Applicant Eligibility
The following entities are eligible to apply for a JRF grant:
- A community-based public or private non-profit holding a 501(c)(3) tax exemption status and classified as a 509(a) non-private foundation.
- A tax-exempt operating foundation under 501(c)(3) and 4940(d)(2).
- A governmental instrumentality or political subdivision.
- A mission-related organization utilizing a JRF-approved 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
As a rule, eligible organizations may receive only one grant per calendar year. Additionally, an organization may not receive grants during two consecutive funding cycles. However, the Foundation reserves the right to exercise discretion in the interest of advancing its mission.
Absolutely no grants will be awarded directly to individuals, and/or religious or political endeavors.
In addition to meeting the above eligibility requirements, the applicant must be deemed by the grant committee to have a viable program or project that will advance the Foundation's mission to improve health, access to healthcare, quality of life as it pertains to health and/or educational standards in its service area. The following criteria must also be met:
- Demonstrate that at least 25% of the project budget is underwritten by the community.
- Present a well-articulated project and/or operating plan that exemplifies the organization's capacity to achieve the expected outcome.
- Present a plan for long-term sustainability.
- Present a project evaluation plan that will yield outcomes relevant to JRF's mission.
- Reflect a majority of the following eight characteristics that are essential to JRF's
strategy for determining the merits and priority of an application and/or a
potential JRF grantee:
- Aligns clearly with the Foundation's priorities
- Addresses root causes and long-term solutions
- Is collaborative and/or complementary to existing programs and/or services
- Has the potential for a "ripple" effect throughout the region
- Has the potential to attract and/or leverage other resources
- Promotes capacity-building and support for viable, sustainable nonprofit organizations
- Can yield and share relevant outcomes that advance JRF's mission
- Presents clear, compelling and credible evidence of need
