Full Grant Proposal Frequently Asked Questions
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Mission-Driven Projects
We fund programs that intentionally use physical activity as a practical tool to support mental health. Successful proposals clearly connect movement to meaningful mental health outcomes.
Ready to Implement
This grant supports projects that are ready to launch or expand. Applicants should have a concrete program plan, a defined population, and the capacity to execute within the grant period.
Full Proposal Submission
What is the Full Proposal deadline?
Invited applicants must submit the complete Full Proposal package by August 3, 2026 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time.
How do we submit the Full Proposal?
Invited applicants must submit the full proposal as outlined in the invitation email and the instructions provided. The submission must include one complete combined PDF and the completed Budget Table Template Excel file.
What must be included in the combined Full Proposal PDF?
The combined PDF must include the following materials in this order:
- Cover Letter
- Proposal Cover Form
- Full Proposal Narrative
- Budget Table
- Budget Narrative
- Required Attachments
The PDF should be complete, readable, clearly organized, and easy to navigate.
Do we need to submit the Budget Table twice?
Yes. Applicants must include the Budget Table for PDF section in the combined PDF and also submit the completed Excel Budget Table Template file separately.
Can we submit attachments as separate files?
No. Required attachments should be included in the single combined PDF, except for the completed Excel Budget Table Template, which must also be submitted as a separate Excel file.
What should we name our files?
Use file names that clearly identify the organization and submission type. For example:
OrganizationName_FullProposal.pdf
OrganizationName_BudgetTableFile.xlsx
Does the Proposal Cover Form need to be signed?
Yes. The Authorized Certification page of the Proposal Cover Form must be completed by an authorized organizational representative, printed, signed, scanned, and included in the combined Full Proposal PDF unless the ADI expressly permits an electronic signature process.
What hyperlinks are required in the Proposal Cover Form?
Applicants should provide functioning hyperlinks where requested, including the organization website, relevant social media pages, and either the organization’s Candid nonprofit profile or the academic institution’s accreditation profile.
Can our Full Proposal differ from our approved Concept Note?
The Full Proposal may clarify, strengthen, or refine the approved Concept Note, but it should not present a substantially different project. Material changes require prior written approval from the ADI before submission.
Material changes may include changes to the primary target population, project classification, project location, physical activity component, mental health purpose, budget request, partners, referral sources, or implementation structure.
Can the ADI review our draft Full Proposal before submission?
No. The ADI may answer clarifying questions, but it will not provide substantive proposal review, coaching, editing, or advance approval of proposal content before submission.
Required Attachments
What attachments are required for the Full Proposal?
Required attachments include proof of eligible organization status, current organizational budget and recent financial statement, proof of insurance, at least two letters of support, applicable letters of commitment, vendor quotes or cost documentation where required, a project timeline or implementation workplan if not included in the narrative, and any other documents specifically requested by the ADI.
What is the difference between a letter of support and a letter of commitment?
A letter of support speaks to the need for, credibility of, or potential value of the proposed project. A letter of commitment confirms a specific role, resource, site, referral pathway, in-kind contribution, vendor relationship, or other essential commitment needed to carry out the project.
When are letters of commitment required?
Letters of commitment are required when the project depends on an essential partner, site, referral source, vendor, collaborator, or in-kind contribution. If the proposal depends on that relationship to be feasible, the relationship should be documented.
Do we need vendor quotes or cost documentation?
Vendor quotes or cost documentation should be included for major equipment, one-time purchases, contracted services, or unusually large budget line items. Documentation should be labeled clearly so reviewers can connect it to the Budget Table and Budget Narrative.
Insurance, Risk, and Compliance
What insurance documentation is required?
Applicants must provide proof of current general liability insurance and any other coverage relevant to the proposed project activities. Because funded projects involve physical activity and direct participant engagement, applicants should be prepared to show that they understand and can manage appropriate safety and operational responsibilities.
Will the selected grantee need to list the ADI as an additional insured?
Yes. The selected grantee will be required to list the ADI as an additional insured during the project implementation period before funds are disbursed.
Who is responsible for participant safety and project risk?
The grantee remains responsible for project implementation, participant supervision, contractor oversight, site safety, volunteer involvement, and risk management. ADI funding does not transfer operational responsibility to the ADI.
Do we need to disclose conflicts of interest involving vendors or project partners?
Yes. Applicants should disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts involving the ADI, reviewers, trustees, project partners, contracted vendors, consultants, instructors, referral sources, implementation sites, or other parties involved in project implementation. Disclosure alone does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
Review, Award, and Disbursement
Does an invitation to submit a Full Proposal mean we are likely to receive funding?
No. The Full Proposal is a deeper review stage, not a near-award. Submission of a Full Proposal does not guarantee finalist status, an interview, or funding.
How many grants will be awarded?
At this time, the ADI anticipates awarding one (1) grant in each grant cycle.
How will funds be disbursed if we are selected?
Disbursement depends on project type and the final grant agreement. Equipment or one-time resource projects may receive 100% upon execution of the grant agreement. Program implementation projects may receive funds in installments, with the second payment contingent on midpoint reporting and documented expenditure consistent with the approved budget.
What happens after an applicant is selected for funding?
The selected applicant will receive a conditional award notification. Final award and disbursement are contingent on completion of required documentation, execution of a grant agreement, insurance verification, and confirmation that the project remains eligible, feasible, and consistent with approved funding purposes.
Reporting and Public Information
What reporting is required if we receive funding?
Funded organizations must submit a midpoint report and a final report. Reports may include activities completed, participant reach and engagement, progress toward outcomes, funds used, documentation of expenses, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. Additional progress updates may be requested by the ADI, as needed.
Will we need to provide photos, testimonials, or stories?
Funded organizations may be asked to provide updates, photos, testimonials, summaries, or other impact materials suitable for public sharing. The grantee is responsible for securing any necessary participant permissions, consents, or releases. If photos or testimonials are not appropriate, the grantee should discuss acceptable alternatives with the ADI, such as non-identifying summaries or aggregate project updates.
Can the project continue after the grant period ends?
Yes. Projects may continue beyond the grant-supported period, and sustainability is encouraged in the vast majority of cases. However, ADI funds must be used only for approved grant-supported activities and expenses within the approved project implementation period, so the grant funds need to be spent before the end of that period.
What if something changes after we receive the grant?
The grantee must promptly notify the ADI of material changes, including delays, major budget changes, loss of a key partner or site, changes to the target population or recruitment plan, safety concerns, or concerns about completing the project as approved. Some changes may require prior written approval.
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