Online
Where can we apply?
We are pleased to provide eligible grant applicants with a paperless, streamlined and user-friendly online grant application. Please register on the site by entering your information to create a user “Log-In.” Obici Online Application
Forgot my password, what should I do?
Click the “Forgot Password” link available on the account login page:
Can two people from the agency register for the online access?
Not at this time, however come December 2014 you will be notified of this added feature.
Will my application be saved; can I stop and continue later? How do I access a saved application so that I can complete and submit it?
Yes, all information provide in the online application will be saved. You can complete your application by doing the following: log in to your account at Obici Online Application.
Can I spell check the narrative I include on my application?
Yes, please use the red checkmark icon (where available) to spell check your narrative.
Can I copy and paste from my organizational documents into the online application?
Yes, this will help you avoid retyping of important branded organization statement – like your mission.
Can I print the application?
Yes, as long as you print before you submit your application.
How do I know my application was received?
After you submit the application, you will receive an email notification that the proposal was received. If you do not receive this email please be sure to check your SPAM filter.
How should I notify you if my contact information should change after I submit my online application?
Please log into your account at Obici Online Application to update your information.
Application Questions
What is the Foundation’s service area?
The Foundation will fund programs in the following geographic areas: Cities of Suffolk and Franklin and the County of Isle of Wight; Surry, Dendron and Elberon in Surry County; Waverly and Wakefield in Sussex County; Courtland, Boykins, Ivor, Sedley and Newsoms in Southampton County; and Gates County, North Carolina.
Can our agency’s administrative office be outside of the Foundation service area and still be eligible to apply for a grant?
Yes. If your agency headquarters is located outside of our service area but your agency provides and/or proposes to provide services to our service area, your proposal will be considered. The applicant needs to clearly demonstrate the proposal will directly benefit residents of the Foundation's service area for such a proposal to be competitive.
Can public entities be awarded grants?
Yes. However, the funds awarded cannot be used to supplant any budget deficits of the agency. They can be used only to support the project as described in the proposal submitted to the Foundation.
Can the same agency submit two applications?
Yes, but each application must be for clearly different programs or ideas. For the same agency to receive two grants, the quality of the proposals will need to be very high and address major priority areas of the Foundation.
Can dedicated pledges be used as a match?
Yes. Cash pledges are always welcome and can strengthen the proposed project. Cash pledges should be noted both in the body of the proposal as well as the budget justification. The applicant should also note the date when the cash pledge is anticipated to be converted to a cash commitment. Cash pledges do not hold as much value as cash or grant award that has already been committed to the agency.
Should we provide letters of support?
No appendix or additional supporting documents – all additional documents will be destroyed.
Can we apply for a planning grant?
Yes. Planning grants provide support for the development of the work on an initial project. This may include the coordination of meetings and fees associated with planning of a project and a consultant may be used to provide expert advice. Maximum amount awarded by the Foundation $25,000.
Can an agency apply for discretionary funds?
Yes, the Foundation administers a Discretionary Fund that supports health-related activities conducted by nonprofits in Western Tidewater. Examples of eligible discretionary awards include, but are not limited to, projects that build capacity of organizations (e.g., improving staff skills and organizational functions) and special events, such as health fairs and seminars. The guidelines and application is located on the website.
If our agency’s program serves clients both in and out of the Foundation’s service area, can we use our grant money for all the clients in our program?
No. Foundation funds can only be used to benefit the residents in the approved service area.
Our agency does not have a 501 (c) 3; can we submit an application under another agency?
Yes, your agency must partner with another organization that has a 501 (c) 3. That organization would be the fiduciary agency, responsible for all program and budget reporting.
Reporting Questions
Will grantees have the opportunity to ask the Foundation for a “no-cost extension” if they have not expended all grant funds during the time frame of the grant?
Yes. Grantees will have the opportunity to request a “no-cost extension” if they do not expect to expend all grant funds before the grant ends. Grantees should discuss this issue with the Program Officer before a written request is submitted. After discussion, the grantee should write a letter to the Program Officer with a copy to the Grants Associate that summarizes the major reasons for the request and the length of the no-cost extension period. A brief budget summary and budget justification that details how you will expend funds during the extension period should also accompany the letter.
Is there a possibility that we will have the opportunity to have our grant renewed by the Foundation?
As a general rule, grants will be made on a one year basis, with each grant requiring an application and a formal review. However, applicants with program grants may seek annual renewal of support at a reduced amount for a previously funded project or purpose. Such renewal of support may span a period of up to three years, with annual applications.
Can we make budget revisions and when would we submit them?
Yes. Grantees can submit budget revisions from their six months reporting as well as up to 30 days prior to the end of the reporting period.
