Frequently asked questions

All FAQs

Answers to all of the most common questions we receive

Grantseeker FAQs

What time is the application due?

All applications and Letters of Intent must be submitted by the stated deadline, no later than 5:00 PM.

What items can I include in the budget?

Your budget should include expenses and revenues directly related to the funding request, as outlined in the grant application.

If requesting funds for general operations, please include your entire operating budget with itemized expenses in each category.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Guidelines for Financial Information.

What items can I NOT include in the budget?

Budgets should exclude costs not directly related to your project, such as grant writer fees or unrelated administrative expenses.

What if I do not have 3 bids for my project?

If you are unable to provide 3 bids for your project, you can submit alternative documentation, such as:

• Quotes

• A scope of work detailing the timeline, deliverables, and a budget.

• Estimates

Who should my letters of support come from?

For all grant applications, we require a Letter of Support from the leader of your organization, such as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Executive Director/CEO (for nonprofit organizations), President of the University (for universities), or Mayor (for cities). The letter must be on official letterhead, signed, and include specific details on why the leader supports the project, program, or operating request. For Collaborative, Matching, and Foundation Initiative grants, we also request Letters of Support from partner organizations involved in the project. These letters should confirm their understanding of the project, including the timeline, goals, and their specific involvement. If third-party Letters of Support are required, they must be uploaded directly through our grant application software via a link sent to the partner organization.

How often does the foundation accept applications?

We accept grant applications twice a year for our Responsive, Collaborative, and Foundation Initiative grants. Spring Cycle: Opens mid-February, with a May 1 deadline. If your request exceeds $50,000, a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required by March 20th. Fall Cycle: Opens mid-August, with a November 1 deadline. If your request exceeds $50,000, the LOI is due by September 20th. If you have been awarded a grant or funding that requires a match and it does not align with these cycles, please contact Alondra Vazquez at avazquez@vblf.org for guidance.

Grantee FAQs

What if I need a budget amendment ?

If your project requires a budget amendment, please contact your grant lead for guidance. We recommend notifying your grant lead as early as possible to ensure a smooth process.

What constitutes a budget amendment?

A budget amendment is needed when there are significant changes to your project’s timeline or budget compared to what was originally proposed. If you are unsure whether an amendment is necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out to your grant lead for guidance and clarification.

Who is my grant lead?

In most cases, your grant lead is typically the person you’ve been in contact with throughout your application process and who notified you about your grant award. If you’re unsure who your grant lead is, feel free to contact our office at (956) 335-3040.

How do I update my grant portal?

To update your grant portal, please reach out to us at awillis@vblf.org. Depending on the updates, we may ask you to provide additional documentation or information about your organization.

Scholarship FAQs

When is the scholarship application due?​

Scholarship applications will be due on July 15th for fall semester scholarships and December 15th for spring semester scholarships​

How can I submit my scholarship application?

You have two options for submitting your scholarship application. You can either complete the online application form and upload all necessary documents, or you can download the PDF version of the application and send it to Alondra Willis via email or drop it off at our office.​

Where do I send my scholarship application?​

Please send your scholarship application to:​​

The Legacy Foundation

Attn: Alondra Willis ​

1267 N. Stuart Place Rd.

Harlingen, TX78552​​ You can also reach out to Alondra Willis for any inquiries at (956) 335-3040 or via email at awillis@vblf.org

Are letters of recommendation required for my application?​

Yes, all documents listed in the application are required to proceed with your application.​

Should I submit an official or unofficial transcript with my application?​

Both official and unofficial transcripts are acceptable for submission.​

How and when will I be informed about my scholarship status?​

You will receive an email containing your award letter after the committee has made their decisions. Notifications for fall semester awards typically occur in mid to late August, while notifications for spring awards are usually sent out in late January or early February.​

What if I haven't received my school's invoice by the application deadline?​

If you haven't received your school's invoice by the application deadline, please contact our office to speak with Alondra Willis at (956) 335-3040 or via email at awillis@vblf.org

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