Does my organization have to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church in-order-to apply?
No. While the Episcopal Health Foundation exists as a supporting organization of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, we do not require an applicant’s affiliation with the Episcopal Church or any other faith community in order to be considered for funding.
What do you mean by “transformation”?
Transformational change emphasizes systemic and organizational change that is sustained over time and cannot be ‘undone’. Transformation is not an ‘event’, but a dynamic process. It is distinct from innovation and creativity because it is designed to bring about complete change.
Do you restrict your giving to a geographic area?
Yes. We only make grants to organizations that serve communities within the boundaries of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Click here to see a map of those 57 counties.
Does EHF still fund behavioral health?
Yes. In 2023, we will review behavioral health Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) in Cycle 1 relating to Goal 1- Strengthen Systems of Health of EHF’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. (See submission deadlines below.)
EHF’s priorities in behavioral health are outlined in the Goal 1 section of our 2023 Grant Guidance, under Goal 1, Outcome 2 – Low-income and vulnerable populations access comprehensive care in their communities, Strategy 3 – Support Comprehensive Clinics
How do I apply for funding from EHF?
The application process begins with submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through EHF’s online grant portal.
After reviewing an LOI, EHF may invite an applicant to the full grant application process. Grants addressing EHF’s priority goals, outcomes, and strategies for 2023 will be considered at designated Board meetings.
How long will it take to review my application?
We estimate a five-month period from an Letter of Inquiry (LOI) deadline to a decision regarding an application; but this period may vary.
What is the size of a typical grant from EHF?
During 2018, EHF awarded approximately $25 million in competitive grants. In 2018, our smallest competitive award was $10,438 and our largest was $2,657,462. The median award was $209,756. During 2019, the Foundation expects to award approximately $31 million in competitive grants.
What legal status must my organization have in-order-to apply?
EHF makes grants to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations. To be eligible, an organization must have received an Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter indicating that it is an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) or 170(c) and is not a private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Can a church apply to EHF for funding?
Churches may apply to EHF for funding if they meet the guidelines and criteria for all other applicants. EHF’s Congregational Engagement division does offer financial support for Episcopal churches and institutions within the Episcopal Diocese of Texas to help develop or expand their involvement in the community. However, please note that EHF does not make grants in support of religious purposes.
What do you look for in a successful Letter of Inquiry (LOI) or grant application?
We encourage you to review our 2023 Grant Guidance as well as the other resources on our website to determine if it is appropriate for you to submit an LOI. Our application process is highly competitive. We aim to focus our resources on those organizations that align with our goals and strategies and that can demonstrate a solid base of leadership, planning, and infrastructure.
Where can I find more information about the terms used in the 2023 Grant Guidance and EHF strategic plan?
We have posted a glossary of terms.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the content or scope of my LOI or proposal?
Email us at grants@episcopalhealth.org.
What do I do if I forget the password to my LOI/Application account?
EHF’s grant portal login page provides an option to reset a password. If you are a returning applicant/grantee and have forgotten or want to change your password, enter the email address used to set-up your existing account. The system will verify the address and will e-mail you instructions to create a new password.
Who do I contact for technical support with the LOI or application?
If you need help while you are in the application itself, look for the ‘Contact’ tab and click there. Otherwise, email us at applicationassistance@episcopalhealth.org
What do I do if I want to change the email or password on my existing application account?
You can change your password at any time by clicking on the “Forgot Password” link on the EHF’s grant portal login page.
Do I have to complete the entire application in one sitting? No. Our online grants management system will allow you to save and return to your application in progress. You can always check the status of any open or completed applications using the tab on the left.
Will the system time me out due to inactivity?
Yes, the system will time you out of your session after 300 minutes (5 hrs) of inactivity. A warning should occur 5 minutes before log out (after 295 minutes of inactivity).
Unsaved work will be lost if this occurs, so save your work frequently.
Is there a User’s Guide available for EHF’s Online Application Process? Yes, click here to view the grant portal login instructions for new applicants and for returning grantees.
Are all fields on the LOI and application required?
Yes. All required fields and questions are bolded. However, if the question does not apply to your organization or request, please indicate such in the response field.
Can I copy and paste information into the online LOI and application?
Yes.
Are there word limits on my responses to LOI and application questions?
Yes. Character limits are enforced on all questions. The LOI form will not allow you to enter more than the stated character limit. The application form will count characters for you as you enter text (note the tally at the bottom of the text field), but it will not stop you from entering more than the character limit. When you reach the final submission stage the system will not accept your application until you reduce the size of any answers that exceed a required limit.
