Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever you are wondering about grant funding from Woman's Foundation, you can find the answer here. Lots of people have the same questions. We have compiled this list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), in the hopes that we can provide you with answers.

1. How can I apply for grant funding? New applicants are encouraged to contact the WFI office to discuss your proposal ideas well in advance of the proposal deadline. Only full proposals are accepted. We will gladly review draft proposals up to two weeks before the deadline.

2. How do I get a copy of the grant application? The grant application and full proposal template is available at www.womansfoundation.com - click on "Regional Grants Program/Grant Application Information" section.

3. Who do I contact if I need technical assistance or require more information? for more information, you may contact Lise Anne Slatten, WFI Executive Director at lads@bellsouth.net or 988-1816.

4. What are the application deadlines? The deadline dates are July 1 and December 1. Final proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date. If the deadline date falls on a weekend, requests are due on the Friday that precedes the weekend. No faxed or electronic transmissions will be accepted as final proposals.

5. Who should apply? Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax exempt under Section 501 c 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Priority will be given to programs/projects located in Lafayette Parish. The maximum grant is for $5000.

6. What will WFI support? WFI funds a variable number of organizations annually. Multi-year grants and continuous project funding will not be considered. Organizations are eligible for funding only once during the WFI fiscal year (Feb 1 - Jan 31). Grant funding is disbursed two times per year. Funding is awarded to support programs and initiatives that serve to enhance the health and quality of life for women and children.

7. What will WFI not support? There will be no disbursements for general operating expenses, requests of any kind from individuals, fundraising event sponsorships, construction projects, salaries, media events or office equipment. See more detailed list contained in grant application.

8. What are some examples of what might be funded? We offer these examples to illustrate what WFI would be interested in supporting. Our interests are by no means limited to these examples. We are open to a wide range of organizations that meet the basic criteria for funding and to a variety of uses of the grant funds within the guidelines. For example: mini-grants to Lafayette Parish School System teachers through Lafayette Education Foundation, funding for facilitated support groups at The Grief Center, pamphlets/coloring books for the Children's Museum of Acadiana, gooks/videos/resource materials for character development programs at Bayou Girl Scout Council, purchase of child safety seats for distribution to low income families by Acadiana Safety Association and books/videos for client library at the Miles Perret Cancer Center. For a complete list of programs funded in the last two years, see www.womansfoundation.com - click on "Regional Grants Program/Grant Funding History" section.

9. Are site visits conducted as a part of the review process? Site visits are not normally a part of the review process. However WFI staff do visit each program site once funding is approved and before final evaluations/reports are submitted by grant recipients.

10. Is a budget required? A detailed budget is required, as well as the current operating budget for your organization. Budgets are cost projections. they are also a window into how projects will be implemented and managed. Well-planned budgets reflect carefully thought out projects.

11. Who reviews the grant proposals? All proposals are reviewed by WFI staff and then further reviewed and evaluated by a volunteer committee of the WFI Executive Committee. All correspondence regarding grants should be directed to the WFI Executive Director. At no time should WFI board members be contacted regarding funding.

12. What are the reporting requirements if you are funded? Upon completion of the project funded, or within one year, grant recipients must submit both fiscal accounting and narrative reports on the use of the grant funds. Reports must contain progress on goals and objectives stated in grant the proposal.

13. When will I find our if my request was approved? You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your application review within thirty (30) days after the funding cycle deadline in which you have applied.

14. What do you do if you didn't get the entire amount requested? Your organization may be unknown to us and/or we just ran out of money for that fiscal year. You should contact us and let us know if you are still able to implement the program or not.

15. What do you do if your request was declined? you will receive written notification. Read the letter thoroughly. If you are still uncertain as to why your request was not funded, write a letter or call WFI staff to inquire about the specifics.

16. What are some of the reasons why applications are disapproved? There are many reasons why grant requests are not funded. For example: applications are not fully completed; the project's focus was related to research, professional training, or general operating expenses; vague project goals and lack of specific objectives; unrealistic timetable for project implementation; weak credentials or inadequate information about the applicant organization.

Revised 8/04

For more information contact Lise Anne Slatten at lads@bellsouth.net.