Q: We applied for funding last year and received/didn’t receive a grant. Can we apply this year?
Yes. Any 501(c)3 organization working within our service region is eligible to apply for funding this year.
Q: We received funding in 2017 but have decided that we want to change the focus of our work this year. Should we apply as a new applicant or renewal applicant?
The grant application portal on WizeHive will ask organizations to indicate whether a grant was awarded in 2017. Organizations that received funding in 2017 will be considered “renewal applicants”.
On the application, renewal applicants that wish to change the focus, scope and/or location of programs/services should keep their application type as “Renewal” and select “New” to indicate that change.
Q: We did not receive funding in 2017 but were previously awarded a grant by the Healthy Communities Foundation (formerly known as the Arthur Foundation). Should we apply as a new applicant or renewal applicant?
Organizations that did not receive a grant in 2017 are considered “new applicants”. Please review the grant guidelines to determine how your work aligns with our priorities as well as how you can prepare a strong proposal.
Q: How much funding can we apply for?
Organizations are invited to apply for funding up to 10% of their annual operating budget. Grants available through the 2018 grantmaking cycle are for general operating support. Please note that actual award amounts may vary based on the volume and quality of proposals that we receive.
Q: How many grants are available?
We do not have a pre-determined number of grants to award within this grant cycle. The number of grants depends in part on the volume and quality of proposals received. As indicated in the grant guidelines, HCF will give priority consideration to proposals that serve priority zip codes and serve communities experiencing the greatest health disparities.
Q: Is there a specific number of people within the service region that the Foundation aims to reach?
HCF does not have a pre-determined number of people it seeks to impact. The Foundation is most interested in deepening investment and collaborative impact in the region by learning from and learning with grantee partners. That may include partnership with organizations that serve a high number of residents, and/or organizations that provided highly specialized care or supports for a smaller group. As the foundation continues to expand on elements of our strategic plan, it will use available data and insight provided by grantee partners to demonstrate the greatest potential for impact.
Q: Our organization is located outside of the HCF service area map, but we work within the region. Are we eligible to apply?
Organizations may apply if they serve individuals that live within the HCF service area. Applicants will be asked in the proposal for the number of residents you serve by zip code.
Q: Our organization serves residents from several zip codes in the HCF service area map. Should we apply under priority, general or both?
HCF will consider requests that serve all corners of our service region, but we will give priority to organizations that address the greatest health disparities.
Q: Our organization is outside of the HCF service area map, but we are looking to expand our work into the region. Will you consider new/expanded efforts?
HCF will consider new and/or expanded efforts to serve residents within the region. Organizations new to the area and/or are proposing a new initiative, will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the priority health concerns of the specific region and a commitment to and successful track record of community engagement, collaboration, and effective program implementation.
Q: The primary focus of our organization is not health-related. Can we still apply?
We recognize that organizations provide a wide array of programs and services that benefit local residents. Strong proposals will demonstrate a clear connection between proposed programs/services in the HCF service region and the impact on individual and/or community health.
Q: Last year the Foundation funded capital improvement grants. Can we apply for a capital grant this year?
HCF is unable to award grants for capital improvement grants at this time. Organizations may consider capital expenses, such as dental chairs, technology or equipment need as part of general operating support.
Q: How does the Foundation define a disability?
We understand that organizations may have specific ways of defining disability based on service provision and client profile. How your organization defines disability is the best way to provide that information.
Q: We currently do not track all the demographic data listed on the worksheet. Does this mean we cannot apply?
We know that different organizations are in different phases of collecting diversity, equity and inclusion data. Please include the data you do track and use the text box to give more context regarding your organization’s circumstances or challenges.
Q: Are there specific outcomes that HCF is looking for?
We recognize that there are multiple pathways towards addressing health equity in our service region, and that organizations might conduct and evaluate their activities in a variety of ways. We aim to support a variety of approaches to ensure residents have greater access to quality, comprehensive care in the short-term, while simultaneously investing in strategies that address long-term structural changes towards health inequities.
Q: Do you fund in [this community or zip code]?
Details about our service region can be found here. If you are unsure whether your community is eligible, feel free to reach out.
Q: What is the best way to present data on population served for policy advocacy efforts, and/or other programs/services that aim to benefit or reach all residents in a zip code?
We would be interested in learning how residents and/or community-based organizations are directly involved in your organization’s activities – i.e. how are they directly participating in advocacy efforts on a local or statewide level? Are residents involved as trainers, peer educators, participatory action researchers, or in leadership roles with your organization directly or with community-based coalition partners? Are residents the target audience or recipients of your programs and initiatives? We would ask you to track all residents and/or community-based organizations directly involved, and if not applicable, invite you to provide more context about the direct and indirect involvement in the space provided.
Q: Our organization does not/cannot track data in the format requested. What should we do?
We recognize that data collection looks different for everyone. We invite applicants to share more context about any specific circumstances or challenges that apply to your organization in the space provided on the application. Please reach out to use if you would like to speak further about your unique context.
Q: How will applications be reviewed?
Applications will be reviewed by HCF staff and external philanthropic consultants with relevant context expertise. All submitted proposals will undergo a due diligence process that includes a rubric to identify how proposals align with our grantmaking framework and priorities outlined in our strategic plan.
Q: Will you accept letters of support from community partners?
We do not require any supplemental items to your application, other than what is already outlined on the application itself. If your organization is emerging and/or grassroots (including, but not limited to, if you apply with a fiscal sponsor) please reach out to us to determine if a letter of support or other evidence might be appropriate. At this moment, such supplemental items are not required and will not be formally considered in the 2018 review process.
Q: Can we apply for multi-year funding?
Funds through the 2018 grant cycle are for one year. As part of our strategic plan, we will phase in multi-year grants in future funding cycles.
Q: Can we apply for funding for two different but complementary programs?
Funds through the 2018 grant cycle are available for general operating support, up to 10% of your organizational budget. You may write about more than one program in your proposal so long as there is a health equity focus in our service region. We will not consider two proposals from the same organization.
Q: When will the next funding cycle open?
The timeline for subsequent funding cycles will be announced in early 2019.
Q: What time frame should we use when answering questions about funding received from other foundations or donors?
Please use your most recently completed fiscal year.
Q: Would you consider funding a university or a school within a university (such as health sciences, social work or education) which has its own budget, program staff and community impact?
We would consider institutional partners such as a university or school, however, HCF will only consider one proposal per institution. We highly recommend reaching out to us prior to submitting a proposal.
Q: I am having technical difficulties with the grant submission website WizeHive. What should I do?
For login difficulties, please follow the instructions on the website.
For technical difficulties, please email administration@hcfdn.org.
Q: I have other questions. Is it ok to reach out to the Foundation?
Please reach out to us at administration@hcfdn.org above if you have further questions. We will make every effort to respond to questions, concerns, and ideas. We will also strive to update the website should questions arise regarding the application process.