ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I call or visit with someone before submitting my application or should I submit my idea for review in advance of the deadline?
Because of the number of proposals the Foundation receives, it is not possible for staff to meet with all potential applicants or review ideas for proposals prior to the grant cycle. You are encouraged to review the Grant Application Guidelines closely for answers to your questions. Visit www.bjhfoundation.org. for information.

Why did BJH Foundation change the grant guidelines and develop a new application form?
The Foundation takes seriously its stewardship responsibility for the BJH Foundation endowment funds. The guidelines were changed because it is important to clarify the kinds of investments or projects the Foundation is interested in funding to enhance the lives of Jewish seniors. A new application that met the new criteria for funding priorities was necessary.

What do you mean by "underserved Jewish seniors"?
The Foundation is interested in serving Jewish seniors who are not receiving any or very few services. Some may be receiving some services but still have a substantial number of unmet needs. Some may live in areas where there is no temple or synagogue; hence receive no or little contact from a rabbi or friends from the synagogue.

If we know a trustee of the BJH Foundation, may we contact her or him?
Trustees generally prefer that applicants utilize the staff of the Foundation for discussion and correspondence regarding their organizations and grant applications.

We are a non-Jewish organization. May we apply?
Yes, as long as you have a 501(c)(3) and serve Jewish seniors.

Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
No, not for any purpose.

Does the Foundation make grants to small businesses?
No. The Foundation makes grants only to non-profit, charitable organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or to governmental units.

Can organizations located outside of North Carolina apply for a grant?
Yes, organizations located outside North Carolina may apply for a grant, but the funds have to be used for programs serving seniors within North Carolina or South Carolina.

If we applied for a grant last year and it was not approved, can we apply again?
Yes, you may apply as many years as you like regardless of whether a grant is approved or not.

Last year we received a grant from BJH Foundation. Does that mean it will be easier for us to receive one this year?
No, each year brings a new grant cycle and requires a new application focused on the criteria and priorities of the Foundation. An organization's capacity to achieve the proposed outcomes in the grant application might influence whether the Foundation would invest funds for a project in a new grant cycle.

What is the deadline and when are the grant decisions made?
The deadline is April 13, 2012. The Board of Trustees will make a decision for grant awards in June.

When does the application have to be received by the Foundation?
All applications must be postmarked or received by 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2012. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the deadline. Proposals can also be hand delivered at the BJH Foundation office in Greensboro.

Is there a limit on the amount of funds we can request?
No, but the amount requested should be reasonable in relation to your overall budget. Generally, the Foundation does not make awards over $10,000. The Foundation prefers not to be the lone source of funding for a project. Grantees should plan to fund part of the project or use matching funds from other sources, i.e., leverage funds when possible.

My organization is requesting a grant to fund a program that includes Jewish and non-Jewish seniors. Can grant funds be used to fund programs like this?
Yes, but grant funds can only be used to support the Jewish seniors; funding from other sources will be needed to support the non-Jewish seniors enrolled in the program.

We have two senior members at our synagogue who need financial support for their nursing home care. May funds be used for nursing home care or other medical costs?
No, BJH Foundation funds can not be used for nursing home care or other residential or medical care costs.

May we use grant funds to support daily operations of programs that support seniors?
Awards will typically be made to organizations to subsidize existing programs only if the grant is used for expansion of new people enrolled, for unmet needs of Jewish seniors or for strengthening of impact of an existing program.

What does the Foundation mean when it asks for benefits?
Also known as results or outcomes, benefits are measures showing achievements toward the objectives of the project. Benefits indicate what will be better or different because of an investment in a grantee's project.

Why is impact important?
Having impact---making a difference---is very important to the BJH Foundation, a critical commitment we share with our grantees. When grants are made to organizations whose programs have a great impact, we believe we have made a good investment of our funds.

Impact may mean:

• Providing positive benefits to individual senior recipients
• Enhancing or improving self-sustaining organizations
• Effecting needed change and adding value in the communities we serve
• Contributing to the broader efforts to improve the human condition of seniors

If I am not sure what you are looking for in some of the application questions, where can I get help?
First, refer to the Grant Guidelines. In addition, you may choose to attend a workshop that will be offered to potential grantees. The workshop will explain the new grant guidelines and review the new application with illustrative examples.

Dates for the workshops will be posted on the BJH Foundation website.