Reach us at:
(813) 229-2884
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I find out about CBHC available funds and the application process?
A. Visit our web site at www.childrensboard.org and review our funding information that describes our available funds, funding categories, guidelines and universal application process. Call Bobbi Davis or Irene Hill at (813) 229-2884 or email them at: bobbid@childrensboard.org or ihill@childrensboard.org for a hard copy of our funding plan.
Q. How can I find out if I am eligible for CBHC funding if I’m not a non-profit organization or if I don’t have a 501(c)(3) tax exemption? What other qualifications does my organization need to apply for funds?
A. Please refer to the minimum requirements in Appendix A of the universal application for eligibility information. We also recommend that you review the sample contract in Appendix C. You may wish to consider collaborating with another organization that meets our minimum requirements if your group is not incorporated. Grassroots organizations and for-profit entities are sometimes eligible to apply, depending on the funding category.
Q. When can I apply for CBHC funds? What are the grant submission deadlines?
A. The Children’s Board accepts applications in the designated funding categories at any time. There are no strict deadlines associated with submission, however, if we receive your application late in the monthly cycle, you may have to wait for a community review team or Board meeting to occur the following month. Sometimes the CBHC releases special funding requests for proposals (RFP) or invitations to negotiate (ITN) that were not included in our initial funding plan for a fiscal year. Deadlines for application under these special initiatives are always spelled out in the guidelines released.
Q. If I have trouble or need assistance completing the CBHC application and budget forms, can I call for help?
A. Applicants are encouraged to call Irene Hill or Bibbi Davis if they have questions at any point during the process. Tonia Williams may also provide assistance with budget questions and forms. It is always a good idea to speak with one of us prior to submitting your application. The universal application is designed to prevent you from doing a great deal of work without dialogue with CBHC so that your time won’t be wasted. We are able to provide telephone, e-mail or in-person technical assistance with the application process or the development of your program should you need it.
Q. What if I have no experience applying for grants or staff qualified to submit a competitive application?
A. Don’t let this discourage you. CBHC staff will be glad to provide technical assistance. We can refer you to the Hillsborough Co. Grants Collaborative and Management Assistance Program (MAP). We can also recommend private consultants for additional help in the areas of program development, grant writing, budget preparation, strategic planning, Board development or 501(c)(3) non-profit application. Our technical assistance application and fund are available if you need assistance in these areas.
Q. What happens after I complete a universal application?
A. After submitting the application your request will be reviewed by CBHC staff. (Note: if you send the application electronically, you will need to send a hard copy as well). We will contact you if revisions are needed, and to provide a supplemental (full) application if required. If your concept is not appropriate for CBHC funding, we will make every effort to suggest alternative sources for funding.
Q. After submission of the universal application, how long does it take to obtain funding?
A. The length of time varies depending on the funding category, time of month you submit the universal application, and the submission of supplemental information, (if required). Once the application is complete, a community review team or staff team reviews it. At the longest, the approval cycle might take six weeks after the review team has approved it.
If your application is recommended for funding, it must be approved:
- by the CBHC Executive Director for amounts less than $10,000,
- by the executive committee of the Board of Directors, (at their meeting on the last Thursday of each month), for requests between $10,000- $20,000,
- by the full Board of Directors (at their public meeting on the second Thursday of each month) for requests over $20,000.
If an application is recommended for funding at the beginning of the month, the full application could be approved at the next executive committee meeting or Board meeting, depending on the dollar level.
Q. How can I make sure that I hear about special Children’s Board funding initiatives and ask questions in a more formal way?
A. The CBHC holds funding workshops on a regular basis. These workshops are publicized on our website. In addition, if you want to be added to the CBHC mailing list for notifications about our funding, send us an e-mail, letter or give us a call to request that your name be added to our mailing list for funding news.
Q. Are the dollar ranges listed in funding categories mandatory? What if I want to exceed the dollar range suggested in the funding plan for a request?
A. The dollar ranges listed are suggested ranges and are not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend that you present a justified request and a fiscally effective budget to be most successful with community review teams. You must present compelling reasons for exceeding the dollar range suggested.
If you need or desire a letter of support from the Children’s Board for an application to another funding organization, please complete the attached "request form" and give us plenty of time to draft and return the letter by your deadline.