Wis. Stats. Chapter 45	2135 Rimrock Road, P.O. Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707-7843 (608) 266-1311 | 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387) | WisVets.com
FY22 Nonprofit Grant - Frequently Asked Questions
Our organization is not considered a registered 501(c)(3). Are we eligible to apply? No, the Nonprofit Grant funds are for nonprofit organizations that are registered as a 501(c)(3). Our organization is not registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI/WDFI) but we are in good standing. Are we eligible to apply? The organization must be registered and in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI/WDFI) by the application deadline of July 30, 2021. Our organization is not based in Wisconsin but we operate in Wisconsin. Are we eligible to apply? If your application demonstrates with clarity that your organization is a registered 501(c)(3), registered and in good standing with WDFI, and all grant funds are to benefit eligible veterans of the state of Wisconsin or their dependents, you are eligible to apply for the grant. How are the applications graded for consideration? All applications are rated based on a 100-point scale. The criteria and point system are located on the grant application. Who makes the final determination for the grant, the reviewers or the department? The Evaluation Committee, comprised of at least one member of the Board of Veterans Affairs and other individuals appointed by the department, evaluates the applications on a 100-point scale as described in the grant application. Are there any similar grants that you offer for nonprofit organizations? WDVA offers an Entrepreneurship Grant that is available to registered 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, technical, business, or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes. The Veteran Employment Grant is an incentive program to support businesses hiring honorably discharged veterans with a Federal VA service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. To learn more, please go to the WDVA website and select the Benefits/Employment/Employer Resources tab. https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/educationEmployment/EmploymentEmployers.aspx What is the amount that we can request for the grant? The Nonprofit Grant has a maximum award limit of $25,000. Does our organization have a better chance of being approved based on the amount requested? There is no recommended amount to apply for and the amount applied for will not impact the approval or denial of the grant award. The amount requested should be in relation to the planned program. Applications are evaluated based on multiple factors as described in the application. Our organization is new and does not have an annual report. What documents are acceptable to submit? As described in the application, you can also submit other literature summarizing your program(s). Our organization is new and does not have an income statement and balance sheet for the most recent fiscal year. What other documents are acceptable to submit? As described in the application, it is acceptable to submit your organization’s business plan and full budget plan with your application.

Can the grant be used for start-up costs?

Yes, a nonprofit grant request/proposal could include actual start-up costs, entrepreneurship training, or technical assistance, etc., for a veteran if these expenditures are consistent with all other grant requirements.

The name of our organization has changed since we requested our nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Will we need to provide any additional documentation to reflect this?

Yes, as described in the application, a letter from the IRS is required as verification of your organization’s tax status. The name on the IRS letter must match the name of the applicant on the application.

If our organization is awarded the grant, will the funds go directly to us or our head organization?

The funds will be dispersed to the “Applicant” of the application. A separate bank account for the funds will be required as stated in the terms and conditions of the application.

Can services be provided to a veteran from out of state by a Nonprofit Grant recipient in Wisconsin?

The grantee is responsible for determining eligibility of veterans for the program(s). The attending veteran must meet requirements of Wisconsin Statute § 45.01(12), and reside in the state. Violation of this use may result in an obligation to return the full grant awarded.

Can a grant recipient use the funds for a different purpose or add another item after the grant has been received?

The grant funds you receive must be used for the intended purpose as outlined in the original grant proposal, subsequently approved by WDVA. Violation of this use may result in an obligation to return the full grant awarded.

Can the grant be used for employee salaries?

Grant funds may not supplant existing employee wages or compensation. Grant funds can be used to hire staff exclusively to implement and administer the program(s) if included in the grant proposal approved by WDVA. Violation of this use may result in an obligation to return the full grant awarded. Grantee may not use more than 50% of the grant funds for employee wages, compensation, and related expenses assignable to the approved program for grant year 2022.

Are the grant funds equally disbursed by the number of applications received?

The $250,000 is pooled and awarded based on scoring criteria. WDVA retains full discretion on the amount of any award determined, including caps on awards to provide a wider distribution within the state.

Is there a preferred method you would like to receive the application?

No, you can mail or e-mail your application. WDVA will not accept faxed applications due to transmittal issues/concerns and the printing quality. Please note if you select to mail, please include four copies of your application, as described in the application. Please note: WDVA staff may be working remotely. Therefore, we recommend emailing your application to the email address listed on the application and announcement.

If I send the application via postal mail, does it have to be there by/on the deadline?

No, if the application is postmarked before the application deadline of July 30, 2021.

The announcement lists an e-mail to send the application to. Is there a person that I can send it to directly?

The e-mail address listed in the announcement is a general inbox address for grant applications. This email address will ensure a timely delivery versus if you send it directly to a WDVA employee.

If I forget to include anything with the application, will you let me know?

The applicant will be notified of an incomplete application and will be instructed to resubmit a complete application. Please see application instruction sheet.

How do I know if you received my application?

WDVA will contact the individual listed on the application once we have received your completed application.