Do you have to be a 501(c)(3) to apply?
Yes. Only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for funding at this time.
What is a 509 (a)(3) organization?
These are nonprofits classified by the IRS as a type of support organization. Recent legislation requires additional due diligence that we are unable to provide at this time. We recommend that you refer the group you support to our website and encourage them to apply directly. Click here for more information.
What does the Special Hope Foundation consider to be innovative?
We are looking for new solutions to old problems. While cutting edge programs are perceived to be of higher risk, they have a greater likelihood to impact the disabled community. Due to their speculative nature, traditional funding sources hesitate to invest in these types of programs. However, we believe that they have the potential to better utilize our limited resource in order to produce greater results.
What is meant by "challenging public perception"?
Due to ignorance, our society stereotypes and marginalizes the disabled community. With an emphasis on disability, the public fails to recognize this population's abilities and achievements. We support programming that address these misperceptions and deliberately highlights their contributions to society.
Do you provide funding for operation expenses or only for projects?
While projects are of more interest to us, general operating expenses would be considered if the program is compelling and there is a sound plan to increase financial independance in the future.
Would you fund a long-term project, say, three to five years in length?
Most grants are for one year. However, under special circumstances, a grant for up to three years might be considered if it met the following criteria:
- There is a specific reason why long-term funding is needed.
- This reason is not due to mismanaged finances or poor financial planning.
- An agreement is made whereby the grantseeker will submit regular evaluation reports which would be reviewed by the board to determine if the criteria had been met in order to release funds for subsequent years. These criteria would be agreed upon by both parties at the onset of the grant relationship.
It is also possible for the organization to apply for funding in consecutive years.
What about matching or challenge grants?
We like them. In fact, if your financial request is large, we may encourage you to find other sources of funding along with ours to make your goal. We encourage partnerships and collaborative efforts in grantmaking.
How do I make initial contact with your organization?
To begin the grant proposal process, a Preapplication Questionnaire must be submitted to us. This can be done either through our website at the Pre-Application section or by requesting the document by mail (see Contact Us section). The Preapplication is not a grant proposal but simply a means for us to gather some basic information about your organization and to determine if a formal grant proposal is in order. If your Preapplication is of interest to us, a letter will be sent inviting you to send a grant proposal. Included in that letter will be the format you are to use. Even if your Preapplication does not fit with our organization, you submission will be acknowledged. Please do not send a formal grant proposal without receiving a letter of invitation. If you have any other questions, please e-mail us at proposal@specialhope.org or call us at (650) 688-5745.
Are there any deadlines I need to know about?
Our board meets three times per year to review grant applications. Any proposals received three months prior to the next board meeting will be put on the agenda for review. Specific dates will be included in the letter of invitation.
Where are you located?
We are situated in the Silicon Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area in Menlo Park, California.
My organization is not in the San Francisco Bay Area. Can I still apply for funding?
While we give preference to Bay Area organizations, any project that falls within our guidelines is of interest to us and eligible for possible funding.
Do you fund international projects?
Yes, if certain conditions are met. The organization must have a US based office that has a 501(c)(3) designation.