|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Why Does The Foundation Provide Core Operating Support?
Since our founding in 1992, we have been known for our project-driven initiatives. But in recent years we have come to realize that the valuable work accomplished by nonprofit organizations is rooted in the ability to meet basic organizational needs. Accordingly, in 2001 our board of directors decided to emphasize core operating support.
Core operating support can be used to help underwrite the regular, ongoing health promotion and disease prevention activities of your organization. Such funds can also be used to strengthen organizational infrastructure through activities such as: providing salaries for key administrative staff; covering operating expenses; and engaging in strategic planning or facilitating board development.
Virtually all legitimate, ongoing work of nonprofit organizations working to improve the health of underserved communities in California is eligible for core operating support from the Foundation except direct funding for project or program support.
For articles about organizations that have received grants for core operating support, visit Grantee magazine.
Access answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Defining health: Beyond the absence of disease.
For listings of previously approved grants, search our grants database.
To get feedback about the Foundation from applicants and grantees, check out the Grants Program Survey.
For information on applying for a grant, download a copy of our How To Apply brochure.
Responsive Grantmaking Program
The California Wellness Foundation's Responsive Grantmaking Program seeks to balance a Foundation-directed approach with responses to unsolicited letters of interest. This approach allows us the flexibility to respond to changing circumstances within the nonprofit sector. The following health issues are prioritized:
- Diversity in the Health Professions;
- Environmental Health;
- Healthy Aging;
- Mental Health;
- Teenage Pregnancy Prevention;
- Violence Prevention;
- Women’s Health; and
- Work and Health.
The Foundation also responds to timely issues or Special Projects related to other health issues. While project funding requests are accepted, we particularly encourage requests for core operating support.
Funding direct preventive health services is a major Foundation priority, accounting for at least 50 percent of our grants every year. Because we are aware that front-line health service providers are facing many challenges in a changing marketplace, we encourage requests for core operating support.
We also fund community action — not necessarily linked to institutions — in support of local health issues. This form of grassroots leadership can take many forms in California’s diverse communities, including, self-help groups; local organizing groups; and other forms of neighborhood-based health promotion.
Additionally, we provide grants for public education and to inform public policy, in the belief that social attitudes and public funding priorities need to acknowledge the key role of prevention in public health. We endeavor to serve California communities by publicizing our grantees’ news, offering referrals and facilitating spirited dialogue among grassroots organizations, health care experts and political leadership.
With rare exception, the Foundation funds nonprofit organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that are not private foundations as defined in IRC Section 509(a) or are public charities as defined in IRC Section 170(b)(A)(vi). The Foundation also funds government agencies. The Foundation does not fund Section 509(a)(3) Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations.
Grants are not generally awarded for annual fund drives, building campaigns, major equipment or biomedical research. Activities that exclusively benefit the members of sectarian or religious organizations are not considered. The Foundation does not provide international funding or fund organizations located outside the United States.
An organization must first write a one- or two-page letter of interest. We do not use application forms, and we do not accept formal proposals at this preliminary stage. Please note that submissions beyond two pages will not be accepted. The letter should include:
- information about the organization’s mission and activities;
- the region and population(s) served; an explanation of how the funds will be used;
- the total amount of funding requested from the Foundation;
- funding priority for which you want your request considered; and
- project goals, leadership and duration (for project funding only).
Mail letter of interest to:
Director of Grants Management
TCWF
6320 Canoga Ave., Suite 1700
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
