Q: I have received funds from SJI in the past without completing this application. Do I have to submit an application now?
A: All charitable and community based organizations seeking charitable financial support from SJI are required to submit a completed application. This includes organizations that previously received charitable funds or event sponsorships from any SJI subsidiaries, as well as organizations new to the process. Additionally, prior sponsorship or financial support does not guarantee grant awards in subsequent years.
Q: How often can I apply for funding?
A: Only one application may be submitted per organization per year. For this reason, you must include the total amount of funds you are requesting for the entire calendar year and highlight any benefits available to SJI throughout the year. Additionally, if you don’t receive funding in a given year, you are welcome to reapply in subsequent years with a new application or opportunity if a demonstrated need remains.
Q: In
fundraising, I’ve always been told to “shoot for the stars” and request the highest grant amount available. Even if I don’t
get it, at least I have a better chance of getting some funding,
right?
A:Unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Please consider carefully the grant level you request and identity very specifically how it coincides with our social investment goals. With 42,759 non-profit organizations operating in New Jersey (from IRS reports, 4/09), it is not possible to fund them all at maximum levels. If you only offer information relating to maximum funding amounts (i.e. $10,000 to $15,000), we have no way of identifying how other amounts could impact your organization, and we may have to deny your request completely. When completing your application, try to highlight the benefits of a relationship with your organization at a level that is consistent with our areas of interest and our business goals, and how these two things relate to your organization. Providing this information for comparison purposes will allow our Social Investment Funding Committee to make the most informed decisions when allocating funds. Also, if your organization does not currently have an established relationship with South Jersey Industries, we urge you to consider a more conservative request in your first application. If you have never received funding from SJI and we have not previously been involved with your organization, it is unlikely that you will receive funding at the highest levels available.
Q: I would much rather come in and meet
with SJI to show you the benefits that you could enjoy from
partnering with my organization. Can I set up a meeting instead
of submitting an application?
A: An organization will not be considered for funding without completing an application. Additionally, because there are so many organizations operating in New Jersey, we prefer only to set up individual meetings if we need to follow up with you for additional information or would like to learn more about your group’s activities. We plan to hold an informational session during 2010 for nonprofit leaders and will post information on this site for those who may be interested.
Q: We are seeking support for an event in February, but the SJI funding announcements will not be made in time for our event. How can we still compete for funding?
A: If you are holding an event or requesting funding for an initiative that will occur before March 1, you may apply for funding determination during the second funding period of the preceding year. In the fall, organizations may submit an application for the coming year to ensure that a decision is made in time for early-year initiatives. Please note, however, in the event you receive early approval of your application, you will not receive payment until the following year’s March distribution period. Other early submissions will not be accepted unless they relate directly to a program or event occurring before March 1.
Health
and Social Services –Improving the quality of life for residents of Southern New Jersey by specifically addressing the health and welfare of our region’s women, children and families. This includes support of organizations that protect the most vulnerable members of our community by promoting self sufficiency and creating safer homes and neighborhoods.