Have questions before applying for a grant?
This FAQ page covers key details about eligibility, application requirements, timelines, and funding guidelines for the WHAS Crusade for Children grant program.
GRANTS FAQ
Whether you’re applying for the first time or returning, you’ll find quick answers to help you navigate the process and submit a request that aligns with our mission to support children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs.
What items are eligible for WHAS Crusade for Children funding?
The WHAS Crusade for Children provides funding to nonprofit organizations—including schools, hospitals, universities, and service agencies—that deliver direct services to children in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Eligible funding typically supports programs, equipment, and resources that benefit children with identified health care, educational and mental wellness needs.
What items are NOT eligible for WHAS Crusade for Children funding?
The WHAS Crusade for Children does not fund administrative expenses, public relations or awareness campaigns, employee benefits, extended equipment warranties, taxes, shipping costs, debt reduction, or personal items such as T-shirts or costumes. Additionally, funding is generally not provided for employee training or continuing education, equipment installation, postage, food, travel expenses, parenting education programs, research or tuition assistance for private school enrollment.
What documents will I need to file a grant application?
- Audit Requirements: Agencies that voluntarily undergo annual audits are requested to upload their most recent audit. All other agencies must upload Board approved Financial Statements from the current or preceding year.
- A completed IRS Form 990 from the current or preceding year. (Boards of education are exempt from this requirement.)
- IRS determination letter granting 501(c)3 status or non-profit status.
- A list of the agency’s board of directors is required. This list must include names, addresses and each person’s board title.
- Annual Report, if one is published.
- Authorization Letter signed by the Executive Director and the president of your agency’s board of directors. (School systems must have approval from the superintendent and the school board president. Universities must have approval from the president and dean of school.)
- Education requirements for all schools and medical professionals. Submit a brief summary of the educational requirements and specialized training of teachers, medical professionals and others who are involved in direct interventions for children with special needs.
Is our organization required to fundraise for the WHAS Crusade for Children?
Fundraising is not required; however, priority is given to organizations and counties that actively partner with the Crusade. Fire departments across Kentucky and Southern Indiana raise more than half of the money the Crusade collects each year. Learning more about the involvement of fire departments in your area is a great place to start. Applicants that demonstrate effort, especially through creative or community-driven fundraising, tend to receive greater consideration. Emphasis is placed on the level of effort rather than the total amount raised, and the economic conditions of each community are considered during the grant review process.
May our organization submit more than one application?
In most cases, organizations are limited to submitting one grant application. Exceptions may be considered, but prior approval from the WHAS Crusade for Children is required before submitting a second application.
May I combine a program grant request with a capital campaign (construction) request?
No. Program grants and capital campaign requests are reviewed and tracked separately. If you wish to pursue both, you must request prior approval to submit two separate applications.
Are schools allowed to use their funding before September 1?
Yes. School systems may spend grant funds beginning July 1 to prepare for the upcoming school year. However, reimbursement requests may not be submitted until after September 16.
Are school employees allowed to file a grant request for their school?
Yes, but all applications must be approved by the superintendent’s office and the school board president. In most cases, only one application is permitted per district, though it may represent the needs of multiple schools within that district. It is recommended that employees contact their Director of Special Education before starting the grant process.
Do socio-economic needs qualify for grant consideration?
Socio-economic needs are considered secondary; however, they may be eligible if they are directly connected to children with identified health care, educational, or emotional wellness needs. Such requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Is the grant process open to the general public?
No. The WHAS Crusade for Children grant process is by invitation only. Prospective applicants must first submit a letter of intent via email to Janene Hickerson at jhickerson@whas11.com. The letter should briefly outline the equipment or services being requested, the number of children expected to be served, and a description of the organization.
For additional questions about the WHAS Crusade for Children grant process, please call Grants Manager Janene Hickerson at (502) 582-7522 or send an email by clicking here.
