Application
Q: Is there a different application for each stage of execution?
A: It will be the same application, no difference for each of the stage of execution.
Q: Does each submission need to achieve all three of these outcomes?
A: No, the application is eligible if the proposal aims to achieve one outcome, but is not limited to one outcomes. The goal of the Vision Grants Program is to improve service to Delaware communities by helping organizations: (1) Institute innovative approaches to address systemic issues (2) Reposition and/or integrate services across multiple agencies where current operating models no longer fit or can be improved, creating catalytic impact on the partners’ capacity, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and financial health. (3) Merge in cases in which two or more organizations can increase effectiveness, sustainability and better serve their constituencies by joining together than remaining separate.
Q: How do we get help firming up our big idea? What if we have a big idea but need help figuring out if it will work?
A: : DANA is offering assistance and consulting for the projects. Request assistance.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Q: How formal does the partnerships and/or collaboration need to be?
A: The application requires an agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), that is signed by the Board of each of the partners. DANA has information and resources on fostering collaboration and things to consider when collaborating.
Q: What if a partnership/collaboration has not yet aligned formally, will they be able to submit an LOI?
A: Yes, an organization may submit an LOI and this would fall in the Discovery or Planning stage to help create the legal structure and formalize the partnership / collaboration, if needed.
Q: Does DANA help organizations formulate the plan before or after submitting the LOI?
A: Before an LOI is submitted, DANA has an interest form for the support to gauge the level of assistance needed and the best options for each project. If an LOI is submitted and is determined to be in the discovery or planning phase, the project may be directed to DANA to assist as needed.
Find more information on DANA’s assistance.
Q: Are multiple or dual collaboration essential? Can a nonprofit be considered for funding on its own?
A: An application that is a solo venture is not likely to be funded. The intent of the Vision Grants Program is to collaborate with others and achieve bold solutions that no one organization could solve independently.
Q: Would the Council expand or support an existing collaborative?
A: The collaborative will need to show how the initiative is shifting to better serve clients in light of COVID-19. Ineligible use of funds under the Vision Grants Program include “Ongoing staffing, programmatic, operational, or capital costs of the organization(s).”
Q: How should the collaboration be constructed? For example if the lead applicant is housing-focused and the collaboration also includes arts, health care, etc., does the overarching outcome need to be housing or some other single area with the partners playing a supporting role?
A: The proposed initiative may be across sectors. Each proposal will be evaluated on what is best suited to achieve the outcomes and best serve the clients.
Q: If a “Big Idea” is at the Discovery Stage of execution, how does that idea move forward to the Planning and Implementation Stages? Automatically or new application needed?
A: There should be ongoing conversations and updates as the initiatives progress. Once an initiative is ready to move forward to the next stage, an updated application will need to be submitted.
Timeline and Process
Q: Who is on the Vision Council?
A: Vision Council is comprised of philanthropic and community leaders:
– Stuart Comstock-Gay, president & CEO, Delaware Community Foundation, chair
– H. Raye Jones Avery, retired CEO, Christina Cultural Arts Center
– Jeff Banning, Trinity Logistics
– Jennifer Cho, Barclays Bank
– There Du Pont, Longwood Foundation
– Chris Grundner, Welfare Foundation
– Daniel Okonkwo, JPMorgan Chase
– Karen Speakman, NCALL
The Community Needs Grant has a separate Council.
Do not contact members of the Council to discuss your application. Questions should be directed to Allison Levine.
Q: What is the timeline for future rounds?
A: LOI deadlines will be Aug. 21 and Oct. 16. Please see delcf.org/vision-grants for the full schedule.
Q: How are LOIs chosen to be invited to the full application?
A: The Council will determine which LOIs are chosen to submit a full application.
Q: Who is on the Funder Panel?
A: Selected projects in the Implementation Stage of execution will be invited to present to the Funder Panel. Representatives of family foundations, corporate philanthropic entities, as well as governmental entities are invited to. Approximately 20 entities are represented on the Funder Panel.
Q: How does the Funder Panel work?
A: In light of COVID-19, all presentations will be virtual. Panel members will have the application, the presentation slideshows, and all information before the presentation. Applicants will give a presentation of approximately 15 minutes, followed by questions and answers. The Panel’s feedback and comments will be summarized and provided to the applicant.
Q: Is the $50,000 limit over six months for ALL Phases or could you potentially receive up to $50,000 for EACH phase of project from Discovery, Planning, to Implementation?
A: The potential financial investment from the Vision Grants Program will vary based on the proposals. The $50,000 maximum grant is for the Community Needs Grants Program, not the Vision Grants Program.
Q: Can an organization apply for this grant AND the Community Needs Grants Program?
A: An organization can apply for each program.
Q: Can small organizations apply for the Vision Grants Program?
A: Yes, the size of the organization does not matter.
Q: Can we connect with already funded projects?
A: Yes, contact Philanthropy Delaware and/or DANA to be connected to one of the projects underway.
Q: And would that be a “sub-award” situation? Or would we submit another application to further support the program?
A: If there is much difference between the initiatives, a separate LOI may be submitted. However, collaboration is encouraged to address related social issues.
Q: Do the responses to COVID-19 need to be programs specifically in response to COVID-19?
A: The proposals must address emerging and evolving needs arising from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.