Frequently Asked Questions
Online Application Frequently Asked Questions
Have the Mission and Guidelines of the Foundation
changed?
No, the Mission and Guidelines of the Foundation remain the same.
If your request is a fit with the objectives of the Foundation, please
submit your request, and the staff will thoughtfully consider it.
When the online application is operational, will the
Foundation still take grant requests by mail or e-mail?
No, starting February 1st, 2010, the Foundation will only take applications
that are submitted online. Any application that is postmarked after
January 31, 2009 will be returned to the grantee, and they will be
kindly asked to submit their request online.
Will I need a username and password to submit an online
application?
Yes, when you start the process of submitting your first online application
you will be asked to provide a username and password. These will
be confirmed to you by e-mail. Keep your username and password for
future reference.
If I start the process of filling out the online application
but can not complete it in one sitting, can I save it and come back
to it?
Yes, an incomplete application can be saved. With your username and
password you can return to your online
application and finish it
at your convenience.
Can I cut and paste information into the text boxes
in the online application?
Yes, text from another source that is pertinent to the information
to be included in any particular online application text box may
be cut and pasted.
Is the required information highlighted?
Yes, the information required to complete the online application
is denoted with red asterisks.
Can I submit any attachments with my online application?
Yes, at the end of the online application there are several items
that must be included as attachments. These include:
- Last certified audit,
if available
- Latest IRS determination letter
- List of trustees
or directors
- Current annual operating budget
- Project budget
- Three to five photos, if available
- List of staff
responsible for the project
- Strategic plan, if available
Can I mail any supplemental information associated
with my online application directly to the Foundation?
Please contact the Foundation with your request to provide supplemental
information, and a staff person will guide you as to what would be
appropriate to send.
Will I have an opportunity to review my online application
before submitting it?
Yes, at the end of filling out the online application you will be
able to review your application and make corrections. You will also
be able to print it out for your reference.
Will I receive notification that my application has
been received?
Yes, once you have submitted your online application you will receive
e-mail notification that your application has been received. At that
point your request will be under consideration and Foundation staff
will follow up if there are any further questions.
What will be the turn-around time for my online application?
Guidance on the turn-around time for an online application remains
the same. Within three to four months you will receive notice about
the disposition of your request.
Will I be able to contact the Foundation staff with
questions about the online application process?
Yes, Foundation staff will be available to answer questions. The
best way to contact the Foundation is either by phone at 214-751-2977
or by e-mail at info@rees-jonesfoundation.org. |
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What types of programs does the Foundation support?
The Foundation primarily supports programs in the areas of human physical
needs, affordable housing, economic development, employment, education,
Christian spiritual development and health, specifically including
mental health. The primary beneficiary group is vulnerable and underserved
children, youth and families. The Foundation is strongly guided by
its Mission Statement and Guidelines.
What is an appropriate amount to request when
submitting a proposal?
Each organization must determine its own needs, present a budget for
the proposal that is being submitted and indicate what amount is requested
from the Foundation. You should also consult our Guidelines for applicable
limitations.
My agency is located outside of Dallas. May I
still apply for a grant?
The Rees-Jones Foundation is a foundation focused on the North Texas
region. Most of our competitively awarded grants go to agencies that
serve this region. Grants to other areas are sometimes made at the discretion
of the Board of Directors, but usually only to Christian faith-based
organizations focused on meeting the needs of an underserved population
Do you require a letter of inquiry before submitting
a proposal?
No, but you may submit one, especially if your proposal is not one that
fits within our Guidelines.
Do you require that applications be in a particular
form?
Yes, in order for your application to be processed effectively we request
you use our application format. (Please note that on February 1st, 2010,
the Foundation will be going to an online application. See the FAQs
at the top.)
Can we meet with someone to discuss a possible
proposal?
Preliminary meetings are discouraged. We would prefer to begin the process
with an Online
Application,
or at least a letter of inquiry, before considering a meeting. We find
that it is usually a better use of your time and ours to allow our staff
to review your proposal before scheduling a meeting. If our staff determines
that a meeting or site visit would be beneficial, you will be contacted.
What are the deadlines for grant proposals?
The Foundation accepts grant proposals at any time throughout the year.
However, it is a good idea to submit your proposal several months before
the funding is needed.
How often do you consider proposals?
The Foundation’s board meets at least six times per year.
How will I know if you received my proposal?
We will try to acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks
after receipt.
When and how will I know if my proposal has been
accepted or rejected?
All applicants receive written communication regarding the disposition
of their proposal. Proposals are usually processed within 3 to 4 months.
If I have been notified that the Foundation has
approved a grant, when may I expect payment?
Along with the grant award letter, we will send you a grant contract
which you must sign and return. The contract must be signed before the
grant is paid. Generally, the contract will set out the payment schedule.
If there are specific time deadlines for your project, those deadlines
should be clearly stated in your application. If we impose conditions
to the grant, which would be the case with matching or challenge grants,
you must notify us when you have satisfied those conditions and give
us reasonable evidence that you have done so.
Do you fund general operating expenses?
Generally, we prefer to help organizations reach more people through
new programs, improved operations or expansion of existing services.
However, under certain circumstances we will support general operating
expenses if needed to strengthen the organization.
Do you prefer to fund capital or program?
We prefer that you determine your highest priority when presenting a
grant request.
We recently submitted a proposal and were declined.
May we re-submit?
Yes. Grant proposals are accepted at any time during the year. However,
our policy limits grant requests from eligible organizations to one
submission within a 12-month period, whether the previous request was
approved or denied.
We recently submitted a proposal that was accepted.
When can we apply for another grant?
Our policy limits grant requests from eligible organizations to one
submission within a 12-month period, whether the previous request was
approved or denied. In addition to the 12-month limitation, for those
grantees who did receive a grant, the required final report must be
submitted before a new grant is considered. New applications from an
organization that has received a multi-year grant from the Foundation
will not be considered until the grant term is complete and the final
report has been received by the Foundation.
I’m a new organization and don’t
have all the information requested in the guidelines. Can I still apply?
Yes. Send the most current information you have. Once your proposal
is reviewed, a member of our staff will contact you if additional information
is required.
Should we wait to hear from you before applying
to others?
No. It is a good idea to submit applications to multiple sources of
funding, as doing so will improve your chances of success.
Are there areas in which
the Foundation doesn’t
make grants?
Yes. In general, the Foundation does not make grants to underwrite fundraising
events, professional conferences, symposiums, performances or competition
expenses; or toward general sustentation drives. Also, the Foundation
does not make grants for endowment purposes.
Do you give grants or scholarships to individuals?
No. The Rees-Jones Foundation distributes grants only to qualified public
entities or organizations exempt from tax under Section 501(c) (3)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
Does the Foundation grant money to commercial
businesses?
No, the Foundation does not fund for-profit organizations.
To whom should proposals be addressed?
The Rees-Jones Foundation
Attention: Program Officer
5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1603
Dallas, Texas 75225 |
