Frequently Asked Questions

What is your average grant amount?

We accept applications for any size grant, but we typically award grants in the range of $500-$5000.

What is your typical grant for?

We accept grant applications to help solve an immediate need and urgent life-changing obstacles for the recipient.

How long does it take for an application to be approved or denied? 

All pre-applications and applications are processed within 15 days of receipt.  If the application is then approved, a check will be mailed within 5 business days. If the needs are urgent or time-sensitive, we will respond accordingly.

Who can submit for a grant? 

Grant applications are submitted by an Advocate who has personal knowledge of the recipient’s situation. A potential recipient can’t submit an application for themselves.

Why do you ask for a third-party Advocate?

It can be hard to ask for help and many people don’t have the time or access to the resources they need. By creating a community of giving through the advocate process, we hope to identify more needs, help more people, and provide an opportunity for people to help each other. Advocates are also our way of ensuring that the funds go to real people who have real and significant needs and challenges.

Can an Advocate submit an application for themselves? 

No, Advocates need to submit an application for someone outside of their immediate family (as defined by who lives in their household).

Who can become an Advocate? 

Currently, an Advocate needs to have a clear connection (this can be through others) to the Arizala Foundation, they know the recipient personally, and they understand both the financial situation as well as the challenges that the person or family face.

Are there any follow up obligations from the Advocate and recipient? 

No, all grants are “no strings attached”.

Can the Advocate benefit financially from the grant they submit?

No. The concept of the Advocate is to create a community of support, by giving people the ability to help someone else, without necessarily having the resources themselves.

How does the foundation screen applications for need?

The Advocate first submits a pre-application.  After the pre-application is read by the Foundation, the Advocate will be contacted by phone and/or email to discuss the situation. 

How are the details and contents of the applications handled before and after the grant process?

All applications, the contents, and details therein are confidential. The review team of the Arizala Foundation are the only ones that will read and review the applications. After the review process, the applications are kept confidential.

Are grants renewable and/or ongoing? 

Grants are typically one time frequency per grantee.

If the prospect does not have a bank account, can they receive cash? 

Yes, however, the Foundation will then write the grant check to the Advocate on behalf of the recipient, and the Advocate will get the cash to the recipient.  Foundation must receive back a hard copy audit trail from the Advocate.

Can a grant be awarded directly to a minor? 

No. Typically, the grant will be written to the minor's parents, guardian, foster parent, or legally responsible adult for the benefit of the minor. There may be times in which this is not possible and the Arizala Foundation will work closely with the Advocate to see the funds get to the minor.

Can organizations be awarded grants? 

Yes, but the organization must be non-political.  For example, a grant may be written to a school for the tuition of the recipient. Organizations can contact the Foundation if they have an immediate need for a specific individual or family and how to best go about writing a grant.

If a grant application is denied/not approved, can it be resubmitted for reconsideration? 

Yes, with added clarifications or if the prospect’s situation has changed.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Arizala Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, approving and denying grant applications, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive service for all.