Eligibility Details

The Foundation recognizes the Valleys’ historic involvement within the East Bay Area of California (specifically Alameda and Contra Costa Counties). Therefore, the Foundation’s major considerations and primary grantmaking activities will continue to be for qualified projects sponsored by non-profit organizations serving the East Bay. 

There is, however, no absolute geographic limitation, except that no grants are made for organizations or projects located or primarily serving areas outside the United States.

Deadline Details

There is no deadline for submitting a funding request to the Foundation, other than the project must be approved for funding prior to September of 2018. The Foundation does not encourage lengthy applications. The applications are to be succinct and include the following:

• Description and very brief history of the applicant organization. 
• A short narrative on the success of the organization, including overall financial stability.
• Description of the project.Statement of the purpose and goals of the project.
• Number of people that will benefit from the project.
• References to outside sources, materials and research, if any, that have demonstrated a need for the proposed project.
• Time frame in which the project will be undertaken and proof of a well-thought-out business plan.
• Documentation of the planning process of the project for which funds are sought.Amount of funds requested from the Foundation.
• The total cost of the project.Other sources of funds for the project (including private sources), and the current status of other funding requests.
• Name(s) of person(s) in direct charge of project with brief biographical information. Include comments on qualifications and commitment of personnel.
• How progress and success of the project will be measured.

The following attachments are to be included with the application:

• An income and expense budget for the project, to include projected sources of revenues.
• A list of the Board of Directors and their business or professional affiliations.
• IRS Letter of Determination of 501(c)(3) and public charity status, State of California Exemption Letter from the Franchise Tax Board, and letter from chief financial officer of the applicant stating that tax exempt and public charity status has not been revoked or modified.
• A copy of the most recent audited financial statement of the applicant. If the applicant ended with an operating deficit in any of the last four fiscal years, an explanation of the reason and corrective action taken to remedy the loss(es).
• A copy of the most recent fiscal year’s entire filed IRS Form 990 of the applicant, including all schedules. (The Foundation may request prior fiscal years, if needed).

Award Details

Grants typically range between $7,500-10,000,000. As man as 60 grants may be awarded in a given year depending on the number of requests received and the scope of the projects proposed.