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Frequently Asked Questions About Capacity Building Grants

What is a Capacity Building grant?

A Capacity Building grant seeks to assist nonprofits in achieving new levels of effectiveness. The purpose is to help nonprofit organizations directly serving older adults to strengthen internal systems; implement evidence-based programs; execute needed IT infrastructure updates; and find resources to facilitate the organization's progress in achieving its goals.

Are there differences between program/project grants, core operating grants and capacity building grants?

Yes, there are distinctions between these grant types. Program/project grants, core operating, and capacity building grants tend to be the most confusing. They are not however interchangeable. Each one is distinct in its own way.

Program/Project Grants are the most common grant type. They provide organizations with support needed to develop and implement distinct and special projects or programs. They typically support the supplies, materials, and staff salaries to implement the program/project. They are often time-bound and aimed at achieving specific goals, objectives, and milestones.

Core/General Operating Grants
are grants designed to support infrastructure, emerging needs, and salaries of staff involved in the nonprofit’s operations. They are grants that help nonprofits conduct their day-to-day work and may also be multi-year grants. They are used to pay for the kind of expenses that are essential for an organization to function.

Capacity Building Grants
are, according to the National Council of Nonprofits, an investment in the effectiveness and future sustainability of a nonprofit. In other words, it’s about the organization’s ability to deliver its mission effectively (now) and in the future. Nonprofit capacity building includes a variety of different types of activities.

Archstone Foundation’s Capacity Building grants specifically include support for: planning activities, board and leadership development, strategic relationships, internal operations, technology improvements, developing new sources for earned income, building evaluation capacity, and evidence-based program adaptation or implementation. 

Eligibility

Who can apply for a general Capacity Building grant?

Organizations in California whose work aligns with Archstone Foundation’s mission to improve the health and well-being of older Californians and their caregivers are eligible to apply for a Capacity Building grant.

Who can apply for a “Supporting Diverse Communities and Advancing Racial and Health Equity for Older Adults through Capacity Building” grant?

This capacity building RFP opportunity is intended for requests focused exclusively on organizations serving diverse communities and advancing racial equity.

How can I apply for a Capacity Building grant with Archstone Foundation?

To apply for a Capacity Building grant, please review the Request for Proposals. The Foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOI) through our online grant portal. (Please note that new users must establish a username and password.)  For site optimization, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

We’ve reviewed the RFP and the FAQ and our organization would like to apply for a Capacity Building grant; however, we still have questions about our specific workplan. How do we know if our request is a good fit for the RFP?

Our Program Officers offer weekly virtual office hours to discuss specific proposal ideas. Please refer to the RFP to schedule an appointment. We look forward to speaking with you!

Is there a deadline to submit a proposal?

Yes, please refer to the RFP for the timeline for these funding opportunities.

If my application for the Capacity Building grant is not awarded, may I apply again?

Yes.

I currently have a grant with Archstone Foundation, would I be able to apply for a Capacity Building grant?

Yes, current grantees are eligible to apply. If you are a current Capacity Building grantee, we ask that you wait two years after the end of your current grant to re-apply.

I run a local service program for older adults in another state; would I be eligible for funding?

No, grants for direct service delivery programs are limited to California.

I am an individual seeking financial assistance. Am I eligible for one of these grants?

No, in keeping with our charter, we are unable to provide funding to individuals.

What are the reporting requirements?

If your organization is awarded funding, the reporting requirements for the grant will be included in your Grant Agreement.

Funding

How long is the duration of either Capacity Building grant?

Up to one year.

Can we use consultants or propose subcontracts for our Capacity Building proposal?

Yes, proposed budgets may include consultants and sub-contractors. If you are planning to use a consultant or subcontractor, we suggest specifying who you plan to contract with in your proposal and having a cost estimate from that consultant/subcontractor included as part of the budget narrative.

If awarded funding, do you allow no-cost extensions or budget modifications?

Yes, you may work with your Program Officer to address any needed no-cost extensions or budget modifications.

What if the scope of the work changes?

Please contact your Program Officer to discuss any anticipated changes to the approved scope of work.

Is there a maximum on indirect cost?

Yes, Archstone Foundation allows for indirect costs up to 10%.

Completing the Application

What if I forget my password to the grant portal?

If you have forgotten your password to Archstone Foundation’s grant portal, please send a request to grants@archstone.org to reset your password.

What if I forgot my Username to the grant portal?

If you have forgotten your Username, please send an email to Tanisha Davis, Vice President of Grant Operations and Planning, at tdavis@archstone.org, so she can assist you further.

I am having issues with submitting my application. Who do I contact?

If you have an issue when clicking on the Submit button at the end of the application, please confirm that all required fields are filled in. Required fields are marked with a red asterisk. If you are still having an issue after confirming all fields are completed, please send an email to Tanisha Davis at tdavis@archstone.org with detailed information on what you are experiencing so we can assist you.

A required application question does not apply to us/our project, how do I move forward in the application process?

Please enter “n/a” in the required field if a question does not apply to your organization and/or project.

What is a Three T strategy?

At Archstone Foundation, we are pursuing our theory of change around integrating health and social services through coordinated investments in our core strategies of promoting teams, enhancing training, and improving technology (the Three Ts). In order to achieve our vision of coordinated care, we are asking capacity building applicants to tell us how their work aligns with our strategic goals. You can read more about our strategic focus on care coordination here.

When creating the budget, is it acceptable to leave positions marked as "To Be Named” (TBN) if we have not yet identified someone for a position?

Yes. However, if a position is labeled TBN, please specify the position title, role, and include a descriptive narrative that outlines the qualifications, scope of work, and job duties for the position.

Can we submit the proposal via E-mail or send a hard copy via USPS?

No, the Foundation will only accept LOIs that are submitted through the grant portal. E-mailed LOIs and hard copies of the proposal will not be accepted.

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