4. how to apply

2013 Application Deadlines (applications are due by 9pm Pacific Standard Time)

    • February 28 for a decision on March 28
    • April 11 for a decision on May 9
    • May 23 for a decision on June 20
    • July 11 for a decision on August 1
    • August 15 for a decision on September 12
    • September 26 for a decision on October 24
    • November 7 for a decision on December 5
Ready to apply for an ELF Loan?
Here are the steps:
  1. Gather your financials, usually including
    – Current Year Operating Budget
    – Current Year to Date Financial Statements for the most recently ended month
      - Prior Fiscal Year End Financial Statement (Audited statements preferred)
  2. Gather other documents about your organization and your request, including
    – Board Roster with affiliations
    – Proof of Collateral (such as signed contracts and grant award letters)
  3.  Download and complete these two mandatory forms:
     - Cash Flow Projection
      - List of Pending and Confirmed Funds
     You may have your own versions of these documents, but you must submit this information using the official ELF templates provided.
  4. Get a resolution from your board of directors approving this application and, if approved, the loan. This document is a sample you can download and customize, or use your own Board resolution format as long as it takes the same actions as our sample.
  5. Complete the online application, including the upload of attachments as requested.
    Applicants with fiscal sponsors require:
    - Year to date and most current year-end financial statements from the sponsor organizations, and
    - A copy of the current fiscal sponsorship agreement between the applicant and the sponsor.
  6. All applications received are reviewed by the Loan Program Specialist, who will call to conduct a phone interview with the applicant contact, executive director, or board officer. You may be asked for additional information during this review.
  7. Complete, eligible applications are forwarded to the ELF Steering Committee for their review.
  8. The Committee meets eight times a year to review current requests. Applicants are informed of their decision shortly after the meeting.
  9. Once a loan application is approved, loan funds are usually available to applicants within two business days at an in-person meeting. Both the organizational leader and board officer are required to attend this meeting.
Ready to apply for an ELF Technical Assistance Grant?
Here are the steps:
  1. Complete a loan application.
    Technical Assistance Grants are not considered if a loan application has not been submitted. Applicants who have been approved for a loan may submit a grant application within three months of the approval.
  2. Then complete the online grant application which asks you to describe the specific need for technical assistance and consequences to your organization if you do not receive support.
  3. All applications received are reviewed by the Loan Program Specialist, who will call to conduct a phone interview with the applicant contact, executive director, or board officer. You may be asked for additional information during this review.
  4. Complete, eligible applications are forwarded to the ELF Steering Committee for their review. See the top of this page for upcoming meeting dates.
  5. Applicants are informed of the  Steering Committee decision shortly after the meeting.
  6. Once a grant application is approved, grants funds are transmitted upon receipt of a signed grant agreement.