FAQs
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked about our funding guidelines. Should you have further questions, or need assistance, please contact us at the phone number and address listed at the foot of this page.
Q: Who reviews my Grant Application?
Grant Applications are reviewed by the AFJ Grants Committee.
Q: If my electronic Grant Application is declined, will you explain why it was rejected or critique the proposal?
Due to the large volume of grant inquiries we cannot discuss with applicants the reasons for declining a request or to provide individual critiques of proposals we decline. Because the AFJ has limited financial resources, we are able to fund only a small percentage of qualified applicants. This means that many excellent projects, even ones that fall within our areas of interest, may not be funded. Please understand that a rejection of your Grant Application does not mean that the project lacks merit.
Q: Could I set up an appointment to discuss my project idea?
The AFJ requires that you submit a Grant Application. Due to limited staff resources and the large volume of requests we receive, the AFJ does not conduct pre-proposal meetings.
Q: How do you handle requests from universities or school districts?
The AFJ requires that all requests from universities be submitted through the university’s Office of Sponsored Projects or Foundation Relations Office. The AFJ does not entertain individual classroom requests from schools, and any request must be submitted through the Principal or Superintendent’s office.
Q: Will the AFJ make multiyear awards?
Multiyear grants are rare; most grants are awarded for a one-year period.
Q: What projects are not eligible?
In general, the AFJ does not fund:
• Annual funds, galas, or other special-event fundraising activities
• Capital campaigns/renovation projects
• Debt reduction
• Dissertation or student research
• Indirect/administrative costs
• Sectarian religious activities, political lobbying, or legislative activities
• Institutions that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation in policy or in practice
• Personal loans, scholarship, fellowships, or grants to individuals
• Unsolicited requests for international organizations or programs
Q: Are other sources of funding required?
While a variety of funding sources is not essential, it is viewed by the AFJ as an indication of broad interest in the proposed program. Typically, the AFJ is not the sole supporter for programs.
Q: Do you provide general operating grants?
While the AFJ occasionally awards grants for general operating expenses, such grants are infrequent and usually initiated by the AFJ. The AFJ prefers to provide programmatic support (including program salaries) for nonprofits.
Q: How do I apply for a grant?
An application form must be completed.
The application form can be found on our Grants page whenever the Grant Application Cycle is open which is typically between the first week of November and the end of the first week in February each year.
Q: Is there a fee for Donor Directed grants?
Yes, there is a 5% one-time administrative fee for all Donor Directed grants.
Q: Does the AFJ have an application deadline?
Yes, the application deadline is the first Friday in February of each year.
Q: What size grant should we request?
Grant sizes vary but typically range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the program.
Q: Do you fund newly established nonprofits?
Yes, we will consider Grant Applications from start-up nonprofits that are registered under the Jamaica Charities Act.