Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my organization eligible to apply for funding?
A: Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt entity or an instrumentality of the state and submit a proposal serving low-access, low-income residents in Franklin County.

Q: How do I apply to the RFP?
A: The first step is to submit a Letter of Intent through the Foundation’s online grantmaking system. Organizations with successful Letters of Intent will be invited to submit a full proposal. See Important Dates for these and other steps in the RFP process.

Note: When you enter the online application system, you must enter your organization’s Tax ID Number, also known as an Employee Identification Number (EIN), in order to complete the Letter of Intent form.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum funding amount?
A: The total funding available for the Healthy Food, Healthy Franklin County RFP is $1 million. It is anticipated available funds will support multiple projects over the funding period. While there is not a minimum or maximum funding amount, requests should reflect the resources needed to implement the project effectively, provide a rationale for requested funds and demonstrate the organization’s ability to fulfill the goals of the RFP.

Q: Is a funding match required?
A: A funding match is not required but applicants must have other funds committed to the project. Applicants will be asked to list the amount and source of additional funds available for the project in the Letter of Intent.

Q: How long is the grant period?
A: Project activities supported through the RFP should commence on or after August 1, 2022 and be completed on or before August 1, 2024. If necessary to the scope of work and successful project implementation, exceptions will be considered, as needed.

Q: Can my organization submit more than one application if they are for different programs or projects?
A: You may only be the “applicant organization” on one Letter of Intent, however, proposals may include funding requests for more than one program or project within your organization.

Q: Can the funding be used to support a partnership between multiple organizations?
A: Yes, collaborative proposals can improve chances for program success, maximize resources and significantly impact the targeted population. Collaborative proposals should identify a lead agency with capacity to receive any grant funds, ensure project deliverables are met, complete and submit all required reports and serve as the primary contact with the Foundation.

Q: How can requested funding be used?
A: Requests can include support for program costs, personnel, consultation services and/or training, equipment and other capital expenses. All costs must contribute to the objectives of the funding initiative.

Funding through the RFP cannot be used to:

• • Support or promote a specific view on religious or political issues
  • Supplement or replace operating budgets
  • Fund activities that are normally the responsibility of public or governmental organizations
  • Support political candidates
  • Purchase equipment or services from individuals or organizations that will unreasonably benefit through fees-for-service or tuition payments
  • Repay debts
  • Support endowments

Q: What do you mean by sustainable?
A: The Foundation is committed to supporting innovation in the food system that will have a lasting impact in the community. Funding awards through the RFP will prioritize projects that have or will develop multiple funding sources such as earned revenue or shared costs agreements, in addition to grant funding.

Q: Can I work with food producers and other partners outside Franklin County?
A: The Foundation recognizes the need to foster urban and rural connections in the food system. Proposals may include partners from rural Ohio counties if the result is an increase in the availability, affordability and consumption of healthy, local food among vulnerable people in Franklin County.

Q: Can my organization partner with a fiscal agent?
A: A fiscal agent may accept and be responsible for grant funds on behalf of the applicant organization or project. In this case, the applicant organization and designated fiscal agent should submit a signed agreement with the full proposal, if invited by the Foundation.

Questions About the RFP?

• • For questions about program concepts, contact Cheryl Graffagnino, Program Officer, at (614) 737-4366 or cgraffagnino@ohf-ohio.org
  • For questions about the online application, contact Erin Prescott, Program Officer, at (614) 737-4367 or eprescott@ohf-ohio.org