Frequently
Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions or desire more information, please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Learn more about our Foundation

Why Sustainable Solutions for Independence?

  • The Gibney Family Foundation strives to find sustainable solutions with every partnership that is made. Sustainable solutions could be independence for the individuals who receive services from organizations, or it could be long-term solutions for the organization itself. We take an individualized approach in working with our grantees and look for projects that will sustain, support, and provide long-term solutions for all involved.

What is your focus?

  • The Gibney Family Foundation is strategic in its philanthropic giving. TGFF ’s main focus is to partner with organizations that further independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. A minimum of 51% of TGFF’s annual grantmaking efforts will support this cause.

Why the narrow focus on the visually impaired?

  • Seeking to make a difference and achieve an impact within a community, Al Gibney, Founder, knew TGFF needed a narrow focus. Focusing on people with visual impairments was chosen as the focus because Al’s mother and her sister were inspired by Helen Keller. Ultimately, Al’s mother and her sister dedicated their time and philanthropic interests toward translating kids’ books into braille.
  • In the Founder’s own words: “Embrace the concept of a narrowly focused mission as an opportunity to encourage a geographically scattered family to maximize successes as we work together toward a common goal. These unified efforts and resulting successes will allow passion to grow. The narrow focus will also honor the dedicated and inspirational efforts of the Donor’s mother and aunt who spent many hours enabling blind children to read through their efforts to translate children’s books into Braille” – Donor’s Intent

How was your Foundation started?

  • The four original Founders, Al Gibney and his three children, Joan Whittaker, Sue Young, and Frank Gibney, agreed to honor money that was preserved by their ancestors for a greater cause. They further honor their cause with a commitment to preserve at least 51% of the grantmaking to support blindness. The remaining balance of funding is to foster the passion of TGFF family grant sponsors. Pursuing individual passions gives the family the energy and interest to keep The Gibney Family Foundation alive thus creating “Sustainable Solutions for Independence,” TGFF’s vision, for all kinds of folks who might benefit.

Where can I find out more about your financials?

  • In keeping with IRS requirements to fully disclose TGFF’s financial information and make its Form 990-PF widely available, please log into www.guidestar.org and find “The Gibney Family Foundation” (TGFF) using Guidestar’s own search function. Please contact us above if you have questions on this or any topic.

Learn more about our grantmaking process

How do I know if my organization is a good fit for TGFF?

  • TGFF’s desire is to help inspire, invest, and involve ourselves and others in this process in order to further programs that ultimately achieve sustainability.
  • Organizations are encouraged to partner with a TGFF family grant sponsor during the proposal development process in an effort to better understand the need, add value to the process, and facilitate effective grantmaking. Conference calls, site visits, and other contacts will be included during the proposal development process prior to submitting a formal proposal.

Do you accept unsolicited proposals?

  • We do not accept unsolicited proposals.

What is the difference between a Mini Grant and a Regular Grant?

  • Determine with your family grant sponsor what application is needed for your grant request:
    • Mini Grant: Mini Grants are often used for a first-time grant as we are getting to know an organization, or to support an organization where this type of funding better fits in their financial picture. Mini Grants are for requests up to $5,000.
    • Regular Grant: Regular Grants are primarily for organizations that TGFF has built a relationship with and has previously been awarded a Mini Grant. Regular Grants are for requests greater than $5,000

Can I apply for a Multi-Year Grant?

  • We strongly encourage organizations to work together with their grant sponsor to submit an effective, sustainable proposal. Many times this can be done with a one year grant, however, we do realize some will require a multi-year grant to achieve the desired outcomes. Therefore, although rare, we do accept a very limited number of multi-year grant submissions.

What happens after I submit my grant application?

  • Once your application is submitted, the Grant Officers review all of the applications for that particular quarter and then discuss them during a Grant Determination Meeting, which typically happens about 4-6 weeks after the grant deadline. Communication from your grant sponsor and/or Grant Manager will be made regarding the result of the meeting.