Home  About Us Program Areas Guidelines How To Apply  FAQ  Related Links Contact Us  Forms    FAQ   Does AICM have a specific geographic focus? What program areas does AICM support? What types of programs or projects does the Foundation NOT fund? When the Foundation says it “will not accept unsolicited proposals from Israel”, what does this mean? Does AICM fund multi-year grants? Will AICM fund general operating expenses if that is the organization’s greatest need? Does AICM support Capital Campaigns? An organization has applied for 501(c)(3) status but has not actually received it yet. Can the organization apply for a grant while waiting for the ruling? When are AICM’s proposal deadlines? How long and detailed should a Letter of Intent be? How much money should an applicant ask for? How do I know if my application was received? What happens if an application arrives past the deadline? What happens after an organization submits an LOI? If approved, when can we expect to receive the grant money? If not approved, how soon can an organization reapply? Can an organization reapply for renewed funding?     Does AICM have a specific geographic focus? AICM generally funds organizations within the Chicago community and its surrounding area (primarily Cook County). In addition, AICM funds Jewish causes localy, nationally and in Israel.     What program areas does AICM support? Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, Health, Human Service     What types of programs or projects does the Foundation NOT fund? The Foundation is unable to support organizations that are not registered as 501(c)(3)s, tax-exempt not-for-profit agencies. The Foundation does not support non-profit organizations that are largely (50% or greater) government sponsored programs. Grants support is not provided to individuals, to underwrite special events, to sponsor conferences, to advocacy programs or film projects.     When the Foundation says it “will not accept unsolicited proposals from Israel”, what does this mean? Unsolicited proposals from any organization outside of the United States should not be submitted and will be declined unless submitted at AICM’s invitation.     Does AICM fund multi-year grants? Yes, in some cases. A compelling case to provide several years of support must be made.     Will AICM fund general operating expenses if that is the organization’s greatest need? Yes, but this determination is based on the overall value and efficacy of the organization.     Does AICM support Capital Campaigns? Yes.     An organization has applied for 501(c)(3) status but has not actually received it yet. Can the organization apply for a grant while waiting for the ruling? No.     When are AICM’s proposal deadlines? AICM does not have fixed deadlines for proposals. Full proposals are invited after the review of an organization’s Letter of Intent (LOI). The two LOI deadlines are January 31st (for the Spring Board Meeting) and July 31st (for the Fall Board Meeting.) All organizations must submit an LOI by 5:00 pm on one of the two deadline dates. Letters received after this time will be placed in the next review cycle.     How long and detailed should a Letter of Intent be? The LOI should be no more than two pages in length and should adequately describe the nature of the organization’s work, the size of its budget, the proposed project (and associated budget) and the amount requested. The LOI should also include a copy of the organization’s tax exempt determination and a contact email.     What grant amount should an applicant request? We do not give guidance in this area. Organizations should first consider how much money the program requires and then consider what portion is appropriate for AICM to fund. Be aware that the Foundation staff will ask you about other sources of support during the review process.     How do I know if my application was received? The Foundation does not send out receipts for LOIs. If you would like confirmation of receipt, you must email the Foundation offices (see Contact Us).     What happens if an application arrives past the deadline? It will be considered in the next cycle.     What happens after an organization submits an LOI? Once it is determined that your LOI submission is complete (i.e. includes all of the required information and materials), the Foundation staff will review the request. If the organization’s work coincides with the Foundation goals, additional information and/or a full proposal may be requested.     If approved, when can we expect to receive the grant money? You will receive a check within a month after the Board’s approval, provided the grant is not made on a contingent basis.     If not approved, how soon can an organization reapply? AICM only accepts one request within a 12-month period from a single grantee organization.     Can an organization reapply for renewed funding? Yes. The process repeats for renewed funding.