Frequently Asked Questions

What type of grants does VNA fund?
VNA funds program, operations, capital, and start-up grants.

How large a grant will VNA fund?
Each request is considered on an individual basis, but our grants generally range from $15,000 to $80,000. Please see our grants list for examples of recent grant amounts.

What is the best way to approach VNA to discuss a proposal?
VNA welcomes phone calls but a letter of intent is required for all new grants.

How often and when does VNA accept grant proposals?
The VNA Board of Directors meets to review grant proposals four times each year. Application deadlines are updated annually.

Does VNA make multi-year grants?
Yes, but infrequently. Feel free to call VNA to determine if this might be an option for you.

Does VNA consider proposals to renew grants?
Yes, VNA considers renewal funding, however, renewal opportunities must be discussed with your program officer. Please contact your program officer between the 6th-9th month of your current grant.

Will VNA accept proposals that are postmarked on the submission due date?
No. All proposals must be in our office at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3118, Chicago, Illinois 60606 by 5:00 p.m. on the submission due date.

Will VNA accept faxed Letters of Intent or proposals?
No. Only hard copies of letters and proposals will be considered.

How many copies of Letters of Intent should I submit to VNA?
One; please attach your organization’s most recent IRS Determination Letter stating its status as a 501(c)(3) organization with further designation as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) public charity.

What attachments should I include with a Letter of Intent?
Please include your organization's most recent IRS Determination Letter stating its status as a 501(c)(3) organization with further designation as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) public charity.

How many copies of a grant proposal should I submit to VNA?
One; including all attachments, and remember that only invited proposals will be reviewed.

Does VNA fund indirect costs?
VNA will consider awarding indirect costs at no more than 10% of the amount requested. Other necessary operating costs must be added as line items to the proposal budget.

What attachments should I include with my invited grant proposal?
Please include audited financial statements for the last fiscal year; a current year's operating budget to include both projected expenses and revenues; the program budget (with narrative, if applicable); a list of foundations, corporations, or governmental agencies which funded the organization in the last fiscal year including amounts contributed ($1,000 and above); verification of the organization's or fiscal agent's tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) 3 and 509(a)(1) or (2) of the IRS code; latest annual report or a summary of the organization's prior year's activities; current board list with related employment affiliation; qualifications of professional program staff (if applicable); and if the project for which funding is sought is a collaboration with other agencies, include letters of agreement from the collaborating agencies.

Will VNA consider funding an agency that serves both the insured and medically underserved?
VNA funds must be used only for the medically underserved. This is accomplished through grants to agencies that work exclusively with this population, or by funding specific programs that target the uninsured.

Does VNA give grants to individuals?
Our Super Star in Community Nursing Award is the only grant VNA makes to individuals. Please note, however, that this award has been suspended indefinitely.

Where does VNA focus its funding?
VNA funds agencies in the metropolitan Chicago area. This includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

Will VNA consider funding in-patient care?
No. All grants must support home- or community-based health care and health services.

Does VNA fund for-profit agencies?
No. All grants are made to qualified nonprofit agencies exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3), and designated as public charities under section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), of the Internal Revenue Code.

Will VNA consider funding a program or agency that does not use nurses?
Yes; but because of our history as the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago, we give funding priority to programs or projects utilizing nurses and nursing services.

How can I find out if my proposal is competitive?
Applicants are welcome to call the foundation staff to discuss funding ideas. We will do our best to give you straight-forward answers that either invite a letter of intent, provide ideas that might strengthen a submission, or suggest other opportunities for funding. Please remember, however, that although staff makes funding recommendations, the VNA Board of Directors reviews all proposals and it is the board that makes all final funding decisions.

How do I renew my grant with VNA?
Please contact your program officer between the 6th-9th month of your current grant for more information regarding renewal opportunities. Multiyear grant recipients are also required to contact their program officers to determine end-of-year report criteria.

If my grant is funded, do I need to provide any reports to VNA?
Yes, six and twelve month reports are required of all grantees. See your grant award letter for due dates and Reporting Guidelines for details.

What should I do if my grant is not working as planned?
Contact your Program Officer to discuss problems and solutions. Dialogue is always encouraged.

What happens if I do not use all the funds from my grant?
Please contact your Program Officer to discuss solutions.

How do I contact my Program Officer?
Call the VNA office at (312) 214-1521.

To whom should I submit my Letter of Intent or grant proposal?
Please send to:
Robert N. DiLeonardi
Executive Director
VNA Foundation
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3118
Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Does the VNA Foundation still provide nursing services?
No. The VNA Foundation is no longer a home health care agency. Since September 1995, we have operated exclusively as a grantmaking foundation. We use the legally assumed name VNA Foundation.

Who can I contact for home nursing care?
You may want to consider contacting VNA First at 1-800-678-6875.