Frequently Asked Questions
about the Northeast Florida Grant Program

q
Our organization has applied for grants in previous years, but has been unsuccessful. Should we consider applying again this year?
a
Before investing valuable time in preparing another application, you should carefully review our guidelines and determine if your program really meets The Sontag Foundation's stated desire to support programs helping individuals live more self-reliant lives. There are many very important programs meeting the needs of individuals in our community that do not really foster independence. A different funding source would be a better fit for those programs.
q
What size grants do you plan to give?
a
Annual disbursements for each grant will range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000 per year; The Sontag Foundation will carefully review the budget needs addressed in each proposal.
q
Would The Sontag Foundation consider requests for multi-year funding?
a
Yes, but requests for multi-year funding will only be considered if the funding decreases in subsequent years. Budgets for each of the requested years (maximum three-year commitment) must be included in Attachment B to the Preliminary Grant Request. If the organization is invited to submit supplemental information in a second level of review, a plan for remaining funding for the program must be addressed.
q
Would The Sontag Foundation consider a matching program to help an organization secure funding for a program need considered beyond the scope of one funder?
a
Yes, this foundation would consider assisting with a matching campaign.
q
Can several programs be included on the application?
a
No, each Preliminary Grant Request may address only one specific program that meets the guidelines provided in funding opportunities section of this website.
q
Is it permissible for an organization to submit more than one proposal in a given year?
a
No, preparing multiple preliminary proposals would not be the best use of your time.
q
How frequently can an organization apply for funding from The Sontag Foundation?
a
Preliminary Grant Requests will only be accepted during designated grant cycles. If you have submitted an application in previous years, do not resubmit an application for a program which was not funded. For all applications, make sure that the program makes a significant impact on individuals' self-reliance.
q
Our organization provides much-needed programs for our community; the programs are not new, but we need new funding to sustain them. Would The Sontag Foundation be an appropriate funding resource?
a
Yes, as long as the request is for a specific program that meets our criteria. Include information on how that program has been funded to date.
q
Can you share any hints that will help me with filling out your application?
a
Yes.
  • Start by saving the blank form on your computer, then save it again as a working copy of your grant request.
  • Most of the fields on the form are set to accept a certain number of characters (not words)- once you reach that limit, you will not be able to add additional information for that question unless you edit what is already written.
  • To avoid frustrating changes in formatting of the form, please type in paragraph form and do not use bullet points unless already provided on the form.
  • PLEASE use the TAB key to move from field to field or within fields; Using the ENTER key will change the spacing of the form; if you use that key in error, just backspace to go back to the original format and resume your input utilizing TAB.
  • Some people have found it easier to compose their answer in another document, then cut and paste to our form
  • The optional one-page attachment provides you with a chance to share something you think we need to know about the program or your organization that you were unable to share on the required form. Any additional unsolicited attachments will not be read and could render your grant request ineligible for full consideration.
q
I am confused about what you want in the budget attachment for preliminary request.
a
Please provide an overview of the annual budget for the requested program need (not the full budget of your organization). Full detail of proposed expenditures is not necessary, but categories of expenses should be listed. If you are requesting funds for more than one year, preliminary budgets must be provided for each year of the request. If The Sontag Foundation is only being asked for a portion of that program's budget, show full budget for the program and indicate what the request to The Sontag Foundation entails.
q
Is there someone at the foundation who could answer my questions?
a
Yes, for technical questions regarding completing the required form, e-mail Lynn Hunter at execasst@sontagfoundation.org or call her at 273-8755. For other questions, contact Kay Verble at kverble@sontagfoundation.org or 273-8755.