Below is a list of questions that we are frequently asked about our funding guidelines. Should you have any further questions, or need assistance, please contact us at the phone number and address listed at the foot of the page.

1.	Q: How do I apply for a grant?
	A: Applicants must complete and submit an electronic Letter of Inquiry from our Web site as a first step. You will be notified by e-mail within two weeks if the Foundation is willing to consider a formal proposal, and if so, given detailed instructions on the formal application process.
2.	Q: When I submit my electronic Letter of Inquiry, should I send a hard copy as well?
	A: No, please do not send a hard copy by mail or fax.
3.	Q: Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
	A: Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations certified as tax exempt under Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as not a private foundation under Section 509(a). Hospitals, educational institutions, and governmental institutions meeting these requirements are eligible to apply. Organizations that have completed and filed Form 1023 but not yet received a determination letter from the IRS are not eligible to apply.
4.	Q: Does the Foundation have an application deadline?
	A: No, RGK Foundation accepts and reviews electronic Letters of Inquiry throughout the year. Applicants should not submit a formal application unless the Foundation has reviewed your Letter of Inquiry and requested that you submit one.
5.	Q: What size grant should we request?
	A: Please refer to the list of Grants Awarded on our Web site as a reference. While the Foundation occasionally awards grants for over $25,000, the average grant is under $25,000.
6.	Q: Do you fund newly established nonprofits?
	A: Yes, we will consider Letter of Inquiry Forms from start-up nonprofits that are certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
7.	Q: Do you have any geographic restrictions?
	A: While RGK Foundation has no geographic restrictions, funding projects outside the U.S. is extremely rare.
8.	Q: Do you provide general operating grants?
	A: While the Foundation occasionally awards grants for general operating expenses, such grants are infrequent and usually initiated by the Foundation. The Foundation prefers to provide programmatic support (including program salaries) for nonprofits.
9.	Q: When will I get a response to my electronic Letter of Inquiry?
	A: Foundation staff reviews Letters of Inquiry on a daily basis and typically responds within two days, although we ask that you allow up to two weeks for a response. You will receive an e-mail response either declining your request or inviting you to submit a formal application.
10.	Q: If our request was declined, when may we reapply?
	A: Organizations may submit one electronic Letter of Inquiry within a twelve-month period.
11:	Q: If my electronic Letter of Inquiry has been accepted, what happens next?
	A: When you receive an e-mail message indicating the Foundation is willing to consider a formal proposal on the basis of your Letter of Inquiry, you will be given detailed instructions on how to submit a formal application. Upon receipt of your formal application materials, please allow four months for the review process.
12.	Q: How many copies of a proposal are required?
	A: If you are invited to submit a formal application, please submit only one signed copy. It should not be bound or expensively packaged.
13.	Q: Are other sources of funding required?
	A: While a variety of funding sources is not essential, it is viewed by the Foundation as an indication of broad interest in the proposed program. Typically, the RGK Foundation is not the sole supporter for programs.
14.	Q: What projects are not eligible?
	A: In general, RGK Foundation does not fund Annual funds, galas, or other special-event fundraising activities Capital campaigns/renovation projects Debt reduction Emergency or disaster relief efforts Dissertation or student research Indirect/administrative costs Sectarian religious activities, political lobbying, or legislative activities Institutions that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation in policy or in practice Loans, scholarships, fellowships, or grants to individuals Unsolicited requests for international organizations or programs Unsolicited requests for ALS research projects
15.	Q: Will the Foundation make multiyear awards?
	A: Multiyear grants are rare; most grants are awarded for a one-year period.
16.	Q: How do you handle proposals from universities or school districts?
	A: If multiple requests are received, they will be reviewed on their own merit. RGK Foundation requires that formal requests from universities must be transmitted by the office of the Chancellor, President, or Director of Development.
17.	Q: Will the Foundation staff conduct site visits?
	A: Because RGK Foundation's funding is national in scope, it is not feasible to conduct site visits as a matter of routine. When site visits are not feasible, the Foundation may set up a conference call to gain a better understanding of the project or program.
18.	Q: Could I set up an appointment to discuss my project idea?
	A: RGK Foundation requires that you submit an electronic Letter of Inquiry as the first step to help us determine whether or not an appointment may be necessary. Due to the large volume of requests and limited staff resources, pre-proposal meetings are generally discouraged.
19.	Q: How can I check on the status of my request?
	A: You may check the status of your request through the CONTACT US portion of our Web site.
20.	Q: If my electronic Letter of Inquiry or formal application is declined, will you explain why it was rejected or critique the proposal?
	A: Due to the large volume of grant inquiries and our small staff, it is not feasible for the Foundation staff to discuss with applicants the reasons for declining a request or to provide individual critiques of proposals we decline. Because the Foundation has limited financial resources, we are able to fund only a small percentage of qualified applicants. This means that many excellent projects, even ones that fall within our areas of interest, may not be funded. Please understand that a rejection of your Letter of Inquiry or proposal does not mean that the project lacks merit.
21.	Q: If my electronic Letter of Inquiry is accepted, does that mean our organization is likely to be funded?
	A: No, if you are invited to submit a formal application on the basis of the Letter of Inquiry, that doesn't mean the request has been approved. It means the Foundation is willing to give the proposed program further consideration.
22.	Q: Who reviews the electronic Letters of Inquiry and formal proposals?
	A: Electronic Letters of Inquiry and formal proposals are reviewed by RGK Foundation staff.