Frequently Asked Questions about the Foundation’s Funding
1. Does the Foundation accept grant applications throughout the year?
The Foundation only accepts applications six weeks annually – from July 15 to August 15 (by 5:00 p.m.).
2. How does an organization obtain a 2010 grant application form?
The deadline for 2010 applications was August 31, 2009. Therefore, the Foundation is no longer accepting applications for 2010 funding.
3. Can an organization apply for both a general grant and a capital grant in the same year?
Yes. A separate application for each request must be completed and submitted.
4. What types of projects are considered in the capital grant category?
Typically, the construction of new buildings, purchasing major equipment, and building renovations are considered in the capital grant category. More than 50 percent of the campaign goal (excluding in-kind donations and anonymous gifts) must be pledged prior to consideration by the Foundation.
5. Does the Foundation consider grants to individuals?
Support is not given to individuals, as the Foundation funding can only be given to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that benefit many in the community.
6. How can the Foundation be contacted if an organization has questions?
Questions can be submitted online at PLFoundation@PacificLife.com or Foundation staff can be contacted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) by calling (949) 219-3787.
7. If an organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity status is pending, can the organization submit a grant application?
An organization must have a tax-exempt status and must include their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter with their grant application. If an organization does not have a tax-exempt status it may request another tax-exempt organization to act as their fiscal agent.
8. Does the Foundation fund organizations outside the United States?
Only 501(c)(3) organizations that are based and operate in the United States can be considered for funding by the Foundation.
9. The Foundation’s guidelines state that unless a school qualifies for a “3T’s of Education” grant it cannot apply to the Foundation. What is the “3T’s of Education” program?
The 3T’s of Education program provides small grants to K-12 schools where groups of children or grandchildren of Pacific Life employees are in attendance. The T’s stand for Teacher Training, Textbooks, and Technology. K-12 schools cannot apply for 3T grants, as it is an invitation-only process based on eligibility. K-12 schools that qualify will be contacted by the Pacific Life Foundation.
10. Does the Foundation accept requests for in-kind donations?
The Foundation does not accept requests for in-kind donations.
11. Does the Foundation have geographical grantmaking restrictions?
Contributions are made primarily in areas of large concentrations of Pacific Life employees – generally, the greater Orange County, California area and other areas, such as Omaha, Nebraska. Ideally, organizations should serve a large area, usually including more than one city or community. Some California statewide and national organizations also receive support.
12. Does the Foundation support fundraising events (e.g., luncheons/dinners, tournaments)?
The Pacific Life Foundation and Pacific Life do not support fundraising events. The Foundation is a grant making foundation. Generally, event sponsorship requests are not considered by Pacific Life unless an officer of the company is involved with the nonprofit organization or unless the event is held at the Pacific Life headquarters building.
13. When was the Pacific Life Foundation established?
The Pacific Life Foundation was established in 1984 with a $3 million gift from Pacific Life Insurance Company. Over the years, multiple grants of millions of dollars have ensured the constancy and dependability of Pacific Life's charitable giving program. At year-end 2008, the Foundation's trust principal was $49.7 million. In 2009, $5.5 million was contributed to 459 agencies in the areas of health and human services; civic, community, and environment; education; and arts and culture.