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Unsolicited Requests

The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) carries out its philanthropic activities by: (1) designing and managing special initiatives within CHCF program areas; (2) commissioning research and reports on CHCF program-related work; and (3) continuously reviewing Letters of Inquiry for unsolicited requests. CHCF often uses a Request for Proposal (RFP) process in soliciting proposals for its initiatives and commissioned work.

CHCF welcomes unsolicited requests in the form of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Applicants should review the Foundation's programs before submitting an LOI to ensure that the project is a potential fit with one of our program areas. Your LOI should be no more than three pages long and should provide a brief description of the proposed project along with contact information, an estimated timeline, and budget. No forms are needed for this stage of the application process. LOIs are reviewed on a continual basis. Program staff may request a full proposal or further information upon review.

The Foundation generally does not support the cost of direct clinical care, ongoing general operating expenses, capital campaigns, annual appeals or other fundraising events, construction, purchase or renovation of facilities, or purchase of equipment.

For questions or to email your LOI, contact grants@ chcf.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact grants@ chcf.org.

Q1. Is there a standard format for submitting Letters of Inquiry (LOI)?
A1. No specific format is required for a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and no forms need to be submitted. Briefly describe the background (need) and scope of the project and provide a budget estimate, timeline, and complete contact information. Requests should be sent to grants@ chcf.org.

Q2. Can I submit a full proposal?
A2. Yes, but we prefer the LOI because it saves work for you if the project is not a good fit with our current funding priorities.

Q3. What happens after I submit the LOI?
A3. Our goal is to review your request and respond within six to eight weeks of receipt. At that time you will be advised if either: (1) additional information (or full proposal) is needed for further consideration, or (2) the project is not recommended for funding.

Q4. Is there a regular cycle of grant review and award decisions?
A4. Funding requests are reviewed continually and recommended projects are reviewed at bi-weekly program meetings and at quarterly board meetings. The decision process varies depending on the budget amount and scope of the project.

Q5. Does CHCF fund organizations outside California?
A5. Grants awarded by CHCF are not limited to California entities or to individuals residing in California. However projects must have relevance to California health issues as stated in our program area descriptions.

Q6. What is CHCF's indirect cost rate and how does it apply?
A6. CHCF allows indirect costs up to 10% of direct costs, excluding any amounts for subcontracts. Example: A project budget limited to $100,000 includes a subcontract of $25,000. Of the $75,000 remaining, up to $6,800 could be budgeted for indirect costs; assuming a direct cost budget of $68,200 for personnel/benefits, travel, office supplies.

Q7. What is the typical range of grants awarded by CHCF?
A7. An "up to" amount might be defined in a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a specific CHCF-initiated project. Otherwise there is no specific range or limit for grants. Requests are evaluated on their fit with CHCF priorities and programs. The budget request is reviewed in context with the scope of the project.