Who qualifies for American Honda Foundation funding?
Applicants must be qualified nonprofit organizations classified as a 501(c) (3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service with a program focused on youth and scientific education.
We define "youth" as pre-natal through 21 years of age. "Scientific education" encompasses both the physical and life sciences, mathematics and the environmental sciences. The following are a few types of organizations and focus areas which are not considered for grants because of our policy, budget limitations and/or State and Federal law:
Types of organizations:
- • Individuals and/or individual scholarships.
- • Private foundations.
- • Organizations operating for profit or loans for small businesses.
- • Veterans' or fraternal organizations.
- • Labor groups.
Focus Areas:
- • The arts unless it is integrated with the sciences: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
- • Health and welfare issues.
- • Medical and/or educational research.
- • Programs outside the United States.
- • Direct support of churches, religious groups or sectarian organizations.
- • Any sponsorships, for- or non-profit including Annual fund drives; fund-raising dinners; advertising in charitable publications; or any other type of fund raising event or activity.
- • Capital campaigns.
- • Youth recreational activities/playground equipment.
- • Propaganda statements (i.e., ballot initiatives, recalls, etc.); attempts to influence legislation; or political organizations, programs, campaigns or candidates running for public office.
- • Gifts or donations of any Honda products.
What types of projects are funded?
As mentioned earlier, the American Honda Foundation supports youth education with a specific focus on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects in addition to the environment, job training and literacy. Our aim is to seek out those programs and organizations with a well-defined sense of purpose, demonstrated commitment to making the best use of available resources and a reputation for accomplishing their objectives. In addition, programs should be:
- • Innovative and creative that propose untried methods which ultimately may result in providing solutions to the complex educational concerns currently facing the American society.
- • Broad in scope, intent, impact and outreach.
- • Possess a high potential for success with a relatively low incidence of duplication of effort (i.e. other organizations administering the same programs).
- • Dedicated to improving the human condition of all mankind.
- • Operate from a position of financial and administrative soundness.
- • In urgent need of funding from a priority basis (not necessarily financial need); i.e., the relative importance of the program or project to the public.
Can I submit an application at any time or are there deadlines?
The American Honda Foundation (AHF) accepts applications three times per year. New organizations (those that have never received funding from AHF) can apply for either the February 1 or the August 1 deadline date. The May 1 deadline date is reserved for returning organizations only (those funded at least once in the last 10 years).
How long does it take before grants are awarded?
The total process (from the deadline date to grant awards) is approximately 3 months or 90 days. The cycle is as follows:
- • Phase I - Applications are submitted on or prior to the deadline date and are reviewed.
- • Phase II - Top 8-10% of applicants are selected for site evaluations. All others are declined and notified via email.
- • Phase III - Board meets to make final funding decisions and grant awards are announced.
What is your range of giving as well as the average size and duration of your grants?
Currently, our range for grants is from $20,000 to $75,000. Applicants requesting less than $20,000 will not be considered for funding and all requests exceeding the maximum amount of $75,000 will automatically be declined. The average size of AHF's grants is $45,000 for a one year funding cycle. The Foundation's funding is awarded on a year to year basis.
How many grants do you award each year?
The Foundation has limited funds available and therefore the number of grants awarded annually is based on our budget. Over the course of the past five years, the Foundation has awarded on average, 27 grants annually.
My application was recently declined. Can I resubmit for the next deadline date?
An organization can only submit one application in a 12-month period. For example, if you submit an application for the February 1 deadline, then you are not eligible to resubmit until the February 1 deadline of the following year. This includes institutions with several departments, divisions or schools. Multiple requests from the same institution will be declined and returned. In order to prevent such occurrences, we strongly urge departments, divisions or schools of the same institution to consult with their Foundation, Sponsored Programs Office or any other office within the institution charged with overseeing grant requests made to corporate foundations.
My application was recently declined. Do you provide feedback?
Regrettably, given its small staff the Foundation is unable to provide feedback to organizations on declined applications. The Foundation receives many more requests for support from worthwhile organizations than it can possibly fund each quarter (only the top 8-10% out of a field of 250 are awarded per quarter). In light of budget limitations, many are declined even though they meet all the requirements of the Foundation.
Application Questions
Is it possible to review the application questions before starting the online application?
To access a PDF version of the application, click here. We recommend gathering electronic versions of the required financial documentation listed under the "Finances & Board of Directors" section of the application before beginning the online application.
I am asked to upload a detailed program/project description. Is there a minimum or maximum page requirement?
There is no minimum or maximum page requirement. Your program/project narrative should be clear and concise, addressing the five "W’s" (who, what, why, when and where) and how. This is your opportunity to tell your organization's story and how your program stands out from other organizations doing similar work. Be sure to include details on the planned activities. Feel free to include sample lessons/activities.
In the application it asks for "pros" and "cons" to funding my program. I'm not sure what you mean by "con?"
A con can be viewed as an obstacle that can potentially hinder your program's effectiveness or delivery such as the lack of space to serve as many kids in need or a recent decrease in funding support, prohibiting you from serving as many youth as you had originally planned.
What is the maximum percentage if any that the American Honda Foundation will allow for indirect costs?
We allow up to a maximum of 12% in indirect costs.
My organization has an annual budget that is less than $500,000 and can't afford to have our financials audited or financials accompanied by a review report by an independent CPA. Can we still apply?
Unfortunately, the audited financial statements are a requirement. At this time, only organizations with gross revenue of less than $500,000 may submit two years of financial statements accompanied by an independent CPA's review report. All others must submit audited financial statements.
If I am having problems completing my application, who can I contact for help?
For technical issues, please click on the 'Help" button that appears at the bottom right-hand corner of each application page, type a brief description of the problem you are experiencing and someone from the Cybergrants help desk will contact you within 48 hours to provide assistance. You may email the Foundation with other questions or concerns at ahf@ahm.honda.com.
I have some additional support documents that I would like to submit along with my application. How can I include them?
You may send support documentation such as DVDs, annual reports, brochures/pamphlets, news articles, etc. via regular U.S. mail to:
American Honda Foundation
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Mailstop: 100-1W-5A
Torrance, CA 90501
If I can't submit my application by internet, where can I mail it?
The Foundation's address is:
American Honda Foundation
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Mailstop: 100-1W-5A
Torrance, CA 90501