A. The staff of ILCHF will work closely with grant recipients to publicly announce dollars awarded following the close of each grant cycle. In addition, grants awarded are listed on our web site and will be included in more formal annual reports.
Q. If my organization is denied funding may we apply for funding later on?
A. Yes - if your organization is denied funding during a regular grant cycle (or in response to a request for discretionary funding) you will receive as detailed an explanation as possible for the reasons behind the decline. It is our hope that by providing solid feedback to applicants wherever possible, they might strengthen their application capabilities and have greater success in receiving future funding from ILCHF or other foundations.
Q. My organization is small and doesn't produce audited financial statements. What should I send along with my Letter of Inquiry? A. Please send the most current year-end financial statement and a copy of the corresponding annual report filed with the State of Illinois. Other information may be required depending on the RFP you are applying under.
Q. How many grants will be awarded each year? A. The number and amount of grants awarded each year will vary. They will be determined during the annual budgeting and planning process conducted by the staff and Board of ILCHF.
Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, 1200 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 301, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (p) 630.571.2555 (f) 630.571.2566