Grant FAQ's

Yes. Grants can be awarded to small, medium, and large-sized nonprofits. Applications are evaluated on the strength of the organization, the strength of the project, and the impact of the project on the organization and the community it serves. An organization must operate under its own 501(c)(3) status for at least 24 months.

Possibly. Although a church is ineligible to apply for a grant, a separate tax-exempt public charity that is not under the umbrella of the church, synagogue or other body of worship can apply if the grant is for a project that is not restricted to a particular faith, denomination or religion. 

Yes, a nonprofit must submit a a Letter of Intent to be considered for a grant. The Letter of Intent Committees will offer select nonprofits a full grant application. 

Complete the online form on our website at www.impact100louisville.org. It is available in March.

No. We MUST have the Letter of Intent to check eligibility. Select organizations will be invited to submit a full grant proposal.

IRS letter of determination 501(c)(3). List of board members.

• IRS letter of determination 501(c)(3)
• Certification that your organization is in good standing with the Commonwealth of Kentucky through proper registration with the Secretary of State
• Copy of your organization's by-laws
• Names, affiliations, and demographics of board members
• Key staff members and qualifications, or organizational chart
• Logo to use in marketing materials
• A description of any litigation your organization is currently in, or has been involved in during the past 12 months, which may have an impact on its operations (if applicable)
• A description of any inquiry from a state or federal regulatory agency that you've received during the last 12 months which may have an impact on its operations (if applicable)
• Balance sheet as of April 30 of the current year
• Profit & Loss statement for period ending April 30 of the current year
• Proposal budget - using the Impact100 Budget Template (provided in the application)
• Provide the following (must provide at least one):
  1. Audit Report for the most recently issued year end - include the final auditor's report (NOT a draft report)
  2. Form 990 for the most recent year end filed with the IRS (include a copy of the the extension request, if the current year is on extension)

No, we do not accept materials of this type with the application.

As a collective grant-making organization, we have a diverse group of women who make up our voting membership. The committee members reviewing proposals will change each year, so a project or program that generally appeals to a committee one year may not the next year. Our grant recipients will spread over a range of focus and service areas, and include projects or programs, as well as capital projects directly related to the projects or programs. In general, our members are most enthusiastic about projects or programs that are innovative and transformative to the organization and/or the populations they serve. We want to hear about organizations that, if empowered with our funding, would be taking a huge step forward to advance their mission and would have a dramatic effect on the population they serve.

The Department of Treasury letter that your nonprofit received when it obtained its status will verify that your organization was granted the 501(c)(3) designation as an individual or group charity. This is how we check for current certification. This is NOT the same certificate as your tax exempt letter.

Submit a copy of the IRS form 990 or 990-N (E Postcard).

While this is the first step in our process, it is critical that your organization be very thoughtful about the request being made. Once you have submitted your LOI, you cannot change the scope of the request or how you plan to use the funds if you are moved forward in the process. Submissions that really stand out are from organizations that have a clear and thoughtful mission, fill a defined, unmet need by reaching out to underserved populations in Jefferson County, are financially healthy and have a well-conceived project or program that needs funding. Our review committees carefully considers the depth and duration of the impact on the target population, and whether the impact might extend beyond the scope of the project and have a ripple effect, either in the broader community or over time. We recommend that you do not try to guess what kind of project, program or focus area Impact100 Louisville “prefers” to fund. Each year the organizations with the most impactful projects or programs will inevitably rise to the top as finalists and award recipients.

The Finance Committee will do an initial review. Additional information may be requested. Grant Review Committees will then review the applications.

The Finalists Selection Committees are composed of Impact100 Louisville members who volunteer and have no conflict of interest. The committee reviews all grant applications and arranges for site visits for qualified applications.

A committee member will call you to schedule an appointment. This is the time for your organization to shine and for you to be able to tell your story, your vision, and your dream in person. You will have the opportunity to explain what the application cannot always convey: the passion, the difference this grant would make, and the impact to the organization and the community. People who may attend the site visit: your executive director/board chair, your treasurer or someone who can answer financial questions, and perhaps one or two key employees. If possible, individuals the organization serves may be present as well. No press is allowed at the meeting. After site visits are completed, the entire committee evaluates each application for strength and feasibility of the application and then votes on the finalists. 

Any amplifying information, such as brochures or reports are appropriate. Refreshments, mementos, promotional items, or gifts are highly discouraged.

Yes, we encourage your organization to reapply next year.

We do not provide specific feedback to any applicant. The reason for this is that the committee members who review your grant will change each year. If we were to provide feedback from this year's site visit team, next year's site visit team might have a totally different perspective.

An organization can reapply after FIVE (5) years.

Yes! You can even participate on a committee, but not one that reviews your organization's application.

Please do not call or contact any of our members, as all members are asked to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the grant process. Questions can be directed to info@impact100louisville.org.