Frequently Asked Grant Questions
The following are informational items that you may find helpful in completing SOAR!?s Grant Application for Retirement Needs.


The FY 2006-2007 Funding Cycle is officially closed. A new application and guidelines will be posted in Spring 2007 and applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be due 1 November 2007. Please contact Deborah Hudson Vornbrock at 202.529.7627 if you have any questions or need further clarification.

What is the average grant award?

   SOAR! makes grants between $500 and $30,000. The average grant award in 2004 was $13,525.


Will SOAR! fund our congregation's capital campaign?

   No, SOAR! does not support capital campaigns, however, aspects of a capital project may warrant funding when it provides for an immediate need.


What do you look for when determining whether or not to fund a grant?

   The Board looks for need, inadequate community resources to address that critical need, and the long term impact of the grant award.


Should I reapply for a grant if I was declined a grant?

   The Board of Directors of SOAR! welcomes applications from religious institutes that need assistance to provide critically needed items to care for their retired and infirm members. SOAR! will give priority to communities whose unfunded past service liability is great. The Board cannot guarantee project funding.


Glossary of Terms


Retirement Age - 70 and above is the assumed retirement age and when members receive benefits


Retirement Fund - Reserved sum of money designated to provide support for its retired members (Does not include funds received from NRRO)


Restricted Fund - Funds set aside for specific purposes other than retirement expenses and therefore not available to meet such expenses


Unrestricted Fund - Funds set aside to support the works of the congregation


Unfunded Liability - Represents the difference in the amount which a congregation needs for the cost of care and its retirement assets


Operating Funds - Funds available to support the regular, day-to-day expenses of the community