Many of the Health Foundation's RFP applicants ask similar questions. We will compile a list of these questions and their answers on this site.

You may also want to review the frequently asked questions about our application guidelines. If you have further questions, contact the Program Officer for the RFP in which you are interested.

• How do I get the required forms?
• Can I use the Common Grant Application?
• We're a little unusual. How can I figure out if we fit this RFP?
• Where can I get help with my letter of intent or my application?
• Can you critique a draft of my application?
• We don't have anyone who can write a proposal, but we really fit this RFP. What should we do?
• What if I missed the RFP workshop?
• What if I missed the deadline for the letter of intent?
• What if there is an important reason we might miss the application deadline?
• How soon will I learn if my proposal will not be competitive?
• How will I be notified of any changes in the RFP, any new information uncovered, or the answers to questions that are asked by other grantseekers?
• How soon must I start my project after the grant has been awarded?
• When does the grant period begin?
• How will I know if I received a grant?
• What if our agency is governmental and does not have a 501 (c) (3)?
• Who should attend the site visit when the proposal is under review?

Q: How can I get the required forms?
You can ask the Program Officer issuing the RFP for any forms you need. Also, the forms will be available at the RFP Workshop for the RFP you are interested in.

Q: Can I use the Common Grant Application?
Because there is an application tailored specifically for the RFP, the Common Grant Application should not be used to respond to an RFP.

Q: We're a little unusual. How can I figure out if we fit this RFP?
The Program Officer issuing the RFP can determine whethere an RFP is suitable for your organization.

Q: Where can I get help with my letter of intent or my applicatioin?
The PRogram Officer issuing the RFP can advise you and provide answers that you need. YOu should also attend the Letter of INtent or Application Workshop for hte RFP.

Q: Can you critique a draft of my application?
Program Officers are available for critique or consultation as long as it is done well before the deadline. Because this kind of help depends on the Program Officer's availability, arrange it well in advance of any deadlines.

Q: We don't have anyone who can write a proposal, but we really fit this RFP. What should we do?
First, ask a member of your Board or another volunteer if they can help. Of course, you can also call the Program Officer for the RFP, and he or she can lead you to more options and possibilites.

Q: What if I missed the RFP workshop?
The Program Officer for that RFP will let you know the necessary steps to take in the case you miss the workshop.

Q: What if I missed the deadline for the letter of intent?
Call the Program Officer for the RFP. If the response is competitive, the deadline will probably not change in the interest of fairness. However, if the response was weak and we have more money planned than good projects, we may selectively waive the letter of intent deadline for competitive proposals. A good way to keep up-to-date on RFP news and other important information is to subscribe to Greater Cincinnati Health Watch, our weekly e-mail newsletter.

Q: What if there is an important reason we might miss the application deadline?
Application deadlines are not waived or extended except in advance by the Program Officer for unavoidable reasons, such as natural disasters, death of the proposal writer, etc.

Q: How soon will I learn if my proposal will not be competitive?
We will tell you as soon as it becomes clear to us. We hope to screen out the projects that will not be competitive through the letter of intent.

Q: How will I be notified of any changes in the RFP, any new information uncovered, or the answers to questions that are asked by other grantseekers?
The Program Officer for the RFP will keep you informed, so make sure you include your phone number and/or e-mail address with your letter of intent or application. We will send any significant material and updates to all grantseekers we know are interested in the RFP.

Q: How soon must I start my project after the grant has been awarded?
Generally, we expect grantees to begin their projects within 60 days of the signed grant agreement.

Q: When does the grant period begin?
The grant period begins on the date that the first check is issued for the grant.

Q: How will I know if I received a grant?
The Program Officer for the RFP will contact you regarding declinations and awards.

Q: What if our agency is governmental and does not have a 501 (c) (3)?
Some documentation of tax-exempt status under IRS sections 115 or 170 will be required. Please contact our Grants Manager for more information.

Q: Who should attend the site visit when the proposal is under review?
Anyone central to the project should be included. The meeting may include the agency executive, the grant writer, the project director, key agency staff, board members, community supporters, others who are collaborating on the project.