
CTF Grant Program FAQ
​About CTF's Grant Program
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What types of grants does the Foundation award?
CTF only considers grant requests that are consistent with our mission to support Virginia-based transfusion and healthcare initiatives. Potential applicants should thoroughly review the Grant Information page on our website before submitting a Letter of Inquiry.
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Does Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation fund organizations outside the state of Virginia?
CTF focuses its grantmaking efforts in Virginia. CTF supports national mission-related initiatives by providing grants to organizations such as the National Blood Foundation. See our Resources page for a list of links to other organizations.
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I am not a qualified 501(c)(3) organization; do I qualify to receive a grant?
Eligibility is not limited to 501(c)(3) organizations. CTF will consider applications from other organization types on a case-by-case basis, provided the work directly benefits Virginia transfusion medicine or laboratory science and aligns with CTF’s mission. Contact CTF staff if you have questions about your organization’s eligibility before submitting a Letter of Inquiry.
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Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount?
No.
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What is the typical duration of the Foundation’s grants?
Most grants are awarded for a one-year period. However, CTF will consider multi-year grants.
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Does CTF support indirect costs?
CTF will consider funding indirect or administrative costs up to 15% of the amount of the grant.
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Do you provide funding for scholarships, tuition, travel to conferences, or studies abroad?
Yes. CTF has IRS approval to offer scholarships directly to individuals enrolled in Medical Laboratory Science programs within the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, CTF prefers to give educational grants to organizations for the purpose of scholarships, continuing education, and other activities that support the advancement of the art and science of transfusion medicine.
The Application Process
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What is Temelio and do I need to create an account?
Yes. CTF uses Temelio, a secure online grants management platform, to manage all aspects of the grant process, including Letters of Inquiry, grant applications, reporting, and communications. All applicants are required to create a free account through CTF’s Temelio portal before submitting an LOI. New applicants can enter their organization’s EIN to automatically populate their profile using data from Candid. Returning applicants will find their information already on file.
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Do you accept unsolicited proposals?
CTF accepts unsolicited Letters of Inquiry submitted through the Temelio portal. However, CTF does not accept unsolicited Grant Applications.
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When can I submit a proposal for funding?
The first step is to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through CTF’s Temelio portal. LOIs are accepted throughout the year. After your LOI is reviewed, you will receive notification through Temelio. If invited to apply, your grant application will be made available directly in your Temelio account.
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How long does it take for a proposal to be approved?
Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) will be reviewed within 2 weeks of receipt. Grant applications are reviewed twice yearly in February and September. The entire process from LOI to award can take as little as 45 days or up to 8 months, depending on when your LOI and application are received.
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How many grant cycles are there each year and what are the deadlines?
CTF has two grant cycles per year. Applications are due by December 31 and July 31, and funds are distributed within 30 days of receipt of Grant Agreement.
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Where can I find the application forms?
CTF manages its grant process through Temelio, its online grants management platform. Letters of Inquiry and grant applications are submitted directly through the Temelio portal. New applicants can create an account and will be guided through the process from there. Returning applicants will find their organization information pre-populated from previous submissions.
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How do I submit my grant application?
All submissions, including Letters of Inquiry, grant applications, and progress reports are made through CTF’s Temelio portal. When you are invited to apply following your LOI review, your application will appear in your Temelio account. For technical assistance with the Temelio platform, contact CTF staff at 510-205-5807.
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I would like to provide more information than is asked for on the grant application or Letter of Inquiry.
Additional documents may be uploaded as attachments within the Temelio portal when submitting your LOI or grant application. However, the application fields in Temelio are designed to capture all information the Board of Directors needs to make a decision. Supplemental attachments should be used only when they add meaningful context that cannot be conveyed within the application itself.
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What happens if I need to modify my grant application after it has been submitted?
Modifications to a submitted application are not permitted. If you have a pressing concern prior to the review deadline, contact CTF staff directly. Do not attempt to create a duplicate submission in Temelio.
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Do I need to show other project support?​If CTF is asked to support only a portion of the funding for a project, the budget should include a column for the total budget and a separate column for the CTF contribution.
Active Grants & Reporting
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What is a Grant Agreement?
The Grant Agreement is a legal contract between CTF and the Grantee. It details the terms and conditions of the grant being awarded, reporting requirements, and other important legal information. The Agreement must be fully executed by both the Foundation and the Grantee before any funds are distributed. The Grant Agreement may not be changed unless agreed to in writing by CTF.
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Where can I find reporting requirements?
All grants require regular progress and budget reports. Reporting requirements are detailed in your Grant Agreement. Reports are submitted directly through your Temelio portal account, where you will also receive automated reminders when reports are due. The frequency and content of reports depends on the complexity and amount of the award.
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If we have one CTF grant, can we apply for a different CTF grant?
Yes. There is currently no limit on the number of grant applications.
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My organization was previously declined for funding. Can I reapply?
Yes. However, be sure to review the Grant Information page to ensure your request aligns with our mission before submitting a new Letter of Inquiry through the Temelio portal.
Things to Avoid
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Will it help my grant application if I contact a Board member for support?
No. Please submit all communications regarding your funding request through CTF staff. As a private grantmaking foundation, it is important that all conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, are avoided. Contacting a CTF Board Member directly regarding a proposed project, LOI, or Grant Application will disqualify the project from funding consideration.
Questions not answered here? Contact CTF staff directly.
510-205-5807 | nparham@ctf.life