Question 1

Is my organization eligible to receive funding from the foundation?

Accepted Answer

In order to receive funding from KCCF, an organization must:
Be a qualified public entity or an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognized 501(c)(3), 509(a), or Section 170(c)(1) and has timely filed its Form 990s or other information and /or tax returns, as may be required by the IRS, and is in good standing with the IRS and relevant state and local authorities.
Programs/services must address one of the five social determinants of health.
Please review the 2024 Funding Forum presentation before you consider applying.
We encourage programs that include:
Evidence/researched based models 
Leverage
Collaborations
       5. Programs and/or services that have a demonstrable impact on our community.

Question 2

What are the foundation’s current areas of interest?

Accepted Answer

The Knapp Community Care Foundation Board of Directors has elected to address the five social determinants of health with every grant award. Each grant must be tied to at least one of the five determinants.

Question 3

What is the application process?

Accepted Answer

Typically, an information session/Funding Forum is held each spring for interested applicants, with grant applications due in the summer and funding award notifications mid to late Fall. Specific dates will vary year to year. Join our email list by filling out the form on the "Contact" portion of our website or call 956.854.4534 to stay updated. Upon release of a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), the process to apply for a grant begins with Letter of Intent (LOI). If the LOI is approved, an invitation to apply will be emailed to the applicant. Only those entities that receive invitations to apply may submit a full application. All applications must be submitted online through our online grant application system.

Letter of Intent (LOI): 3.5 weeks to prepare and submit
Application: if LOI is approved, entities are assigned an application. Five weeks to prepare and submit application.
Application review: applications are reviewed by KCCF Staff, evaluated by the Grant & Community Development Committee, and approved by the full KCCF Board of Directors.
Notice of award.

Question 4

What should I consider when writing the Letter of Intent (LOI)?

Accepted Answer

A well-thought out idea that is direct, clear and to the point has a huge advantage over LOIs that require clarification. When writing your program description and/or preparing your budget consider the reader; they have no idea what you are proposing to do, so are you providing enough information to get your point across? Are you painting the picture? Are you stating the need for this particular project?

Does the program and budget align to ensure success of this project?  Once an LOI is submitted, if an amount must be changed, it may only be decreased, not increased. In this case, you must contact Foundation staff for any changes.
 
If you intend to include any partners, consultants, or other parties outside of your organization to meet any of the deliverables, we require those arrangements to be in formal subcontracts and/or MOUs.  If subcontracts will be awarded, we will require documentation of the selection process used.

In the LOI, there is a section to upload a letter of support from the Executive Director or Authorized Signature Authority of the organization that reflects support of this project.

Question 5

If we are a collaborative of nonprofits seeking support, how do we apply?

Accepted Answer

The process for collaborative grants is the same as regular grants; the difference is in the actual application.

Question 6

What are the deadlines for grant proposals?

Accepted Answer

While we do not have set deadlines, we will release a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) and provide funding once per year. You may visit our website for announcements. Applicants have 3.5 weeks to prepare and submit their LOI. If the LOI is approved, an application is assigned.  At that time, applicants are given five weeks to prepare and submit the full application.

Question 7

If an organization has an idea for a proposal, can we meet with foundation staff to discuss?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Knapp Community Care Foundation staff welcome the opportunity to discuss ideas with potential applicants. As a reminder, please review our focus areas outlined on our website. Reach out to the Director of Grants and Programs with questions or to discuss your application. Please call 956-854-4534 to set up an appointment.

Question 8

Does the foundation fund general operating expenses?

Accepted Answer

The foundation may invest in general operating costs as they relate directly to the program or service being proposed, which we consider as an indirect line item of 15%, however indirect cost funding is not guaranteed.

Question 9

What are the Foundation's funding service areas?

Accepted Answer

The Knapp Community Care Foundation’s service delivery area is the deep South Texas Mid-Valley community. Cities listed below are considered Mid-Valley cities. An organization that is located elsewhere, but provides services to the Mid-Valley, will be accepted.

Delta area includes: Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, Monte Alto
Donna
Hargill
La Blanca
La Feria
La Sara
Lyford
Mercedes
Progreso
Raymondville
San Carlos
Santa Rosa
Sebastian
Weslaco
Other rural communities within the Mid-Valley region

Question 10

Does an organization need to be located within the Mid-Valley to apply for funds?

Accepted Answer

An organization does not have to be physically located within the Mid-Valley area, but the programs and/or services must be provided to Mid-Valley residents in the Mid-Valley area.

Question 11

Are legal and financial documents required as part of my application?

Accepted Answer

We require your IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Financial audits are requested for an organization whose total annual budget is $750,000 or more (may be on a case by case basis). Financial reviews are acceptable on a case by case basis. We require internal financial statements for the most recent year end. Your most recent 990 is required. KCCF utilizes GuideStar in reviewing Form 990s but since there is a lag in uploading Form 990s to the internet, we request that you include your most recently filed Form 990 with your application.

The grant application contains a budget narrative, which allows you to detail line items within your budget submission. The narrative provides clear and concise information for KCCF staff and grant committee members to assess while reviewing applications. Fringe benefits are capped at 27%. 15% overhead/ indirect added to total direct costs budgeted (capital expenditures excluded). If leverage is included in the proposal, verification is required. There will be an onsite project review which includes a review of project expenses. In addition, the online application includes a list of other financial documents that may be required.

Question 12

Are “letters of support” encouraged or required?

Accepted Answer

Letters of support are not required for regular grants, but are required for collaborative grants. In some cases, the foundation staff may ask for letters of support for a regular application if it is determined that they will strengthen the grant.

Question 13

Does the foundation fund scholarships or sponsorships?

Accepted Answer

The foundation does not fund scholarships or sponsorships.

Question 14

Does the foundation fund “indirect costs” associated with a program?

Accepted Answer

Services and/or program grants may receive 15% of the total grant award to be used for indirect costs associated with the proposal, however indirect cost funding is not guaranteed.

Question 15

How much money does KCCF grant each year?

Accepted Answer

KCCF is ethically and legally bound to grant a minimum of five percent of its asset base in the grants process. The goal is to fund health and health-related programs and/or services that positively impact the designated service delivery area. You can review our grantmaking historical data documents on our website, via the "Grantmaking" menu item. Scroll to the bottom of that page to download the data documents.

Question 16

What is an appropriate request amount? Is there a maximum grant amount?

Accepted Answer

While we do not have a maximum grant set amount, we are reminded that healthcare needs in our area are great and the competition is strong. Knowing we are unable to fund every request that we receive, we encourage applicants to determine their highest priorities and apply accordingly.

Question 17

Here are a few things to consider should you receive a grant from KCCF:

Accepted Answer

Bi-annual progress reports are required. If you are granted a one-year grant, you will be required to submit one upon six months completion and a final close out report 30 days after the end of the agreement.
Each application will require an evaluation component with measurable and realistic outcomes.
Site visits that include program and budget reviews will be conducted either in person or via WebEx. Visits are not unannounced; staff will connect with your organization for a time that is convenient for both parties.  Staff will request documentation (if necessary) well in advance of the visit.
Consistent communication with KCCF staff. We know that things can change at a moments notice. If any changes need to be discussed: programmatic, budgetary, or any other type of change, please connect with KCCF staff. If changes are made without notice, they will not be honored.

Frequently Asked Questions