Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How do I make grants from my fund?

Answer:

Once a fund is created, it is assigned to a staff member from the Philanthropic Services Team, who becomes that fund’s liaison to the Foundation. This staff member will help you make grants from the fund, will answer questions about the fund itself, and will work with you to help you achieve your philanthropic goals.

You may also access your fund information online. Donor Central is our free online service that allows you to submit grant recommendations, check your balance, or review gifts and grants. If you would like to set up DonorCentral access, please contact us at 919.474.8363.

Before a grant is made, the Foundation assures that the recommended grant is going to a nonprofit organization in good standing. Staff collects and reviews the nonprofit’s IRS reporting form (called a “990”), its annual report, a list of its board of directors, its budget and its letter of determination from the IRS. If our staff determines the organization is in good standing, the recommendation goes to our Board of Directors to be approved.

The Foundation makes every effort to award grants each week. Typically, grants recommended by fundholders that are received by Tuesday noon are processed and mailed by Friday close of business. If the nonprofit organization has not received a grant from us in the past, there may be a delay while we collect our due diligence information on the organization.