Frequently Asked Questions

The Foundation has benched marked its Grant Making program by examining the changes among many funders during this economic recession. The trend in grant application changes, program funding, funding priorities, infrastructure changes and economic realities all weighed in making the adjustments to this funding cycle.

Please be aware these changes are in place temporarily during this downturn in the economy. Priority is given to struggling agencies in delivering services and programs who may need more help on core support. There are limitations to this funding but the general restrictions have been lifted slightly for agencies who have been identified as needing more infrastructure assistance. It is imperative that each organization applying for funding understand the differences in this funding cycle over previous years. Some of these frequently asked questions are listed here.

Frequently Asked Questions for Core Support Requests:

1. Your guidelines state that core support funding is for “established and well-managed organizations providing essential health and human services to the underserved, safety net services, infant, child, youth and/or adolescent HIV prevention programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged populations; and/or substance abuse programs with a residential component'. Does this mean that only those nonprofits that provide these services will be eligible to apply, or will they just be given preference?
At this time, we are only considering core support requests from designated organizations facing circumstances described in our core support grant guidelines. We will continue to monitor the impact of the financial crisis and the needs of the nonprofit organizations within our service area. If changes or modifications are made to the core support criteria, we will immediately update our public guidelines and notify our grantees. If you are unsure of whether your organization qualifies for the Core Support guidelines, please contact: Garry Bowie, Executive Director at (562) 987-5200.

2. What can I use core support funds for?
Core support is limited to a portion of the total grant request and is available for expense exceeding the 10% overhead limits. This unrestricted funding enables an organization to carry out its mission. It can be used to underwrite administrative infrastructure and/or to maintain core programs and essential staff.

3. I understand that Long Beach AIDS Foundation is prioritizing its core support funding for a particular set of agencies. Does this also apply to capital and capacity building requests or the Small Grant Program?
Requests for capacity building and to the Small Grant Program are not limited to the types of organizations described in the core support guidelines. We strongly recommend that you visit our Grant Guidelines for more detailed information about our different funding priorities.

4. My organization has not yet been impacted by the economic crisis, but I believe that we may experience a reduction in funding for the next fiscal year. Can I apply now for core support?
Only designated organizations meeting Core Support guidelines are eligible for Core Support. Priority will be given to organizations that have already been forced to eliminate core staff positions and/or reduce funding for core programs and services. If you are unsure of whether your organization qualifies for the Core Support guidelines, please contact: Garry Bowie, Executive Director at (562) 987-5200.

5. I am a current grantee with an active grant. Can I now apply for core support?
Long Beach AIDS Foundation will maintain its policy of allowing an agency to have only one active grant at a time (an active grant is one in which the final report has not yet been submitted and approved). Please contact your current Program Director if you have any questions about the status of your grant. If you are making progress and moving forward with your existing grant, you must wait until your grant ends before applying for a new funding request. If, however, you are experiencing challenges with your existing grant and believe you cannot achieve the originally proposed activities and outcomes, please contact your current Program Director to discuss the situation. Requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Non Core Support Grant requests may be submitted during the new funding cycle regardless whether an active grant is open during this period.

6. I have an active grant with the Long Beach AIDS Foundation but I am experiencing significant challenges with my project and do not believe I will be able to achieve my original goals. Can I convert the grant to core support?
You should contact your Program Director. If you are making progress but just need more time in meeting your original goals and objectives, we will likely provide a “no-cost” extension to allow you to move forward with the original project. If, however, you are experiencing challenges with your existing grant and believe you can not achieve the originally proposed activities and outcomes, please contact your current Program Director to discuss the situation. Requests to convert existing program or capacity building grants to core support will be considered on a case by case basis only.

7. Do I submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) to apply? I have not yet submitted the full application. Can I change my request and now ask for core support?
You do not have to submit a Letter of Inquiry. If you fit the Foundation’s guidelines, it is possible to convert your original request to core support. You would need to withdraw the original application and resubmit the core support request. Please contact Garry Bowie, Executive Director at (562) 987-5200 for additional information.

8. I heard that Long Beach AIDS Foundation is now providing “emergency” grants through an expedited process. Is this true?
Core support is not intended as emergency funding to keep organizations from going out of business. Agencies seeking core support will apply and follow our regular grant process and timeline. Because of the current and pressing needs of the nonprofit sector, priority will be given to core support requests in our review process. The goal of core support is to help underwrite key administrative infrastructure and/or maintain core programs and essential staff.

9. I noticed that the multi-year general operating support funding does not appear in your guidelines. Does this mean you do not accept requests for general operating support ?
Long Beach AIDS Foundation Foundation does not fund multi-year general operating support requests. Given the current economic realities faced by nonprofit organizations, the Foundation believes that the new core support funding is more relevant and responsive to the needs to the nonprofit sector.

10. Will Long Beach AIDS Foundation no longer be funding new program development or expansion requests?
As noted in our revised grant guidelines, for an undetermined period of time and in response to the financial crisis and economic recession, the Foundation is prioritizing grants. New or expansion projects will only be considered on an exception basis and must evidence a viable fundraising and sustainability plan. However, agencies seeking support of up to $2,500 through our Small Grant Program, can still apply for small, discrete new program or expansion grants that are well developed and have a strong fundraising and sustainability plan.

11. Does Long Beach AIDS Foundation fund capital projects?
No, Long Beach AIDS Foundation Foundation does not fund capital needs (equipment, renovation, major capital campaigns).

12. Does Long Beach AIDS Foundation fund capacity building activities?
The Foundation will consider capacity building activities that present a well-thought out strategy focused on sustaining and strengthening an organization during this economic downturn.