FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: If we need assistance in completing the application, what should we do?
You may call our office at (415) 977-6949 between the hours of 3pm-8pm Monday through Saturday and arrange a meeting with one of the YFYI members for help.

Question: If you're eighteen can you apply for a grant?
YFYI can only give grants to youth between the ages of 13 and 17. However, 18 year olds may still be involved in the projects as long as the projects are still fundamentally run by youth between the required ages.

Question: If I live outside of San Francisco can I apply for a grant?
Our program is meant to serve the youth of San Francisco, and we cannot give grants to projects held outside the city. If you live outside San Francisco, but the project is involved within the city, it is qualified for a grant.

Question: When is the deadline for the application?
YFYI applications are due on the first of February, April, and June, 2006, so that YFYI has sufficient time to review proposals and interview applicants before making a funding decision.

Question: How long does it take a grantee to receive grant?
After an application is sent in, program officers will contact the applicants and arrange an interview. The program officer and evaluator assigned to the project will decide if the project is to be presented for funding or if the project needs further assistance. If a project is presented at a funding meeting, the applicants would be notified on whether or not their proposal will be funded. This process takes no more than two months.

Question: What types of projects are you interested in funding?
We look for projects that will benefit the youth. We will also consider the following: Participation of civic institutions, Institutional change, Community participation, Community change, Service learning, Number of volunteers, Beneficiaries of project, Reasonable and well thought out budget, and Application completion.

Question: How do you get prepared for an interview?
Just make sure you know your project well, and be prepared to answer questions about the project.

Question: Can we fax or email applications?
Yes, you can fax us at (415) 977-6950 or email your application to YFYI Coordinator, Andrea Juarez at Juarez@chalk.org , but make sure you contact someone at the office first at (415)-977-6949 .

Question: How do you decide whether or not to fund a proposal?
1. All YFYI staff review every proposal and leave comments or questions for the assigned program officer and evaluator of a project to ask the applicants;
2. An interview is conducted by a program officer and an evaluator who will determine if the project is ready to be presented at the funding meeting or if the project needs further assistance;
3. YFYI will focus on projects that show sustainable change (that a project will grow), civic engagement (having volunteers and making change in the community), and having beneficiaries (people who will benefit from the project even if they are not directly involved in it).

Question: How long has this program been going on?
We started in the fall of '03 and we are going on our third year so we are a fairly new project. If you have any further questions please call us at (415) 977-6949