Can a neighborhood group that’s not a 501(c)(3) organization apply? If so, how?
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Yes, an organization that is not a 501(c)(3) can apply for a grant, but it must arrange for a 501(c)(3) organization to serve as its fiscal agent. The Resources page of our website has information about finding a fiscal agent. Please remember that individuals cannot apply for a grant. |
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How can I find a fiscal agent?
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Many local non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations serve as fiscal agents (generally for a modest fee). The Resources page of our website lists some local organizations that have served as fiscal agents. |
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Can I apply for funding for a project that already exists? |
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The Fund will consider applications for existing projects or programs under certain circumstances, for example, if current funding is ending or in order to expand the program. However, your project still needs to meet the Criteria for Funding and this issue should be reflected in your application. |
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Will you consider requests for full and partial funding? If you award a grant, will it be for the amount requested?
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The Fund will consider requests for full and partial funding of projects. Please note that the Fund may award a grant for less than the amount requested. |
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Does the grant application have to include information on how the project will be funded after the grant from the Fund? |
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No. The focus here is on the organizational capacity of the applicant to complete the proposed project. |
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Will you award grants to projects that can be accomplished for less than $5,000?
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No. The minimum grant award is $5,000. |
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Can we submit more than one grant proposal in the same funding cycle?
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The Fund’s Guidelines don't prohibit submitting more than one application in the same funding cycle, but it is unlikely that the Fund would award two grants to the same organization in the same funding cycle. |
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If we receive a grant, can we apply again for continued funding for the same project? |
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Yes. Since your application for continued funding will be reviewed before your first project is completed, it should address the project's progress and outcomes to date, especially as they relate to continued funding. |
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Does a neighborhood improvement project have to be in a publicly-accessible area?
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Although the Criteria for Funding do not specifically state that a neighborhood improvement project must be in a publicly-accessible area, the application must make a compelling case how a location that is not publicly accessible provides a public benefit, fulfill the mission of the Fund, and meet the other criteria. |
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We have an idea for a neighborhood improvement project that has several components. Is it preferable to submit them as separate proposals or as one?
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Ultimately, this decision depends on the applicant’s priorities. If the project’s components are inter-related and if it would be more feasible or cost effective to do them at the same time, it might be preferable to include them in one application. |
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Yes, public art would be considered as a neighborhood improvement project. Please keep in mind that the grant application must demonstrate that the proposed project has stakeholder endorsement and if it affects the city’s infrastructure or requires approval by or permits from the City of Berkeley, such approvals must be secured in advance of the grant application. If not, grant funding may be contingent on securing the required approvals. |
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Can a neighborhood improvement project be considered if it has not received the use permits, landmarks, and zoning clearances needed to get started? |
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Yes, a project can be considered before receiving the required City of Berkeley approvals. If a grant is awarded, funding would be contingent on securing the required approvals. You should explain in your grant proposal what approvals are required and the process and timeline for obtaining them. |
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What's the difference between a partner and a stakeholder? |
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Stakeholders have an interest in and/or will be affected by the project, but don't have to be involved in it. For example, parents and neighbors would be stakeholders of a children's playground project. The grant application must demonstrate stakeholder support.
Partners actively participate in the planning and/or implementation of the project. They do not have to be stakeholders. The grant application must describe all partners' roles and qualifications. Letters of confirmation from partners should also describe their roles, so the letter isn't misconstrued as merely support for the project. |
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What constitutes a UC Berkeley partner? How involved does a UC Berkeley partner have to be?
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A UC Berkeley partner could be any or all of the following: an academic department, a non-academic unit, an organized student group, or individual faculty, staff, or students. Partnerships can take many forms, but it is important that each partner play a meaningful role in some or all aspects of the program, e.g., creation, development, and implementation. If UC Berkeley partners only perform unspecialized volunteer work under the direction of a community partner, it would not be considered a meaningful partnership. |
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How can I find a UC partner? |
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The Resources page of our website includes some suggestions for finding UC Berkeley partners. You can also e-mail the Fund with a short description of your project and we will try to help identify some potential UC partners. |
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Does each partner have to contribute money to the project? Do we need to show this on the budget worksheet? |
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It is not required that each partner contribute funds to the project. If some partners are providing in-kind contributions, such as supplies or staffing, this should be indicated on the budget worksheet and narrative. |
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How detailed should the budget for a neighborhood improvement project be? Do we need written estimates from contractors?
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There must be some reasonable basis for the costs included in the budget, but you do not have to have detailed estimate from a contractor. Consulting fees and materials should be costed out, that is, the budget must be more detailed than a general line item for Materials. Describe how you arrived at the cost estimate in your budget narrative. |
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What should the budget narrative include?
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The budget narrative, which should be no longer than one page, should expand on the line items in the worksheet, explaining how you arrived at these costs and their role in implementing the project. |
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Can grant funds be used to pay salaries? |
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Generally, yes. Please be aware of the following:
- Grant funds can be used to pay community members and/or staff.
- Salaries for staff must be for time working on the project.
- Grant funds cannot be used to supplant already existing operational funds.
- UC Berkeley faculty cannot receive payment for time they spend on the project.
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Can grant funds be used to pay UC Berkeley students for their work on the projct?
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Yes. Please be aware of the following:
- You must ensure that the arrangement complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Undergraduate students may be entitled to work-study financial aid, which results in a reduced cost for the employer organization. See the Work-Study Website for more information
- Under some circumstances it might be preferable and/or possible for UC Berkeley students (undergraduate and graduate) to receive payment for their work on the project as a university employee. If you are awarded a grant and this applies to you, please contact the Fund as soon as possible.
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