Can I upload additional supplemental materials apart from the attachments required as part of the grant application?
No. We appreciate that you may have additional materials that you wish to share with us, but we are only able to accept required application attachments.
How long will it take you to review my LOI and application?
We will make every attempt to respond to your LOI as soon as possible, but we will respond no later than four weeks after submission.
How would I know if EHF has issued a Request for Proposals?
The best way to hear the latest news from EHF is to sign up for our eNEWS updates. You can subscribe on this website at the bottom of any page where you see the words Connect With Us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
My organization would like to submit requests for support of multiple projects addressing multiple EHF goals and strategies. Is this possible?
If you are interested in applying for more than one goal or more than one strategy, you MUST email us in advance for consultation at grants@episcopalhealth.org. In your email, please include a written description (no more than 250 words) summarizing your ideas for potential funding. An EHF program officer will follow-up with you to discuss your proposal and the application process.
At what point can my organization be assigned to an EHF Program Officer?
If your LOI is approved and you are invited to the full application process, you will be assigned an EHF Program Officer no later than 10 business days following receipt of your completed application.
Will site visits be conducted before or after I apply?
In most cases, site visits would be requested and held after a full grant application is received.
I have requested a certain dollar amount from EHF. Will you fund requests at amounts less than requested?
EHF may choose to support requests at a level equal to or less than the amount requested.
How do you distinguish between restricted and unrestricted funding?
Restricted grants support specific activities carried out over a defined period and/or are planned to achieve a specific result or goal. Unrestricted grants support an organization’s day-to-day expenses in furtherance of its mission rather than specific projects or programs.
Are small organizations with small budgets (less than $250,000) required to have an audit to apply?
Yes, but we understand that there are legitimate reasons why having a professional audit done may be difficult. These cases will be considered on an individual basis.
Does EHF fund indirect costs?
EHF will allow for indirect costs only for Restricted requests. Indirect costs are calculated based on expenses for salary (personnel) and fringe benefits. For agencies whose annual budget is $500 million or less, the indirect cost rate may not exceed 20 percent. For agencies whose annual budget is $500 million or more, the indirect cost rate may not exceed 10 percent.
Applicants requesting indirect costs should include such costs as a line item within the project/program budget and demonstrate how the amount being requested is calculated. This may include showing how specific indirect costs are allocated or providing evidence of a negotiated indirect cost rate.
My organization is headquartered outside the 57 counties of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, but we provide services to those living within that area. Can we apply for funding from EHF?
Yes.
What does EHF mean by ‘vulnerable populations’?
Vulnerable populations are groups that are often over burdened and under resourced. They are groups that are not well integrated into the health care system because of ethnic, cultural, economic, geographic, or health characteristics. This isolation puts members of these groups at risk for not obtaining necessary medical care, and thus constitutes a potential threat to their health.
Does EHF make grants to support research?
Generally, we do not make grants for research. We conduct research of our own and, on occasion, contract with others for research when the research product is something we seek for our own needs. In those cases, we usually issue a request for proposals.
FAQs about EHF's grant application process
I’m a new grant applicant, how do I get started?
Login to EHF’s grant portal to create a new account. Click here to read detailed login instructions.
Once you’ve created an account, you’ll take the eligibility quiz. If approved, you’ll be able to register your organization.
Please note that it can take two business days for a registration to be approved and receive your log in.
I’m a returning grantee, how do I log into the EHF’s grant portal?
If you’re an existing grantee, click here to access the grant portal and then follow the steps to reset your password. Click here to read detailed login instructions.
What does the application involve?
EHF’s grantmaking process requires applicants to provide information about their organization and the grant request, answer a set of narrative questions, provide demographic data and submit additional documentation, including a preliminary project budget and financial statements. Please note that narrative questions will vary depending on the Goal and Strategy selected.
How much time does it take to complete an application?
The first step is to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). If you clearly know how your work will help achieve our stated outcomes, the LOI is estimated to take no less than an hour complete. The application is more complex and may take an entire day.
Can I print a copy of the application to review before starting?
Yes, but understand the application is dynamic and changes depending on what you select. To print a PDF version of the application, go to the grant portal, open the application and click the print button at the top of the document.
What format will you accept for Annual Budget?
Please submit your budget on EHF Budget Form. The link is provided in the application.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have a question about the application process, please email applicationassistance@episcopalhealth.org. We do our best to respond to inquiries within two business days.