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Submission Process

 
 

⚠️  Step One 

⚠️  Before proceeding with this application, you must download and carefully review the Request for Proposal (RFP) Guidelines document. Failure to follow the instructions outlined in the RFP may result in your application being disqualified.

The RFP contains critical information regarding:  

  • Eligibility requirements
  • Application instructions
  • Required attachments and templates
  • Submission requirements
  • Grant timelines and deadlines
  • Evaluation criteria

Several required documents must be completed using the templates provided in the RFP and uploaded as part of your application. Applications that are incomplete, missing required attachments, or do not follow the RFP instructions may not be considered for funding.

Step Two

Fill out the form, upload attachments and submit your application. "*" indicates required field.

Timeline

Application Deadline

August 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Notice of
Awards

December 4, 2026

Grant Funds Released

Before December 31, 2026

Grant
Starts

January 1, 2027

Semi-Annual Grant Report

June 2027

Annual Grant Report

December 2027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eligibility & Fit

When does the RFP open?
RFP opens on July 14th for one full month.
When does the RFP close?
RFP closes on August 14th at 5PM.
Can I submit applications after August 14th after 5pm?
No, applications must be submitted by the deadline with all attachments, no exceptions.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be an IRS-registered, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or nonprofit organization that can demonstrate effective service delivery in communities in counties where Ponce Bank operates (e.g., Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bergen and Hudson Counties in NJ).
Do I need to complete the eligibility quiz first?
No. But it must be submitted with the application as it is a required attachment.
What happens if I answer “YES” to question 7 from attachment #2 in the eligibility quiz?
You should not apply, as your organization would be ineligible.
Does my organization need to be in a specific area?
Yes. You must serve communities in counties where Ponce Bank operates (e.g., Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bergen and Hudson Counties in NJ).
Are there limits on organizational size?
No, But Organizations with consolidated assets exceeding $30 million are not eligible.
Are religious, political, or individual applicants eligible?
No. The foundation does not fund religious, political, fraternal, quasi-governmental entities, or individuals.
Can organizations with a fiscal sponsor apply?
Yes. Organizations may apply through a registered 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor using the sponsor’s information and required documentation. Proposed activities must reflect the applicant organization’s work.
Does my organization need to have a physical office in the county or borough where services are provided?
Yes. Applicant organizations must be based in New York City or Hudson County, NJ or Bergen County NJ. Services may be provided in any eligible community, regardless of office location, with demonstrated capacity to service that area.

Funding & Grant Details

What is the funding request range?
Requests must be between $5,000 and $30,000.
Can I request general operating support?
No. Only project-based funding is allowed.
What is the grant period?
Funding supports a one-year project, beginning January 1, 2027 through December 31st 2027.
Could I receive less than I request?
Yes. If funding is reduced, you will be asked to revise the budget and work plan submitted in the original RFP. The Foundation will alert you if this occurs.

Timeline & Key Dates

Timeline & Key Dates

  • RFP Best Practices Webinar (Recorded and uploaded on website): July 10, 2026

  • Application released: July 14, 2026

  • Deadline: August 14, 2026 (by 5:00 PM)

  • Award notifications: December 4, 2026

  • Funds distributed: Before Dec 31, 2026

Is the RFP Best Practices Webinar required?
No, but it is strongly recommended.

Application Process

How do I apply?
You apply by visiting the Ponce De Leon Foundation portal website.
What format is required?
Applications must be submitted as PDF files.
Can I submit my application by email?
No. Only portal submissions are accepted.
Can I edit after submission?
Yes, please click here to edit your attachments. You'll be required to put your original submission ID. If you have forgotten your ID please contact grants@poncedeleonfoundation.org with your First Name, Last Name, Business Name and Email Address used for submission.
No edits allowed after August 14. 
What if I submit late?
Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
Will incomplete applications be reviewed?
No. Missing documents results in automatic disqualification.
Where can I find the recording of the "RFP Best Practices" session held on July 10, 2026?
The RFP Best Practices recording can be viewed on our Events Page: https://foundation.poncebank.com/events

Required Documents & Attachments

What documents are required?
You must submit all required attachments (#1–#14) as reflected in the RFP. Please read instructions carefully.
Can I combine attachments into one file?
No. Each attachment must be submitted separately and clearly labeled.
What file format is required?
PDF format only.
What happens if one document is missing?
Your application will be disqualified (no exceptions).
Do financial documents need to match?
Yes. All fiscal year data (financials, IRS forms, CHAR500) must align.
Do I need a Good Standing Certificate?
Yes, dated 2026 or 2025.
What is the Ponce Bank relationship letter?
A short letter describing your relationship (if any) with Ponce Bank or stating none exists. Please refer to RFP for further instructions.
What can I do if I forget an attachment?
If you forget an attachment, please click here to submit missing documents.
What if our current year Form 990, CHAR500, or audited financial statements are not yet finalized?
Submit audited financial statements, CHAR 500, & Form 990 from the same fiscal year. However, if those are not available, you may use prior year filings, and you must provide internally generated income statement and balance sheet of the current year.  
What is the best way to format an attachment when there is no PDF download available from the online system?
Unfortunately, we have no control over any changes on outside portals.  We recommend saving the attachment and converting it into a PDF file that you can upload.

Proposal Content & Narrative

What must the narrative include?

  • Organization background

  • Statement of need

  • Target population

  • Program design

  • Goals and objectives

  • Evaluation plan

  • Sustainability plan

Is there a page limit for the narrative?
Yes, maximum 4 pages, single spaced, 12-point font.

Budget & Financials

What should the budget include?
Please refer to RFP attachment #5.
Is there a cap on indirect costs on attachment #5?
Yes, indirect costs cannot exceed 10%.
Do I need to list other funding sources in attachment #5 related to the program request?
Yes. You must include an additional attachment listing all the sources and amounts and complete the budget in attachment #5.
In attachment #10 do we need funding amounts listed?
Yes, If not provided the application will be considered incomplete.
What time period should be included in the detailed list of funding sources?
The detailed list of funding sources should reflect funding received or anticipated for the current fiscal year.
What should the budget template reflect, and what if the project you are submitting exceeds the $30,000 grant limit?
The budget template should be completed using the budget for the program you are submitting. The Foundation's maximum grant request is $30,000. If your total program budget exceeds $30,000, please also include a separate document that provides a detailed breakdown of the full project budget, assuming a Foundation contribution of up to $30,000. For example, if your total project budget is $100,000, you would complete the required budget form and include an additional breakdown showing the full project costs and how the remaining funding will be covered.
When listing funding sources, are we required to provide the names of all individual donors, business sponsors, and earned revenue sources?
All funding sources for the fiscal year must be included in detail.  These include any funding from any foundation, organizations, or corporations along with fees rendered, sponsorships, etc.

Grants

When are awards announced?
Awards will be announced on December 4, 2026.
When are funds distributed?
Grant funds will be released before December 31, 2026.
When can funds be used?
Grant funds may be used starting January 1, 2027, which is the official grant start date for the one-year funding period.
Can we reach someone directly?
No, please send inquiries only to grants email (Grants@poncedeleonfoundation.org)