What are acceptable sources of matching funds?

Allowable sources of matching funds include all types of foundations, corporations, local charities, diversity focused funders, United Way, religious groups, fundraising revenue and individual benefactors. See Grantmaking Organizations.

Our program has not received any large local grants. Can we apply?

You do not need large grants to match LFP awards; you can make up the match by combining philanthropic dollars from many, many sources in any amount. The LFP program is designed to partner with many local grantmakers: community foundations, religious groups, family foundations, corporate foundations, individual donors, etc.

When local funders are strongly in favor of your proposal, it makes your application more competitive. If you and your funders think it is realistic to raise the matching dollars during the grant period then you are eligible.

How could a funder be “institutionally affiliated” with the applicant and why can’t they serve as a nominating funder for an LFP annual grant?

A typical example of an institutionally affiliated funder would be a hospital foundation trying to nominate a project based at its own hospital. They are so closely affiliated, it is like nominating themselves or what we call “self-funding.” Nominating funders may not be organizationally affiliated with the applicant for an LFP annual grant. However, an affiliated institution may contribute grant dollars as one of your local funders.

Please note: having enthusiastic local funders from outside of your organization makes your application more competitive. For the LFP Annual Grantmaking program, you should be nominated by a local grantmaker who is not affiliated with your institution or organization.

Can in-kind support be used for the match?

No. In-kind is defined as donated goods or services. Also excluded from the match are capital expenses and renovation costs.

Can we use our reserve funds or endowments as part of the match requirement?

No.

Can government funds be used as matching dollars?

Only in unusual circumstances—when it can be demonstrated that no other philanthropic support is accessible in the region—will city, county or state funds be considered as a significant or primary source of matching dollars at the application stage. In that situation, applicants must clearly document that these are new public funds, designated solely for this project. Remember that LFP is designed as a partnership between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and local philanthropy.

Can fundraising be counted towards our local matching dollars?

Yes, fundraising can be counted towards the match as long as these are new monies specifically donated for this project. Also, as with all matching dollars, these contributions must be used to support the same services that LFP covers. For example, if these contributions were used to pay the expenses of individual patients, they would not count towards the match.

We receive money from another national program office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Would that preclude us from applying to the LFP program?

If you have in the past or are currently receiving funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), you would only be eligible for a Local Funding Partnerships' grant if you demonstrated that the new grant would be for something completely different. Local Funding Partnerships money cannot be used to sustain an existing project, especially one already funded by RWJF. The LFP program is focused on funding new projects. If RWJF already supported your model, it’s not new in your community.

May LFP grants be used to fund capacity building of existing programs such as professional staff development?

LFP funding is for new services or ambitious expansions. Simply increasing current staff skills—for example with language or cultural competency training—would be considered continuation of an existing program and not likely to be competitive.

If we have also applied to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in response to another Call for Proposals or as an ad hoc application through their on-line process, must we inform LFP?

Yes, as part of your Brief Proposal you must note if your project is currently under consideration for any other grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is permissible to apply to the Foundation through more than one program office and it is understood that application timetables do not usually match up. If you have made another application to RWJF for this project through any program other than LFP, clearly note the status of that application.

Is it possible to present 2 different proposals at the same time?

There is nothing "technically" to keep you from submitting two proposals or being part of two applications. However you should keep several things in mind:

• LFP grants typically go to risky, innovative efforts that take a great deal of energy, time and focus from local agencies and coalitions. It's hard to imagine that one organization could embark on two such initiatives at the same time.
• Similarly, LFP projects often have concerns about raising local funds to complete the dollar-for-dollar match of up to $500,000 over four years. It seems unlikely that one community-based group could raise matching grants for two new projects at the same time.
• It would be remarkable to find local funders willing to nominate you for two projects at the same time.
• Your proposals would compete against each other for local dollars. Usually it is better to focus on what you really want to do first.
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• Please review the LFP Call for Proposals. One of your projects may be more eligible than the other. You may also want to peruse sections of the LFP website to see the caliber of programs we have funded to date. Key criteria include innovation and the enthusiasm of your nominating funder. (See Funded Projects and Featured Projects.)
• Finally, please understand that the competition for LFP grants is not like a lottery. You do not increase your chances by entering more than once per year. Different advisors review each application separately on its own merits. One strong proposal is more likely to go forward than two weak ones.

