Collaborative Change Initiative 

Frequently Asked Questions 

This is a list of frequently asked questions related to our 2017 application process for LAUNCH and GROWTH grants.  We will continue to update this list of FAQs as we receive questions. If your question is not addressed below, please email info@hellmanfoundation.org.
 
Questions about Eligibility

We have been getting a lot of questions about whether a collaboration is a better fit for a Launch or a Growth grant. Please make sure you have read through all of the eligibility criteria of both grants to make sure you are applying for the appropriate grant.
  •  The key difference between a Launch grant and a Growth grant is where your collaboration is with regard to piloting your program or strategies. If you are just starting to develop plans for a pilot or are early in the testing/learning phase, then you are in the Launch phase--even if your collaboration has been working together for some time. If you have been testing and piloting a project or strategy for a while and are poised to begin scaling, then you are in the Growth phase.

How do I find out if my collaboration is eligible and how to apply?
What advice would you give to a collaboration who might be interested in responding to the Request for Information?
  • We advise you to review all overview and eligibility requirements carefully, including the Five Phases of Collaboration, to confirm that your collaboration is eligible to apply. You can also read about our current awardees to get a better sense of what we’ve supported in the past. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email info@hellmanfoundation.org to confirm.

Do we need to meet all eligibility requirements?
  • Yes, due to the high volume and competitive nature of the applications we receive, collaborations must meet all eligibility criteria to be considered.
 
Our collaboration is led by an organization that is not in San Francisco County or Alameda County. Can we apply?
  • No, the Collaborative Change Initiative is currently limited to collaborations located and operating within Alameda County or the County of San Francisco.  

I am part of a regional collaboration that covers multiple counties including San Francisco or Alameda County. Should we apply?
  • The goal of this program is to support collaborations that are located and operating within either Alameda County or the County of San Francisco. It is very unlikely that the selection committee would award funding to a regional collaboration. 

My collaboration has non-profit and business partners, but no partner from the public sector. Do we qualify?
  • No, to be eligible you must have at least one lead partner from the public sector (e.g., local/state government, public school districts, public hospitals and universities).

Are there specific issue areas that the Foundation is most interested in?
  • We will give priority to collaborations tackling disparities in health and education, but are open to compelling collaborative projects that address other disparities in individual outcomes and community wellbeing.

​I am part of a long-standing collaboration that needs ongoing general operating support. Should I apply?
  • This funding is not intended for ongoing general operating support of existing collaborations. Please carefully review the eligibility and funding guidelines for LAUNCH Grants and GROWTH Grants  to understand purposes for which funding can and cannot be used.

I am part of a collaboration with a great track record. We need funding to expand our programming to a new site. Should we apply?
  • Generally, expanding services to a new site or simply to reach more participants will not be a competitive application, unless the expansion is strategically contributing to the larger goal of creating scaled or systems-level change. 

I am passionate about a pressing issue in my community and would like to pull together a collaboration to respond to this opportunity. Should I apply?
  • No, your collaboration must be already formed and include at least 5 partner institutions with a clear strategy and a track record of working in partnership.

​I am a current/past Hellman Foundation grantee. Will that help or hurt my chances?
  • Applications will be considered without regard to current or previous relationships with the Hellman Foundation.  
 
Can you provide an example of a "one sentence measurable goal for a collaboration" as requested in the RFI? 
 Where possible, these goals should be measurable, include a proposed time frame, and give a sense of the work that will lead to this goal. Here are a few examples:   

  • By 20XX, XX% of low-income preschoolers in Oakland will participate in high quality early literacy and math programs, leading to a significant increase in kindergarten readiness.  
  • Over the next XX years, ABC Collaboration will transform access to prenatal nutrition, ensuring that XX% of all pregnant mothers have consistent access to healthy food.  
  • By 20XX, suspensions and expulsions in San Francisco schools will decrease by XX%, through programs that provide mentoring, early intervention, and parent education. 
  • Over the next XX years, DEF Collaboration intends to eliminate preventable oral health conditions among San Francisco kids by providing universal access to dental care and information.

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Questions About Grant Structure & Application 

​If we proceed to the next round of the application process, what will that entail?
  • The application process includes several steps, including developing a complete proposal, meeting with Hellman Foundation leadership, and presenting to advisors and members of the Board. Please see our timeline for a list of steps.

If we receive this grant, will participation in capacity building activities be optional?
  • No. Capacity building activities are a crucial component of the support we provide to awardees. Foundation staff will work closely with awardees to customize activities to ensure they meet the unique capacity needs of each collaboration.  

How do I find out more about your grant structure and how to apply?
Our collaboration is unique and our current needs do not fit within the categories in your “Use of Funds” section. Is that a problem?
  • These grants are intended to be flexible and we are open to considering costs outside those listed. However, please read eligibility requirements carefully to ensure that your collaboration is otherwise still a strong match with this funding.

I’m not ready to apply this year. Will you be offering the Collaborative Change Initiative awards again?
  • Our current plan is to provide Collaborative Change grants every other year, though that is subject to change.