Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn about CLF funding criteria, the decision-making process, and much more.

Potential applicants can learn more about the procedures, funding criteria, and other application-related issues by reviewing the Grant Application FAQs listed below:

1. Does CLF accept unsolicited proposals?
No. Potential grantees are required to call the appropriate Program Officer (PO) to discuss the proposed idea/project. If after this conversation the PO determines that the idea/project has some merit, CLF will request that the potential grantee submit a letter of inquiry.

2. If a letter of inquiry is requested, what information should it include?
Each letter of inquiry should be a concise, one-to-two-page document clearly articulating the idea/project. The letter of inquiry must include:

1. A description of the applicant organization, its mission, and programs
2. A statement of need
3. A description of the proposed project including starting date, duration, target audience, activities, and anticipated results
4. A brief description of project finances including total cost, other resources, and the amount and intended use of funding requested from the Foundation.
   

3. What if I can’t fit all of my information on two pages or less?
All letters of inquiry longer than two pages will be automatically declined.

4. What happens if the Program Officer is interested in my proposal?
If the Program Officer has an interest in learning more about a proposal, he or she will request a letter of inquiry or a full proposal. This request does not guarantee approval, however.

5. Do I need a formal business plan?
The Program Officer will work closely with the potential grantee to acquire additional information, including a proper business plan.

6. Can I send in a proposal without contacting the Program Officer first?
All unsolicited proposals will be declined automatically without review.

7. How does CLF decide which proposals to fund?
In making funding decisions, CLF carefully considers a variety of factors concerning the proposals and the applicant organization. See Funding Criteria for a detailed list of CLF’s basic funding priorities and evaluation criteria. While it is not necessary for any proposal to incorporate all of these characteristics, all proposals will be measured against these standards and will be considered only if there is a significant match.

8. Can you provide some of the reasons why CLF may choose not to fund a program or project?
The reasons why CLF passes on a proposal are as varied as the proposals themselves. Below are five common reasons why proposals are declined.

1. Probability of success is very low
2. There is not a significant need or benefit to the community/public
3. Probability of expansion or replication is very low
4. Outcomes are not easily measurable (i.e. data is based on theory, not fact)
5. Outside the scope of CLF’s mission.
   

9. Are certain types of organizations more or less likely to receive funding?
CLF does not normally fund organizations with substantial financial resources or arts or cultural organizations, unless the proposed project presents a compelling need or opportunity and substantially matches the funding criteria.

Any grants to religious organizations will be restricted to non-sectarian purposes. Grants are not awarded to individuals or to organizations where prohibited by the Internal Revenue Service Code.

10. Does the location of an organization or proposed program factor into CLF’s funding decision?
CLF’s original focus was directed toward meeting the social needs of people in the Foundation’s home region; therefore, preference is given to projects in upstate New York. However, projects in any geographic area of the United States will be considered.

11. How much funding will CLF typically provide for a project or program?
There are no upper limits of funding. Basically, the projected result must be worth the investment. The minimum financial assistance awarded is $20,000.

12. What types of financial assistance are available?
Most awards will be strategic investments structured to share the risk of a new program with the recipient organization. Funding mechanisms utilized in the past include challenge grants, low or no interest loans, and incremental grants paid out according to performance.

13. Does CLF provide technical assistance?
In the interest of strengthening not-for-profit organizations and increasing capacity to successfully deliver funded programs, CLF may require appropriate technical assistance as part of grant packages.

14. What is the difference between Charitable Venture Foundation and Charitable Leadership Foundation?
CLF and CVF are two separate entities, which were both established by the Liebich family of Albany, New York. Charitable Venture Foundation was created in 1992 with the mission of funding innovative projects and programs, which were unlikely to receive grants from traditional foundations. CVF grants are typically $50,000 or less and awarded for one or two years.

Charitable Leadership Foundation has three core focus areas: Education, Housing, and Medical Affairs. The CLF grants are larger ($20,000 minimum) and are usually awarded for four or five years or longer.

Charitable Venture Foundation has a much broader scope in terms of the kinds of programs that it will fund. The program standards for both foundations are very similar; however, CVF primarily funds projects in upstate New York while CLF considers requests from throughout the U.S.