GRANTMAKING AT ACT

GRANTMAKING FAQ's

Q. What is the preferred method to submit an application?
A. We prefer that applications be submitted online when online submission is available. We will also accept PDF applications that are e-mailed. Please contact ACT staff to discuss. 

Q. Does the application need to be received at the ACT office on the due date?
A. No, it needs to be POSTMARKED by the due date. We are unable to accept late applications.

Q. Do I have to send multiple copies of all the attachments?
A. We only need one copy of your tax-exempt letter from the IRS.

Q. How can I be sure I am sending everything required for a grant application?
A. If you follow the guidelines carefully, you will be in great shape.

Q. If I send a letter describing my project before the application deadline, would you review it?
A. No. But if you have read the guidelines provided on our website and still have questions, you can certainly call or email us for guidance.

Q. If I send in my application ahead of the deadline, will someone read it and give me feedback?
A. No. Out of fairness to all applicants, we review applications only after the deadline has passed. But if you have questions about the grant guidelines on our website, you can certainly call or email us.

Q. If I received a grant last year, can I apply again?
A. Yes, although we rarely fund the same project for two consecutive years. If you received a grant last year, you will need to submit a final report for that year’s grant before we will consider a new grant application.  

Q. How do I find out about, or contact, your advised funds?
A. The vast majority of ACT’s funds do not accept applications for support, as the grantmaking is either advised by a living donor to meet his or her charitable objectives, or is predetermined by a specific fund purpose (such as an annual scholarship award or a permanently designated annual grant to a specific nonprofit organization). As a service to fundholders who request it, we let them know of proposals that we receive in their areas of interest, but grantseekers can not directly apply to, or contact, these advised funds.  

Q. What is a 501(c)(3)?
A. The 501(c)(3) is a section of the tax code which indicates the IRS has determined an organization to be a charitable not for profit entity. A copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter is due with your application. If you are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status, a copy of a receipt/acknowledgement from the IRS that the paperwork has been received will suffice, however an award check will not be issued until the IRS has determined your 501(c)(3) status. 

Q. What is a fiscal sponsor?
A. Our grants must be paid to a 501(c)(3), town or municipality, church or public school. If your organization does not have 501(c)(3) status, you might be able to use a fiscal sponsor which is an organization with a mission that is supported by your project.  They must be willing to accept money on your behalf, and they would be ultimately responsible for making sure the project is completed and that all grant reports are filed as required. Some organizations charge a fee to be a sponsor. If you need to use a fiscal sponsor, we require a copy of the sponsor's 501(c)(3) determination letter and a copy of the sponsor's financial statements with your application. ACT cannot act as a fiscal sponsor.