Application Process

Application Process

We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals. If you believe your organization would be a good fit for partnering with JPOFF, please submit a Letter of Interest. Letters of Interest are accepted year-round. Please be aware we may not be able to respond to all Letters of interest due to the volume received.

Step #1

A prospective grantee partner submits a Letter of Interest via our online grant system at any time during the year.

Submit Letter of Interest

Step #2

If a prospective grantee partner meets the eligibility criteria and aligns with our funding priorities and current grantmaking strategy, JPOFF will invite the grantee for an exploratory discussion.

Step #3

After the exploratory discussion with JPOFF, prospective grantees may be invited to submit a full grant proposal via the online grants portal. An invitation to submit a full grant proposal does not guarantee funding.

Funding Schedule

The Foundation typically holds two grant cycles each calendar year; one in the spring and one in the fall. Organizations that have been invited to submit a full grant proposal will be notified directly of the grant cycle dates and provided with an access code for the online application.

SPRING

Grant Cycle #1

The first grant cycle is from March 1st -31st with notification occurring by May.

Fall

Grant Cycle #2

The second cycle is October 1st -31st with notification occurring by December.

Grant Guidelines

Geographic Focus Area

Grant opportunities are open to organizations that are based in and/or serve the State of Connecticut with a particular focus on the Eastern and Central regions. Grants are also made on a selective basis to areas in which Trustees live and work.

Average Grant Size

Grants can vary in size based on the project. We value organizations that have a diversified base of support. Organizations should not rely on the Foundation for substantial, ongoing annual support.

Grant Duration

Generally, grants are awarded for a one-year period. Multi-year grants are considered depending upon the type of project and level of partnership. Organizations are only eligible to apply for one grant per calendar year. The Foundation may limit the number of consecutive years an organization receives a grant to allow us to meet the needs of other organizations.

Eligibility

All organizations must be designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit under 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code or must have an agreement with another 501(c)(3) organization which will serve as a fiscal agent for the applicant.

JPOFF does not make grants to

  • Individuals
  • Political campaigns or activities
  • Past operating deficits
  • Projects of organizations whose policies or practices discriminate based on ethnic origin, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation