Frequently Asked Questions
|
Request for Proposals Fiscal Sponsorship Grant Awards Future Grant Cycles REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSQ: I’m not sure if my idea meets your funding guidelines. Is there someone I can speak with about my idea to make sure it fits within your guidelines?A: Email info@rainbowdragonfund.org with your question and contact information, and an RDF Steering Committee member will be in touch. Q: Do I have to be LGBTQ- and AAPI-identified? Can I submit a project as an ally? A: Allies are welcome to apply. The main thing is to show how your activity or project benefits LGBTQ AAPIs in the DC metro area. Groups or individuals who are underrepresented, under-resourced, and typically excluded from other sources of funding will receive priority consideration for funding. Q: What kinds of activities are prohibited under local, state, or federal laws and regulations governing nonprofits or 501(c)(3) organizations? A: Some activities are strictly prohibited, such as:
Q: How does our organization find a fiscal sponsor? A: See the FISCAL SPONSORSHIP section below. Q: I am applying as an individual. How do I find a 501(c)(3) organization? A: See the FISCAL SPONSORSHIP section below. Q: What if I am not / we don't have a fiscal sponsor by November 30, 2012? A: If you are awarded a grant and you do not have a fiscal sponsor by November 30, 2012, the money you were awarded will be returned to the RDF funding pool and/or granted to another recipient. Q: Can I / we apply for more than one project? A: Yes; there are no restrictions regarding the number of projects for which you submit an RFP. Q: I attend school in the Washington D.C. area, but live permanently elsewhere. Am I still eligible to apply? A: Sure. Your permanent address and school location don't matter. The main thing is for you to demonstrate how your project will benefit LGBTQ AAPIs in the DC metro area. Q: I am away for college / work, but live permanently in the Washington D.C. area. Am I still eligible to apply? A: Sure. Your permanent address and school location don't matter. The main thing is for you to demonstrate how your project will benefit LGBTQ AAPIs in the DC metro area. Q: What if my/our project has already started, but I we need additional funds? Am I/Are we eligible to apply? A: Yes, as long as the project takes place between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013. Q: What if our project is an established, ongoing program, and not new? Am I/Are we still eligible to apply? A: Yes; we welcome applications for established, ongoing programs, as long as they meet the other criteria. Q: How will I know you received my proposal? A: We'll send you a confirmation within one week of receiving your proposal. If you haven't heard from us in that time, please contact info@rainbowdragonfund.org. Q: Can I include additional materials such as a DVD or artwork? A: You can include links to online materials in your proposal, but please do not send additional materials. During our review process, the review committee will contact you if we would like additional information or materials. Q: When will you be making decisions about the grants? A: The review committee will review proposals between July 16 and end of August. We will make final decisions and contact awardees in early September. We plan to hold an awards ceremony at the end of September where we will publicly announce our grantees. FISCAL SPONSORSHIPQ: What is a fiscal sponsor?A: A fiscal sponsor is an organization that offers its legal and tax-exempt status to an individual or group that is engaged in activities related to the organization’s mission. The fiscal sponsor becomes legally responsible for the operations and activities of the project. The fiscal sponsor and the fiscally sponsored project enter into an agreement that specifies each entity’s level of control over the project, any fees associated with the fiscal sponsorship, and reporting requirements. For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiscal_sponsorship. Q: Why does the Rainbow Dragon Fund (RDF) require grantees to have a 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsor? A: RDF’s intent is to support individuals, community groups, and formal 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission. We ask grantees to have a 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsor in order to maximize the impact of the donations, to increase transparency and accountability for donors and grantees, and to meet our commitments as a fiscally sponsored project of the DC Center for LGBT Community and member of the AAPIP National Giving Circle Network. Q: How do I find a fiscal sponsor? A: There are many types of fiscal sponsors, ranging from organizations that focus solely on fiscally sponsoring projects to organizations that support projects on an ad hoc basis. First find an organization whose mission aligns closely with your project. Establish a relationship and make some inquiries whether the organization would be willing to consider fiscally sponsoring your project. Then negotiate the terms of your agreement. If you are a student, you might make an inquiry with your LGBT campus center or student group. Check out Tides Center’s fiscal sponsor directory: http://www.fiscalsponsordirectory.org/contact_us.php. If you're having trouble finding a fiscal sponsor, let us know and we will provide some guidance to support your efforts. Q: How long does it take to secure a fiscal sponsor? A: Depending on your relationship with the organization and the organization’s familiarity with sponsoring projects, the process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Leave yourself enough time to secure a fiscal sponsor for the project! Q: Does Rainbow Dragon Fund have any suggestions for fiscal sponsors? A: We are in the process of talking with area organizations that serve AAPI and/or LGBTQ constituents to identify potential fiscal sponsors. We hope to make a short list available by mid-summer. GRANT AWARDSQ: When will I/we receive the award money?A: We expect to distribute grant checks at the September, 2012, awards ceremony. Checks will be written out to your 501(c)(3) organization or your fiscal sponsor. Q: Am I required to submit a report for how I used the money? A: The Rainbow Dragon Fund asks for a short summary of your project and its impact at the end of the grant period (September 30, 2013). Q: What if we don’t use or can’t use all of the grant money awarded? A: Money not used by the end of the grant period (September 30,2013) should be returned to the Rainbow Dragon Fund. However, if you anticipate not being able to use the funds for the purposes you indicated on your proposal, we will try to work with you to identify other permissible activities to use your funds. Q: Do I have to commit to any public appearances as an awardee? A: We ask that you come to our awards ceremony, so we can present you the grant. Q: Besides the grant, what additional support or technical assistance does Rainbow Dragon Fund provide? A: Members of the Rainbow Dragon Fund have knowledge and skills in various areas and may be able to provide you additional support and/or technical assistance. Let us know if you are interested in getting additional support. FUTURE GRANT CYCLESQ: Can I / we apply two years in a row?A: Awardees are welcome to apply again in subsequent grant cycles. Q: If I was a grantee but had to forfeit my award because I couldn’t secure a fiscal sponsor, can I apply again? A: Yes, you can apply again. |