1. What's the first thing I need to do if I want to apply for a grant from the SSJCF?  

First, determine if your agency is eligible for application.  The SSJCF has a specific geographic service area and three program areas.  Next, complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry by the deadline.  Upon review by the SSJCF staff, you will be invited to submit a full proposal if your project falls within the SSJCF funding parameters.

2. My agency is physically located in a county not listed in your service area. However, the project I'm requesting funds for will target residents who are in your funding region.  Can I still apply?

Yes--depending on your project and circumstances.  Call us and we'll discuss your request. 

3. What should I do if I'm not sure if my project fits within the scope of one of the SSJCF areas of focus?

Call the SSJCF office [304-424-6080] and ask to meet with a member of the Staff or with the Executive Director to discuss your project.  If you feel it would be helpful, in terms of clarifying the purpose of your request, you might consider inviting the Executive Director or a Staff member to your location for a site-visit.

4. Is there a limit on the amount I can request?

Not specifically.  Generally, grant requests range from $500 to $50,000; with the average grant award being $18,000.   Take a look at some of our recent grants; this will give you an idea of the types of projects funded by the SSJCF and the amounts awarded.

5. Can I request funding for more than one year?

Yes.  Multiple-year grants are awarded if the scope of the project is large enough to require additional years of support.   It is preferable that you inform the SSJCF in your initial application of your plans to request future funding.  Disbursements are made after "year-end" reports are received and reviewed by the Board of Directors.

6. Would it help my request if I have others (agencies, volunteers, funders, etc.) who are willing to partner with my organization to implement my project?

Absolutely!  Collaboration is a critical element in a successful proposal.  Rarely is the SSJCF a sole funder of a project.  Whether it is financial assistance, in-kind donations, volunteer efforts, the SSJCF looks for others who demonstrate commitment to your request.

7. Can my Letter of Inquiry be emailed to the SSJCF office?

Yes, Letters of Inquiry can now be emailed to rsteffen@ssjcharitablefund.org.  They can also be "hand delivered" or mailed.  Caution!  Our experience has shown that overnight mail is not a certainty and we suggest you not depend on it.  No faxes please.

8. If my proposal is approved, how soon would my agency receive funding?

Approximately five (5) weeks after the deadline for proposals, the SSJCF Board of Directors meets to approve grant requests.  Within two weeks after the Board meeting, processing of the grants begins with notification to agencies who have been approved for funding. Upon receipt of the signed Grant Contract enclosed with the notification, the funds are disbursed.

9. What's the best tip you could give me about seeking funds from the SSJCF?  I have three....

• Do your homework!  Thoroughly page through this website, and/or request a copy of our annual report.  Both have lots of pertinent information about the SSJCF (who we are, our funding priorities, the kinds of projects we have previously funded, etc.) that will be helpful to you..

• Read and follow the guidelines.  There are specific guidelines for the Letter of Inquiry and the proposal.  For the sake of efficiency and clarity, it is imperative that these be adhered to.  Remember, this is a highly competitive process.   We receive an average of 60 requests per cycle and -- due to the amount of available funds -- are able to fund only about one-third of those requests.  Following the directions creates a good "first impression" and eliminates frustration for the staff and grant screening committee.

  • Is the Letter of Inquiry completed in entirety?

  • Does your Letter of Inquiry or proposal provide the information we need?  (You'd be surprised at how many Letters of Inquiry we receive that do not have the name, address and phone number of a contact person.)

  • Have you proofread for spelling and grammatical errors?

  • If someone from outside of your organization were to read your Letter of Inquiry or your proposal, would it make sense to him/her?

  • etc.

• If you need help, ask.  We are always glad to assist applicants directly or through technical assistance workshops.  Also, there are organizations such as The Foundation Center (with a branch located in Cleveland, OH) that are excellent sources and very willing to offer assistance.  Other resources that may be helpful can be found on the Links page of this site.

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