Grant Application FAQ's

Thanks for considering applying for a grant from The Neeb Family Foundation (NFF). To help facilitate the grant application process, please read this material carefully. Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions:

FAQ

1) Who is eligible for a grant?

Only organizations recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service under IRS Code §501(c)(3) are eligible to receive a grant from The NFF. Note that simply being a non-profit corporation is insufficient as is IRS recognition under any other subsection of §501.

–Please note: The NFF cannot issue a grant directly to any individual for any purpose.  Applicable law and our corporate governing documents prohibit us from doing so.

2) Do you give grants to international organizations?

The NFF accepts grant requests from any U.S. based charity doing work outside the country and we have on occasion approved grants to those organizations provided they meet the criteria set forth in #1 of these FAQ.  However, for various reasons, including the difficulty of properly vetting those organizations, our efforts are primarily focused nationally. It is highly unlikely we will issue a grant to directly to a non-US chartered entity. (See #1, above)

3) Is there a maximum amount we can request?

The NFF does not accept single grant requests for more than $25,000. We would consider, and in some limited and special instances have agreed, to fund a grant for more than that amount if such is to be distributed over two or more consecutive years.

4) What are the preferred types of projects you fund?

The NFF prefers to issue grants that will fully complete a specific project. We favor applicants who have done their best to fund their project themselves and will continue to work towards self-funding while their grant request is pending with The NFF. We also prefer to issue grants for projects that will benefit the greatest number of people for the longest period, rather than projects that need to be funded on an annual basis. When we issue grants, we consider the project, the total budget of the project, and the financial means of the requesting agency.

5) Are there are projects that you will not fund with a grant?

The NFF rarely, if ever, participates in making its funds available for the organization’s general budget, or debt reduction, financial aid / scholarship, or capital campaigns.

6) Can you give me some examples of the types of projects The NFF has previously agreed to fund?

Example past projects include:

• • • Infrastructure repairs or improvements in Christian schools or churches, senior centers, shelters and food banks such as — the repair or replacement of boilers, HVAC, plumbing, kitchen appliances, windows, door locks, floors, playgrounds, and classroom furniture.
    • Vehicle purchases and payoffs.
    • Technology upgrades for Christian schools and churches such as laptops, iPads, chromebooks, whiteboards, internet routers and cabling, multimedia improvements and sound system upgrades.
    • Room and space buildouts for counseling centers, science classrooms, safe spaces and reading spaces.
    • Curriculum purchases for Christian schools.

7) What do I need when I submit a grant request?

You must upload a copy of your letter from the IRS certifying your recognition as an IRS Code §501(c)(3) charitable organization.

8) What information is required about our request?

The simple answer is “the more the better.”  We very thoroughly vet all grant requests and the more you can save us time and effort by providing comprehensive information “up front” the faster we can work towards a decision.  Our Board of Directors meets three times a year to consider grant requests. Keep in mind that the process to vet, consider, approve and then fund grants takes time to complete.  It is not as simple as “write a check” tomorrow.

9) What specific information should I include:

About the project itself:

• • • A description of the project including both the details of the project, and how it integrates into your mission to provide Christian education, Christian ministry and/or address some human care need.
    • The dates by which you need to know our decision on your request and a date by which you need the funds. Those dates must be realistic and as specific as possible.

About the amount you are requesting from The NFF:

• • • The amount of your grant request.
    • The amount of the total project budget.
    • The amount of applicant’s own resources available for the project.
    • If you are asking The NFF to provide 100% of the funds for your project, an explanation of the impediments that create the inability for you to raise any of the needed funds.

While not required, to the extent available you should tell us whether you have bids from vendors for the work / material necessary to complete the project.

10) What is the process after a grant request is submitted?

The NFF reviews every grant request that is submitted and if it decides to move forward with further consideration, it will assign that request to one of our board members who will coordinate communication with you for any follow-up information needed for our decision or any questions regarding your grant request.

11) When do you make your grant decisions?

The NFF Board of Directors meets three times annually (Spring, Summer and Fall) and usually approves grants during each of those meetings. We may issue grants outside of those dates on an individual basis, but that is not a common practice.

12) After approval of my grant request, when can I expect the funds to arrive?

It may take up to several weeks for us to make sure our records, as required by applicable laws, are complete before we can send you the grant funds.  Grant funds are disbursed by check and usually sent priority mail.  As a general rule of thumb, you can expect our check within approximately 3 weeks after Board approval of your grant request.

Before attempting a grant request submission, please have available your IRS Code §501(c)(3) recognition letter. This letter is required for submission. 

If you are not a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, you should consider another organization for your funding, as we are unable to consider your request.