Where should I apply for the grants?
https://sites.usc.edu/goodneighbors/apply-for-grant/
Why should I apply to be a Good Neighbors grantee?
Successful proposals will share in $1.3 million in grant funding focused in the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Southern California’s University Park and Health Sciences campuses. Additional benefits include non-monetary opportunities including capacity-building, information-sharing, and other resources.
Who can apply for the grants?
USC staff, faculty, or academic/administrative units, student organizations (with campus advisor approval) and/or a community-based nonprofit organization, working together to address a Good Neighbors funding priority to address a community need in a meaningful, measurable way.
What is considered to be “surrounding the University Park and Health Sciences campuses?”
- Health Sciences Campus map
- University Park Campus map
- Organizations/programs serving the residents of and providing services within the Good Neighbors service areas are eligible to apply for funding. Additionally, funded programs can take place at any of the neighborhood schools or USC Family of Schools, including Manual Arts High School.
Our office is in Hollywood/Glendale/Sacramento/Washington D.C. and we want to propose a new program to take place at our site. Can we be funded?
Unfortunately, Good Neighbors is unable to fund direct service outside of the currently mapped areas surrounding the Health Sciences and University Park campuses. USC has a proud, worldwide presence, but for now, the USC Good Neighbors Grants remain focused on the original two campus sites.
Do all of the partners need to be located inside the geographic boundaries near the campus?
Partners may be located or headquartered anywhere, provided the focus is to provide services within the stated boundaries shown in the Health Sciences Campus and University Park community maps.
What is an “established” community-university partnership?
Proposals should encompass direct service, ready to launch when the grant period opens, July 1, 2019, should the program be awarded. Evidence of an established partnership is a cooperative, well-developed, mutually negotiated proposal, supported by letters of partnership illustrating areas of responsibility. Letters of partnership should include:
- evidence of an established, strong partnership, such as the duration of existing interaction and prior involvement
- clear statement of degree of involvement, financial investment/ commitment and time/effort in grant
So do you accept new partnerships?
Absolutely yes! We encourage new ideas, new organizations and innovative approaches. Just think of it in terms of any good relationship, new or old. It should be as balanced as possible, sharing responsibility and resources, good communication.
Are there expenses the grant won’t cover?
- No form of stipend or other compensation (cash/check, gift cards, etc.) to USC faculty or staff are permitted to be paid out of USC Good Neighbors funds. USC faculty and staff time/effort can and should be documented as in-kind support.
- Good Neighbors Grant funds cannot be redistributed or re-granted, under any circumstances.
Can I pay non-USC individuals from Good Neighbors Grant funds?
Yes, as long as they are not USC faculty or staff. You may hire USC students, community members, and others. The approved rate for hourly wages is from minimum wage to $30 per hour.
What is the annual grant cycle?
The grant funding cycle is July 1 to June 30.
We have a current Good Neighbors Grant. Can I apply again?
Yes, although funding of past programs is not guaranteed. There are no restrictions on the number of times a partnership can apply for a grant.
What is the maximum amount for a Good Neighbors grant?
Past grant funding has varied from $5,700 to $85,000 with the average grant at $25,000. Every proposal is different. While there is no technical limit to the grant request, be aware that the Good Neighbors Grant Program is competitive and the Grant Review Committee are careful stewards of their colleagues’ contributions, are very thoughtful in committing funds to proposals, and seek maximum impact of the available funds. This should be your guideline in selecting your grant request amount.
What documents are needed for the application?
Required documents include:
- Community Partner’s Tax Determination Letter (K-12 schools are exempt)
- Program Budget Sheet (upload as MS Excel)
- Budget Justification (upload as MS Word)
- Letters of Partnership (upload as a single PDF)
- Thumbnail biographies of key community and university partners
When is the deadline for application?
The deadline for the application is Friday, February 8, 2019 at 12 Midnight, Pacific Standard Time. No exceptions. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
When will we be notified about the final decision?
Final decisions will be announced in May, 2019. Grantee orientation will take place in July, 2019, at which time the first disbursement of funds will be made.
Will I be able to track the progress of our proposal through the review process?
Unfortunately, not directly. The Common Grant Application system will generate an acknowledgement of your submitted proposal. All proposals will be put through the lengthy blind review process, and the final decisions will be released simultaneously.
How are grantees selected?
Funding decisions are at the discretion of the Good Neighbors Grant Review Committee.
What is the acceptance rate?
The annual number of grants funded varies based on the amount of funding that is available, number of proposals, and size of the grant requests. Recently, between 45 and 55 proposals have been funded annually from up to 90 proposals received.
Where can I get more information?
Two in-person information sessios have held to explain the process and answer any questions in live discussion:
• Health Sciences Campus: Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (PST) in Hoffman Medical Research Center (HMR) first floor Hastings Auditorium Room 100 (1989 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089)
• University Park Campus: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (PST) in Engemann Student Health Center (ESH) First Floor Conference Room (1031 W. 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089)
Click Presentation 2019 to download the PowerPoint presentation for more information.
Visit our grant application website at https://sites.usc.edu/goodneighbors/apply-for-grant/
Email us at neighbor@usc.edu
“Office Hours” are available by appointment from January 7, 2019 through February 1, 2019. Grant questions, budget and proposal reviews can be handled during office hours with a pre-scheduled appointment. Please email us at neighbor@usc.edu or call (213) 743-5267 to set up an appointment.