Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who does the Foundation fund?

  • The Foundation awards grants only to non-profit organizations that are exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • The Foundation cannot award grants to individuals or for-profit organizations.
  • In addition, the Foundation has a geographic focus that favors organizations that serve Bexar County and the immediate surrounding area (Bandera, Kerr, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, Atascosa, Frio & Medina counties).

What programs will the foundation fund?

  • The Foundation provides funding for programs and projects that will help further our mission of improving the lives of individuals with special needs, their families and caregivers.
  • The Foundation does not fund economic development, political or lobbying activities, or religious organizations for strictly sectarian purposes.

What will improve the chances of being funded?

The Foundation is strategic in its approach to allocating funds.  The Foundation Selection Committee favors proposals/projects that demonstrate the greatest potential to positively impact the lives of individuals with special needs.

What is the size of the grants awarded annually?

Non-profit organizations may request up to a maximum of $25,000 annually.

Will the foundation make multi-year grant awards?

Multi-year grants are not permitted but organizations may apply for funding in consecutive years.

Will the Foundation Selection Committee conduct site visits?

As part of the review process, the Foundation Selection Committee or Foundation staff reserve the right to conduct site visits to meet the staff, trustees and/or constituencies of potential grantee organizations. This will provide the opportunity for the Foundation Selection Committee or the staff member to gain a better understanding of the project or program, see first-hand who will be served, and assess the capacity of the potential grantee to carry out its objectives.

Does the Foundation have specific deadlines for Letters of Inquiry or grant proposals?

The Foundation no longer requires the submission of a Letter of Inquiry. It does have a deadline governing the submission of online grant applications. See the Application Process page.

How often does the Foundation’s Selection Committee meet to review grant proposals?

The Foundation Selection Committee meets to review grant proposals once a year during October.

How long does it take the Foundation to process a grant proposal?

The timeframe from grant application deadline to funding is approximately 60 days. There is currently only one funding cycle per year.

Can an organization submit more than one request at a time?

Yes, non-profit organizations may submit up to 2 online application requests during a given grant cycle.  Each request will be reviewed independently and evaluated on its own merits.

Can an organization receive more than one grant per year?

Only on rare occasions will the Foundation fund more than one grant request per organization per year. Requests for event sponsorships are considered separately from grant funding and may be submitted for consideration any time of year.

How many funding rounds will The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation have within a calendar year?

The Foundation currently has one funding cycle per calendar year.

Who does the Foundation fund?

  • The Foundation makes grants only to corporate organizations that are exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • The Foundation will not make grants to individuals or for-profit organizations.
  • In addition, the Foundation has a geographic limitation that requires that grant funds be used in Bexar County only.

What activities will the foundation fund?

  • The Foundation funds items that will help further the mission of the Foundation according to our Focus.
  • The Foundation does not fund economic development, annual fund and fundraising event sponsorships (i.e. tables and teams), political or lobbying activities, or religious organizations for strictly sectarian purposes.

What will improve the chances of being funded?

The foundation is strategic in its approach to grant-making. Study the guidelines carefully to determine whether your project is clearly responsive to the Foundation’s Focus.

What is the size of the grants awarded annually?

The Foundation has established a maximum of $25,000 for a grant proposal request.

Will the foundation make multi-year grant awards?

No. Grant recipients must re-apply each year.

Will the Foundation Selection Committee conduct site visits?

As part of the review process, the Foundation Selection Committee or Foundation staff will sometimes do site visits to meet with the staff, trustees and constituencies of potential grantee organizations. Among the matters discussed will be the processes in place to collect data and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

This will be a chance for Foundation Selection Committee or the staff member to gain a better understanding of the project or program, see first-hand who will be served, and assess the capacity of the potential grantee to carry out its objectives.

Does the Foundation have specific deadlines for Letters of Inquiry or grant proposals?

The Foundation does have deadlines governing the submission of Letters of Inquiry and grant proposals. Letters of Inquiry and grant proposals will be accepted per the dates outlined on the Grant Application Schedule.

How long does it take the Foundation to process a grant proposal?

Up to three months may be required for a grant proposal to be processed by the Foundation.

May an organization submit more than one request at a time?

You may submit up to two Letters of Inquiry at any one time although you should prioritize them before contacting the Foundation. Each request will be reviewed independently and evaluated on its own merits.

May an organization receive more than one grant per year?

Only on rare occasions will the Foundation fund more than one grant per organization per year.

How many funding rounds will Gordon Hartman Family Foundation have within a calendar year?

The Foundation will have either one or two funding rounds per year.