The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.                     -  Oprah Winfrey

Q. Will you consider grants for capital purchases? If not, will this change in the coming years?

A. No capital projects will be funded during this year. This may change in future years. The District will decide annually and make its decision known.

Q. What is the cap on grants greater than $5,000?

A. The cap on grants is set at $75,000. Keep in mind that the average grant issued from the Community Health Fund has been $32,000.

Q. Would you consider funding research programs designed to identify health needs?

A. If the research does not currently exist and it meets the District priorities, a research program may be considered for funding. Given the volumes of research available, the District may refer your organization to the appropriate State, County or local agency for your research needs.

Q. Could the funds be used to support the infrastructure of collaborative efforts?

A. All proposals are expected to have a certain amount of infrastructure or overhead associated, and this is acceptable whether collaborative or from a single organization. However, no proposal to support only infrastructure will be considered eligible for funding.

Q. Could you fund programs or personnel whose function it is to recruit volunteers or provide training or technical support, such as for health projects in schools or senior centers?

A. No. The District's priority is to fund direct services and not solely overhead or indirect costs.

Q. Do you require matching funds?

A. No.

Q. If Eden Medical Center were brought in as a partner, would you be able to grant funds?

A. Yes.

Q. Are mental health and social services included in your definition of health?

A. Yes.

Q. If an organization provides services beyond the District, what percentage of the population served must reside within the District?

A. The project/service must demonstrate that it serves a majority, meaning a minimum of 51%, of clients from the District (San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Castro Valley and all unincorporated areas within the District).

Q. Would you rather see a proposal for a specific, targeted project or a continuation of an existing service or project?

A. A specific proposal. The District will not fund operating expenses (continuation of an existing service or project) alone.

Q. Do you define "capital projects" as the bricks and mortar, or would you consider funding such things as beds, playground equipment or other items to improve the conditions of a service?

A. "Bricks and mortar" are specifically excluded at this time. Equipment may be included in a project or service proposal that includes the need to have certain equipment to carry out its work. Requests to solely fund equipment without a service component identified would be considered a capital project.

Q. Is there a chance you would grant less than an agency requested?

A. Yes, there are times when many worthy agencies are competing for the funds, but we do not have enough to give everyone. The Board carefully reviews each agency’s budget to determine if a lesser grant could benefit the agency and, if so, may grant less than the amount originally requested.