FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Revised Jan. 27, 2010)
The 2010 matching grants program ended on April 30.
Q: Why did the Foundation change its grants program?
A: Like many nonprofit organizations, the Foundation was affected by the severe economic downturn and was unable to provide grants in 2009. We decided to implement a matching grants program for 2010 so that we could provide at least some support to organizations and groups, but in a way that involves individual donors from the community.
Q: Won’t the matching grants program compete with an organization’s ongoing fundraising?
A: Our matching grants program will actually complement an organization’s existing fundraising efforts by matching contributions earmarked to that organization dollar-for-dollar up to $2,000. For example, during the matching grants period that ends on March 31, if an organization normally would receive contributions of $1,000 (and qualifies for our grants program), directing those donors to give to the organization through the Japantown Foundation could result in an additional $1,000.
Q: How do I know what kind of project would best have a chance of qualifying for the matching grants program? And does the project have to be physically in Japantown?
A: The Foundation does not advise applicants on ideal characteristics of projects submitted. We judge applications based on how well they meet our mission. Submitted projects do not have to physically take place in Japantown, but it must somehow benefit Japantown since that is part of our mission as a Foundation.
Q: If my organization qualifies for the matching grants program, where will donations be sent to?
A: For organizations/groups accepted into the 2010 matching grants program, donations earmarked for those organizations/groups must be sent to the Foundation, either by check via postal mail, or online at http://sfjapantownfoundation.org. Consider those donations to be “passing through” the Foundation since we will match those donations dollar-for-dollar and then present a check for the cumulative amount (up to $4,000) to the grantee.
Q: Can you count donations solicited before Feb. 22?
A: We will accept donations prior to the Feb. 22 start of the matching period, provided that the donation is made directly to the Foundation and that the organization/group earmarked on the donation is accepted into our matching grants program. If we receive donations for an organization/group that is not accepted into the matching grants program, we will either return the donation(s) to the donor(s) or write a check for the cumulative amount of the earmarked donations without a match, whichever is preferred.
Q: How do I inform my donors and supporters about this program and encourage donations?
A: Should you qualify for the matching grants program, the Foundation will provide you with a toolkit that includes sample letters, emails and buttons for your website that you can use to communicate with your existing donors and supporters. We will try and make it as easy for you as possible to get the information out.
Q: What happens if the total amount of donations from individuals does not reach $2,000 or the amount requested by the applicant?
A: The Foundation will still match lower cumulative amounts raised by an organization/group through individuals. For example, if we accept you into the program, but the amount earmarked to your organization totals $1,250, we will match that dollar-for-dollar and award you with a check for $2,500.
Q: Can my nonprofit organization (if accepted into the matching grants program) donate to the Foundation to help individual donations reach the maximum amount?
A: No, organizations/groups accepted into the matching grants program will not be able to donate to the Foundation in order to cover the difference between the amount of earmarked donations received by the Foundation and the $2,000 maximum.
Q: What happens if you receive a donation earmarked for my organization after the March 31 deadline?
A: Earmarked donations made to the Foundation for the purposes of the matching grants program, but received after the March 31 deadline, will be disbursed to the designated organization, but without a match.
