Frequently asked Questions
1. How do we apply for a grant?
The grant application process begins with submission of a brief Letter of Interest. Please review the specifications outlined under the Applying for Grants links to the left. Note that your organization or program must serve the people of Alameda and/or Contra Costa Counties.
2. Can I meet or talk with someone from the Foundation’s office?
You may certainly talk with staff from our office. See our contact information under Contact Us.
3. To whom do I address and how long should my Letter of Interest be?
Your brief Letter of Interest (no more than 2 pages) should be addressed to:
Y & H Soda Foundation
1635 School St.
Moraga, CA 94556
4. Can I fax or email my Letter of Interest?
No, we only accept mailed or hand-delivered Letters of Interest.
5. What is an appropriate time frame to follow up on a Letter of Interest?
We acknowledge in writing all Letters of Interest as promptly as possible. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full grant proposal. If an organization's Letter of Interest is not invited to submit a full proposal, you will notified in writing, and can submit a new Letter of Interest in twelve months. Please review the Funding Information section on this website to learn about the Funding Areas and Outcomes that the Foundation is interested in.
6. How are funding decisions made?
The Foundation’s Board makes funding decisions regarding Program/Project, Core Operating or Capacity Building grants monthly based on staff recommendations. Capital grant proposals are reviewed once a year in late spring. See the Applying for Grants links to the left for additional details.
7. What is the amount of most grants funded by the Foundation?
Programming, General Operating and Capacity Building grants range from $1,000 to $50,000 based on the objectives and funding needs of the organization requesting support. The average programatic grant award is $20,000 - $25,000. Capital grants are $50,000 or more, with an average award of $100,000.
8. Do you fund individuals?
No, the Foundation makes grants to organizations with Federal 501(c)3 tax exempt status only.
9. Do you give multi-year grants?
Yes
10. Do you fund start-up projects?
Yes
11. Do you fund capacity building activities?
Yes
12. Do you fund general operating expense?
Yes
13. How will I find out if my grant proposal was approved?
You will receive a telephone call from one of the Foundation’s program officers the week following the Board meeting at which your grant proposal was presented. In addition, we will follow-up with a letter indicating the Board’s decision.
14. If my organization received a grant from the Foundation recently, how long must we wait before submitting another Letter of Interest?
You may submit another Letter of Interest after the Foundation receives a satisfactory final report on your previous non-capital grant award.
The waiting period for submitting a Letter of Interest following a capital grant award varies. Please contact Foundation staff to determine the specific date for your organization.
15. If my organization was denied funding from the Foundation recently, how long must we wait before submitting another Letter of Interest?
You may submit another Letter of Interest one year from the date of the letter notifying you of the Board’s decision to deny your grant request.