Please note that all of the above responds to your question about one group submitting two proposals at the same time.

Some of the same considerations may apply when there is more than one application from the same city at the same time. However, it is certainly possible that two different agencies, serving different populations, with different program initiatives–but from the same community–might apply in the same year. They could both go forward successfully. There are no rules that prohibit multiple applications from the same city or state. All are eligible and will be considered individually.

Will proposals involving construction to enhance existing services be considered?

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation does not fund construction or renovation.

We need both capital and program expenditures. We have interested an individual donor to support the capital needs of the program. Would RWJF match those funds to cover the project costs of the program?

Matching grants through the Local Funding Partnerships (LFP) program cannot be used to match donations used for capital expenses. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation does not fund capital expenses (construction or renovation). Your "matching" funds must be spent dollar-for-dollar, "hand-in-hand" if you will, for the same program purposes. The idea is for RWJF to be a partner with local funders to get the program going. Perhaps having your capital expenses covered by one donor will free up funds from other donors and foundations to support the programmatic aspects.

Does it make a difference if another local project and organization is already receiving a grant from the Local Funding Partnerships program? (Our project is quite different from the one that is currently being funded.)

There is nothing in the rules of the Local Funding Partnerships (LFP) program that would disqualify a new application from a community where another organization has already received an LFP matching grant. If you look at the map on our website under Search for a Project you will see a number of communities where more than one LFP project is ongoing. The most important detail you mention in your question is that your "project is quite different from the one that is currently being funded." The goal of LFP is to fund programs that are totally new in a given community.

You also wrote that the current LFP grant goes to a different organization than yours. That is important since LFP-eligible projects tend to be new, risky endeavors requiring a great investment of time and energy. It would be unlikely that one organization could embark on two such intensive projects at the same time.

Having said all of the above -- yes, a project from the same community as you describe it would be eligible to apply -- it is most important to consult with your local funders. If your local funders, especially your nominating funder, believe that your community can financially support two LFP projects at the same time with the required dollar-for-dollar match, you could be well positioned to apply.

Do you ever do emergency funding?

No, the LFP program specifically does not fund ongoing operational support whether emergency or planned.

Do you fund in Canada or in developing countries?

No. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation only funds in the United States of America including the U.S. territories, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Can a portion of our funding be used to cover the cost of medication for our clients or for room and board for individuals staying in our program?

No. Pharmaceuticals, room, and board funding are all precluded from LFP eligibility since we are not able to directly support the care of individuals. Remember, however, LFP grants may support staff salaries.

Are LFP grants only available for new projects or may they be used for preexisting projects?

These matching grants are intended to establish projects that are new and innovative in their communities. If a project was started as a pilot and your intention is to bring the program to scale—get it up and running as a viable long-term endeavor—it could qualify.

An existing project also qualifies if the grant would be used to fund an ambitious, significant expansion. However, LFP grants are not for ongoing operational support. The matching grant cannot be used to replace your existing source of funds to simply maintain an existing program. An expansion should not be considered as a cost-shifting opportunity to support current staff in their current work.

What types of projects have been funded by LFP in previous years?

We invite you to visit our Funded Projects section.

How do you characterize the type of new or innovative projects the program funds?

LFP projects tackle community health problems that seem unsolvable; so the project represents a new approach to solving the problem. Such an initiative may challenge established practices and incorporate new systems of collaboration that cross traditional lines separating services such as housing, education, social services, criminal justice and health care.

Will you consider funding a needs assessment as the first phase of a program designed to address health issues?

The Local Funding Partnerships (LFP) program does not fund needs assessments. The LFP program is intended to help you with start-up funds after you have already determined what you want to do to address the identified problems.

The "Call for Proposals" refers to "36- or 48-month grants of $200,000 to $500,000." Do the dollar figures cited refer to the total award or are they annual figures? Asked another way: is $500,000 the maximum for the 3 (or 4) years or could it be $500,000 per year?

