NUTRITION & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INITIATIVE

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you accept electronic submission of grants?
No. The grant application form is available online. You may reproduce it from this source, but all applications must be submitted as hardcopy.

What IRS designation does my organization need
to beeligible for a grant?
Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public institutions, including schools, clubs, and civic/community organizations.

Do I need to have a 501(c)(3), or can my group apply
if we have charitable intent?
No. So long as the project benefits the community as a whole, or has a charitable purpose, public institutions, such as schools, clubs, and civic/community organizations may apply.

May I submit attachments to my application?
No. Please do not attach any information unless it is specifically requested in the application. No letters of support or recommendation are requested. Responses to application questions must be limited to the space provided.

What is the deadline for applications?
Applications must be postmarked by September 1, 2007. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

How long does it take to review a proposal?
Once applications are received, the NPA Grants Committee has three to four weeks to study and review the proposals. The Committee will submit recommendations to the full Board of Directors. All applicants will be notified by letter of a decision no later that October 25, 2007.

What are the criteria by which my proposal will be reviewed?
• How well the proposal addressed the specific strategy.
• Clarity of objectives, goals and timelines.
• Measurable results.
• Proposals that include a combination of increased consumption of fruits and
• vegetables, enhanced physical activity, and decreased screen time
• Sustainability
• Collaboration/Leveraging of additional resources
• Organizational capacity to complete the project
• Realistic assessment (size) of the target audience.
• Proposal that is technically complete.

What do you mean by “screen time”?
Research has consistently concluded that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, enhanced physical activity and reduction in screen time improves the health of people of all ages. For the purpose of this grant, “screen time” refers to the amount of time people spend in front of television, computers, video games or other electronic devises.

Could I set up an appointment to discuss my idea?
The staff of Western Kansas Community Foundation is available to discuss your ideas for programs and projects. Meeting with Foundation staff will not guarantee a favorable outcome on your application; but, may help answer questions you have about your application.

Will my grant be viewed as a stronger application
if it includes more than one organization?
As noted earlier collaboration is one of the criteria that will be used in evaluating your proposals. Simply listing multiple organizations will not add to your application. The Foundation may contact agencies with whom an applicant states they are partnering or collaborating with on the proposed program or project.

How much should I request for my project?
While there is no minimum or maximum dollar amount stated in the guidelines, WKCF anticipates funding proposals ranging in size from $1,000 to $5,000.

Will you fund operating costs?
The Foundation will not fund general operating expenses of any organization. Only expenses directly related to carrying out a Nutrition and Physical Activity program or project will be considered.

When should my program or project begin?
You will be notified in writing as to a decision regarding your application on or before October 25, 2007. Your program or project should begin shortly thereafter.

Budget Definitions from Application

Supplies and Materials: Education Supplies, Photocopy, Photo and Reproduction Supplies, Shop Supplies, Software up to $999, Office and Computer Supplies, Postage and Mailing

Contracted Services: Consultant and Professional Services, Computer Processing Services, General Contracted Services

Training: Dues, Subscriptions, Registration Fees, Scholarships and Fellowships, Educational Expenses, Honorariums and Speakers

Equipment: Exercise/Fitness Equipment, Telephone Equipment Charges, Equipment (non-computer), Computer Hardware/Equipment, Software costing $1000 and above