FAQs about Funding Partners

What is the role of the "nominating funder"?

As the name implies, the nominating funder writes the cover letter submitting a project for consideration for matching funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Funding Partnerships (LFP) program. Typically the grantmaker's interest in the project is shown by the willingness to provide some of the local funding and to help organize other funders to contribute.

The letter should affirm the grantmaker’s strong endorsement of the initiative and intention to work with the applicant and all potential funding partners to obtain the funding necessary to match RWJF funds. It is helpful to include information regarding the nominating funder’s involvement with the development of this initiative, with the applicant agency, with other local coalition partners and with other interested local funders.

Must the nominating funder provide all the matching dollars?

Projects must be nominated by a local grantmaker that is interested in participating as one of the funding partners. The nominating funder is not obligated to provide the total match.

The majority of successful projects are supported by a coalition of many funding sources. The nominating funder works with the grantee throughout the grant period to obtain sufficient dollar-for-dollar matching funds. The nominating funder usually serves as the liaison between the LFP national program office and the other local funding partners.

How could a funder be “institutionally affiliated” with the applicant and why can’t they serve as a nominating funder for an LFP annual grant?

A typical example of an institutionally affiliated funder would be a hospital foundation trying to nominate a project based at its own hospital. They are so closely affiliated, it is like nominating themselves or what we call “self-funding.” Nominating funders may not be organizationally affiliated with the applicant for an LFP annual grant. However, an affiliated institution may contribute grant dollars as one of your local funders.

Please note: having enthusiastic local funders from outside of your organization makes your application more competitive. For the LFP Annual Grantmaking program, you should be nominated by a local grantmaker who is not affiliated with your institution or organization.

Is there a list available with specific names of funders in our area?

A good resource to learn of funders in any state is the Foundation Center. You may also want to explore the Council on Foundations website. Don't forget corporate foundations, family foundations and religious organizations in your area.

Do we need to have all the local matching dollars committed before we apply?

No, many projects continue to build their collaboration with local funders during the life of the grant. But it should be reasonable to expect that you will achieve all your matching funds. As the project goes through the review process a strong commitment from local funders makes the project more competitive. If the project becomes a finalist and is selected for a site visit, at least the first year's matching funds should be assured.

Must funding partners be the same each year of the LFP grant?

No. Multiple sources of funding are encouraged over the three- or four-year life of a grant. Most projects gain additional funders as they establish their value in a community. Occasionally grantmakers leave the partnership to pursue other initiatives. However, each year of the grant, the project must receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds to cover that year's disbursement from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

How are the required matching dollars determined for each year of the grant?

Once a project is selected, RWJF grant funds are disbursed in increments over the three- or four-year period of the grant; the total is not delivered in one sum. Funded grantees will submit a budget for each year of the grant that shows how much of their RWJF award they plan to spend that year. The Foundation requires written confirmation that the local funding partners have authorized sufficient dollars to match that year’s payments.

What are the responsibilities of funding partners?

In addition to aggregating the dollar-for-dollar matching funds on an annual basis, local funders ensure the integrity of each project. Staff of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation turn to the expertise of the local partners to help evaluate projects and determine the continued best use of the grant.

Should funders seek projects to nominate?

Some funders make it part of their mission to find and invest in promising projects. Others see their role as evaluating the many proposals that come before them, providing direction and then possibly nominating them. The best funding partnerships can happen either way.

Grantmakers may be the first to identify the need for a new initiative and sometimes convene community groups to work together, develop a concept and plan for implementation. The active engagement of local grantmakers is one of the key criteria considered as applications move forward in the competitive process.

Will nominating funders receive correspondence from RWJF?

Yes. RWJF and the LFP office consider the nominating funder to be the liason with all other local funding partners on the project. Most correspondence is conducted via e-mail.

Must the local funder that nominates an organization have granted to you before? Can this be the first time they will have awarded you money?

This can definitely be the first time you work with the nominating funder. Previous funding from them is not necessary.

What should we do if the nominating funding partner has not made a formal funding commitment to the project before the LFP deadline for submission of the brief proposal (Stage I application)?

The degree of interest and commitment from funding partners reflects on local support for the proposed project. At the time of the brief proposal (Stage I application), the nominating funding partner can submit the request for partnership with a statement that they are willing to consider or are in the process of recommending financial support to their Board. However, a financial commitment (in writing, if possible) should be submitted during the phase when site selection visits are made.

Can we have more than one funding partner?

Yes! You are encouraged to have multiple funding partners. However, one funding partner will be designated as the nominating funding partner at the time of the application. This funding partner will act as the liaison between the LFP national program office and the other funding partners.

What are acceptable types of local funding partners?

Allowable sources of matching funds include all types of foundations, corporations, local charities, diversity-focused funders, United Way, religious groups, fundraising revenue and individual benefactors. See Grantmaking Organizations.