You may receive a TOTAL Local Funding Partnerships award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 per project. A $500,000 award is the maximum you could receive and it is paid out over the 3 or 4 years of the grant.

NO, it could not be $500,000 per year for a potential of $2 million. (Please remember that these awards are RWJF matching grant dollars. You must receive funds each year from local grantmakers to equal the amount you receive that year from RWJF.)

What period of time should the Brief Proposal budget cover?

This budget should represent the entire life of your grant. Consolidate all three years or all four years for which you are applying for matching funds into a single one-page budget.

What should the one-page budget look like?

The one-page budget should be a line-item budget in a column format. Click here to see a sample budget. You are asked to use this general format but not all prospective grantees will need to use all line items, and the degree of detail will vary according to the proposal. Additional line items may be added as needed.

Is the one-page budget counted as one of the five pages for the Brief Proposal narrative?

No. It is an added page.

Can we use LFP grant money to pay the salary of someone who is already on staff?

LFP funding is intended to support new projects or significant expansions of existing projects. Therefore the grants do not generally pay for existing staff.

However, there are instances when an existing employee may move from her current position into a job with the new LFP project and her new salary may then be covered by the grant. Such an employee must verify that she has relinquished all other previous duties if the salary is to be covered at 100 percent

LFP matching grants can pay only for the percentage of time someone is actually devoted to the new project. This rule applies to both the funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the matching dollars from your local funding partners. Do not try to cover the salaries of existing staff by simply shifting them to this project.

Can we use grant money to pay for equipment?

Generally LFP grant money cannot be used to pay for any capital costs such as renovations nor for any major purchases such as a van. However, equipment required to support the day-to-day activities of the project such as a computer, copier, or fax machine are acceptable with adequate explanation. Sometimes in-kind support is used specifically for equipment.

Are the funds restricted in any other way?

Yes. RWJF guidelines also preclude support for existing operational expenses or deficits, for research studies, or to substitute for funds currently supporting similar services. Click here to see a list of Eligible & Ineligible Budget Items.

How should we handle indirect costs?

Indirect costs are intended to help the grantee institution recover overhead expenses related to the management of the grant. These expenses may include grant-related costs that are not easily broken out but are necessary to administer the grant. Examples include payroll processing, utilities, maintenance costs, and administrative services such as human resources and accounting. Indirect costs should be noted in your budget. Your budget may show no more than twelve percent of the LFP and matching dollars in indirect costs.

How should we treat revenues and any other income?

Such income cannot be considered part of the match but should be included in the budget. For example, revenue received from direct patient or clinical care should be shown in the "other support" column and will offset overall program costs.

What about reflecting the value of in-kind goods and services?

In-kind contributions such as donated space, office supplies or staff, pro bono professional work and volunteers cannot be counted as matching dollars. However, they should be shown on the budget. This information allows reviewers to get a sense of the full scope of the project and your overall costs and support.

The sample budget shows a column for FTEs. What is an FTE?

It stands for Full Time Equivalency and is also referred to as Percent of Effort. This is the percent of time an individual will work on the project. For example, a half-time person would be listed as .50 (or 50%). Remember LFP matching grants can pay only for the percentage of time someone is actually devoting full attention to the project.

Do you want to see our overall agency budget?

No, definitely not. The budget submitted should only reflect the actual resources required to support this one project for which you are applying.

Can we start the new project or the expansion before an LFP grant is awarded?

Yes. However, any funds expended before a grant is awarded by LFP cannot be counted as part of the matching dollars.

When must the first year match be committed?

If the project is selected for a site visit (March or April of the selection process), local matching dollars that cover the expenses for at least the first year should be committed or scheduled for decision.

How long does the application process take?

The Local Funding Partnerships program operates on an annual cycle.

• Stage I Brief Proposals packages are due June 30, 2010.
• Selected applicants are then invited to submit full proposals in the fall and, after careful evaluation, a smaller number of projects receive site visits in the spring. Funders usually attend the site visits.
• Award letters from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation usually go out on July 1 of the year following the initial application.
• No project may ever be announced as having received an RWJF grant unless and until the actual award letter is received from the president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

What do you mean by a "new" project?

