Grant Process FAQ
Who can apply for a grant?
Organizations that qualify through their commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities can submit a Letter of Interest. If approved, they will be allowed access to our online grant application. Helpers’ grants are for facility improvement projects (infrastructure), not for programs or general operating support.
Who reviews my grant request?
All submitted grant requests are initially reviewed and vetted by Helpers Executive Director and the Helpers Community grant award committee. Approved Letters of Interest will be invited to submit a full proposal which will be reviewed and discussed by The Helpers Community Board of Directors. Upon the recommendation of the grant award committee, The Helpers Board of Directors will then vote to approve their support of the submitted proposal, and the amount of the grant to be funded.
How much money should my organization request?
There is a range of grant award amounts. You should determine the amount of funding you need for your project and submit the amount you are requesting in your project overview.
For additional information, please refer to the information included in the grant process and grant deadlines/timelines pages.
If our Organization is declined funding, can we reapply?
Yes, you can reapply in the following year. Helpers Community will only approve one grant submitted by an organization for each calendar year.
For additional information, refer closely to the Helpers Community grant process page.
What is the process an organization has to complete to apply for a grant from Helpers?
Please visit our Grant Process page.
What are the timeline and key dates I need to know when applying for a Helper’s grant?
Letters of Interest must be received by June 30th each year. If your LOI is approved you will be invited to complete and submit the online grant application by August 30th. Grant decisions will be made by September 30th. Please see our Grant Process and Deadlines/Timelines pages.
Can I apply for more than one Helpers grant within a calendar year?
No; Helpers organizations will only be considered for 1 award grant in any calendar year.
Are new nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for a Helper's grant? Are there any additional guidelines or criteria that apply to organizations applying for a first-time grant?
For organizations applying for their first “Request for Funding” (RFF) to Helpers Community, the Board of Directors requires a scheduled site visit to the organization by the Helpers Community Executive Director and additional Board member(s). This required site visit allows us to become more familiar with the organization’s leadership and learn more about the specific program or project area of need.
I am the Executive Director for a Bay Area nonprofit with a mission to provide Day Care and program support for Kindergarten through elementary school children. Is my organization eligible for a Helper’s award grant?
No, Helpers Community provides grant award support for infrastructure needs of organizations whose mission aligns with ours to serve Adults (over 18) with Developmental Disabilities.
If a board member or employee of a Bay Area or California nonprofit has a relative, sibling, or significant other who is an employee or board member at Helpers Community is the organization eligible for a Helper’s grant?
As per the Helpers Community Conflict of Interest policy, when a person in a position of authority at an organization, such as an officer, board director, or key employee benefits directly (financially) from a decision he or she could make in such capacity, which may include direct or indirect benefits to family member(s) or business(s) with which the person is closely associated, this may be perceived as a potential/perceived conflict of interest. Therefore, the organization would not be eligible for an award grant from HCI.