Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can our organization submit a grant to both grant programs (Community Impact & Organizational Impact) during the same grant cycle?
No, we ask that you select only one Impact area for submission per cycle.

Q: Can our organization submit a grant proposal or letter of intent to the Community Foundation and an affiliate fund, and/or the Knight Foundation during the same grant cycle? 
Yes, grantees are not discouraged from submitting grants to multiple entities during the same grant cycle.

Q: Can our organization submit a grant request if it already has a current grant with the Community Foundation? 
Yes, if the grant is for a different program/project, however, we do try to diversify funding over each fiscal year and will take into consideration any current grants. 

Q: Can an organization submit two proposals under the same grant program?
No.  Given the competitive nature of all grant programs, we believe your organization would be best served by focusing on one proposal. 

Q: How many copies of the letter of intent or proposal do I need to submit? 
In both phases only one copy is required.

Q: Can I email or fax my letter of intent or proposal? 
No, we do not accept any email or fax transmissions.

Q: Can I still submit my letter of intent or grant proposal if I am unable to make it to the Community Foundation office by 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline (i.e. out-of-town, sick, car trouble, printer jammed, just received grant information)? 
Under no circumstances can letters of intent or proposals be accepted after 5:00 p.m. on the day of the deadline.

Q: My letter of intent or proposal was submitted by the deadline, however, I have since discovered errors, components have changed or I have realized something is missing. May I send the corrections to you? 
Unfortunately we cannot accept anything related to the grant past 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline. We must strictly administer this requirement to ensure everyone has an equal and fair opportunity to receive funding.

Q: I have several ideas for a grant. Can you advise me of which one is more likely to be awarded? Given the appropriate amount of time has been allotted before the deadline, an appointment can be made with program staff to discuss the Foundation's current funding priorities. However, a grant's success is also based on the competitive nature of the grant process.

Q: I've completed my grant and would like you to review it before the deadline and advise me of any changes that may need to be made. Can I do this? 
We do not review requests prior to the deadline; however, if your letter of intent or proposal has been denied funding, you can make an appointment with program staff to discuss what changes may improve funding possibilities in the future.

Q: What are the most common things that disqualify a letter of intent or proposal for review? 
Not following specific instructions
Including unrequested attachments
Not including required components 
Sending materials via fax or e-mail
Missing the deadline
Submitting a full proposal before it is requested

Q: Do I need to mail all of the items listed on the checklist? 
No, simply select the boxes that apply to your organization. 

Q: If we are pursuing our 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status, can we still apply for a grant?
Organizations which have not received a tax-exempt, nonprofit status can only apply for a grant through a fiscal agent that is a 501 (c)(3). The letter and proposal would need to indicate this collaboration has taken place. 

Q: How many letters of intent do you typically receive?
Typically, 75-100 per cycle. 

Q: What if my letter of intent or proposal gets lost in the mail? 
We are not responsible for any lost mail. To ensure we receive your submission you can mail it allowing ample time before the deadline or hand-deliver it to the Foundation office by 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline. 

Q: Where is the Foundation office located? 
Our address is 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213, Columbia, SC, 29204.  Middleburg Park is located off of Forest Drive.

Q: Will I be notified of my letter of intent or proposal is not funded?
Yes, you will be notified by mail within 30 days of the deadline. 

Q: Can I learn why my letter of intent or proposal was not funded?
Yes you are welcome to contact program staff, allowing adequate time for
the completion of each grant cycle (two weeks after you are notified).  Please contact Veronica Pinkett-Barber at 803.254.5601 x.331 or veronica@yourfoundation.org.