You may start your project during 2009 or in 2010 before the RWJF funding that would start on July 1, 2010. You would still be considered a “new” project. However, any local funds spent prior to July 1, 2010 can not be considered as match.

By what criteria will the reviewers evaluate the Brief Proposal?

The reviewers adhere to the requirements detailed in the Local Funding Partnerships Call for Proposals. For additional tips on preparing the document and budget, you may wish to read "Is the Proposal as Good as the Idea?" on our Advice for Applicants page.

How long can the brief proposal be?

The brief proposal should be no longer than five pages, plus the one-page preliminary budget. The brief proposal should be typed and double spaced. The font is up to you - but make it very easy to read. Be sure to include measurable outcomes. How will you know if you succeeded?

Do we need a grantwriter?

No. The proposal should reflect the authentic voice of your community. Many LFP grants have been awarded based on proposals from people who have never written a grant before. The best grantwriters are coaches.

What font should be used for the narrative?

You may use any font of your choice, but do make it easily readable. Your pages will have at least a one-inch margin on all four sides of each page. DO NOT SINGLE SPACE. Your answers must be double-spaced.

How long should the answer be to each question?

The total narrative—including the answer to all five questions—is not to exceed five pages. How much space you spend on each answer is up to you and will depend upon your project. Some questions may have longer or shorter answers.

Must the questions be answered in the given order?

Yes.

How detailed should the answers be?

Include as many concrete details as you can at this stage of your project’s development. It is understood that some proposals are in the early concept stages while others are already being piloted.

Do not rely on national statistics to underscore the problem you are addressing. Keep the proposal specific to your local data and community. Include how you would measure and quantify your success - such as in the number of people to be served and how the impact will be evident.

What do you mean by social factors?

For the most vulnerable among us, factors outside the health care system such as poverty, violence, inadequate housing or education contribute significantly to poor health. Differences in race, ethnicity, primary language, and immigrant status often create disparities in health and the quality of care. Long-established ways of doing things, traditional partnerships and ineffective services are all factors that can impede health outcomes. (Visit Vulnerable Populations on the website of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.)

If a local grantmaker supports our idea but is not the nominating funder, should that grantmaker be included in the question about local funders?

Yes, include all local funders who are engaged in your initiative whether through grants, technical assistance, in-kind or capital support as well as those who have expressed interest in providing grant dollars if your proposal advances with RWJF. Include any dollar amounts already committed or under consideration.

How well organized do you expect our collaborative to be at this stage?

Coalitions can vary greatly. Describe the evolution of your collaboration. Do you have experience working together or has the partnership formed in order to implement this new program? Include your decision-making process, your governance structure, and whether any roles or responsibilities have been assigned.

If we are working with community groups or agencies that work outside of health care, should we include them in describing our collaboration?

Yes, we encourage collaboration with organizations outside and inside of health care. Definitely include all parties whether they are established institutions or ad hoc grass-roots groups, public agencies or private organizations, health professionals or from other fields.

How do you define innovation?

At its most basic, an innovation is a new way of approaching a problem that creates significant improvement. It may demonstrate a groundbreaking idea, add original program elements, introduce new methods or transform an existing model. Innovation would encompass challenging the pervasive wisdom in a field, bringing non-traditional partners together and forging new systems to deliver better services.

(For examples of innovative programs previously funded through LFP, see “Out of the Box” as well as the articles posted at Advice for Applicants.)

How do we know if we’ve included everything necessary?

The best way to test your Q&A text is to show it to someone who knows nothing about your project (your neighbor, for example). After one reading, he or she should be able to tell you:

• what the problem is,
• whom it affects,
• what you plan to do about it,
• who is working with you, including funders,
• how you will know if it works including how many people will be helped, and
• why it is a priority for your community at this time.

Applicants are always encouraged to e-mail their questions directly to the LFP staff or call the LFP program office at (609) 275-4128.

Two optional applicant conference calls are scheduled for May 2010.