I have questions about what is required to submit a grant application and the requirements.
You can find all Grant docs on this website. Under the Grants option you can find the following:
- Grand Application Instructions
- Grant Policy (PDF)
- Grant Application (PDF)
- Grants Awarded (last cycle), Grant Recipients – 1974 to Present.
Please review specifically the Grant Policy document as this provides the guiding principles of the DBL Grant Process.
Are two bids really required?
Our organization has a negotiated contract with a vendor that guarantees us the lowest price and per the contract we are required to use them for purchases. Our grant request will be for products from this vendor, so we are not able to provide 2 bids?
If 2 bids are not able to be provided, fill out Attachment G – Exemption Request Form – found within the Grant Application. The Grant Committee will review the Exception Request. If approved, the Exemption Request will serve in place of the 2nd bid.
Does the age of our organization affect our qualification for a DBL grant?
Our organization has received DBL Grants in the past, but we now operate under a new name and our tax-exempt status from the IRS is only 2 years old for the new name. Can we still apply for a DBL grant?
A 501(c)(3) form with the name of the organization which will appear on the Grant Application must show tax exempt status for at least 3 years. If an organization has changed its name and an updated IRS Letter of Determination has not yet been obtained, a State of Texas Certificate of Amendment and IRS-990 name change filing shall accompany the application. (Grant Policy)
What are the locality requirements for qualification?
Our board is not local as we have a large service area however we provide resources in the DBL service area and have offices and staff locally. Will this disqualify us for a DBL Grant?
DBL Grant Policy states that a Grant Recipient must ‘be locally governed, that is, have a governing or advisory board with local representation.” It is advised to submit an Exception Request to the Grant Committee explaining the particulars of your board and service area. This will allow the committee to pre-determine the eligibility.
Our agency does not have audited financials. Can we still apply for a grant?
Our agency is small and does not pay for an annual audit as these can be expensive. Will this impact our Grant eligibility?
For agencies that do not have an annual audit and thus do not have an auditor’s opinion letter then it is expected that either an audit committee or the board is performing regular audit/reviews of financials. A letter from the audit committee or the board should be submitted with the Grant Application that addresses the audit/review process and include a general statement on the organization’s financial health.
Does DBL award grants to agencies with religious affiliations?
Our agency provides services to anyone in the community if they attend church services once a month. How will this impact our ability to apply for a DBL Grant?
DBL Grants will not be awarded to organizations that ‘require religious affiliation, specific belief, or participation to receive any of its services”, per our Grant Policy. Please review section IV of the DBL Grant Policy for additional clarification.
I have other questions. How can I get help?
I have questions that I can’t find answered online or in the Grant Policy, what should I do next?
Reach out to the DBL Grant Chair, grants@dentonbenefitleague.org for additional help related to grants.