Frequently Asked Questions

Whom can I call for more information?
District Chief Executive Officer Lee Michelson, program manager, may be reached at (650) 421-2155, ext. 202, or via email at lmichelson@sequoiahealthcaredistict.com.

Who is eligible to apply for grants?
Any 501 (c)3 organization or government agency that is focused on health care issues and serves residents of our district may apply.

What is the size of the grant fund for the 2011-12 grant cycle?
The district has set aside $1 million for this cycle. We anticipate receiving requests that exceed that amount. The district may choose to offer a percentage of the requested amount or to not fund a request.

What are funding limits?
Maximum grant is $100,000. Rarely are requests for grants smaller than $20,000 accepted.

Are all grants annual grants? Can we apply for multi-year grants?
Grants are made on an annual basis, but organizations may reapply to extend the same program for an additional year during the next grant cycle. There is no limit as to how often a particular program may be funded or how often an organization may apply. However, we do not accept multiple requests from the same organization during the same giving cycle.

What are giving priorities?
Priorities change every year. Priorities for the funding cycle beginning July 1, 2011 will be announced in December of 2010.

When is the application due?
An informational meeting of potential grant applicants to answer questions about the program will be held at district offices on Dec. 6, 2010 (see the Timeline link at right for details). Agencies are asked to send a one-page letter of intent by Jan. 7 (see the Letter of Intent link at right for details.) Applicants will be notified by Jan. 17 if a full proposal is required.

Can funds be used for capital equipment?
The district prefers to fund program services, but will consider capital requests.

Are there other restrictions on use of funds?
District funds may be expended only to assist residents of the district.

When will grants be funded?
Funds will be distributed at a Caring Community reception to be held in June, 2011. Recipients will receive 50 percent of grant amount at that event. Second period funds are distributed six months later after recipients file mid-year reports.

What type of reporting is required?
Two reports are required of recipients, one at the six-month point of the grant cycle and one at the end of the year. The district fiscal year is July 1 — June 30. Report forms are provided by the district.

Who makes final grant decisions?
A review committee has been established to review all requests and make recommendations. The final decision rests with the Sequoia Healthcare District Board of Directors. District staff does not vote.

Are meetings open to the public? Can agency representatives attend board meetings?
Review committee meetings are not public; however, district board of directors meetings are public meetings. Anyone may attend.