Alcon

The Alcon Foundation

Who can apply for a grant from The Alcon Foundation, Inc.?

The Alcon Foundation Inc. will accept grant applications from qualified U.S.-based tax-exempt public 501(c)(3) charities that have well-defined goals, a demonstrated commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering high-quality programs and services. A complete description of The Alcon Foundation’s specific areas of interest can be found under What We Support.

Are organizations required to have a 501(c)(3) designation to apply for a grant?

Yes. Organizations applying for a grant from The Alcon Foundation must be tax exempt under Code section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Community-aligned public schools without a 501(c)(3) designation may apply for a grant with advance approval only by contacting The Alcon Foundation for approval and processing information.

Will The Alcon Foundation accept applications from organizations whose tax-exempt status is pending?

No. The organization requesting a grant must have received an IRS determination letter approving its tax-exempt status under Code Section 501(c)(3) or be included under an umbrella exemption.

Will The Alcon Foundation award grants to other 501(c) organizations, such as 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6)?

No. The Alcon Foundation awards grants only to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.

Does The Alcon Foundation have a Grant Cycle?

Yes, for requests $50,000 and above. Grant Cycle applications must be submitted online between February 1 and July 31 of each year. All Grant Cycle qualifying applications will be considered before year-end for the following year's awards. All other qualifying applications are accepted online at any time throughout the year.

Does The Alcon Foundation make international grants?

No. The Alcon Foundation awards grants to only qualified U.S.-based tax-exempt public charities. International organizations affiliated with a U.S.-based tax-exempt public charity may apply through the U.S. organization for funding consideration.

What type of programs or projects does The Alcon Foundation fund?

The Alcon Foundation awards grants to qualified U.S.-based tax-exempt public 501(c)(3)charities with high-quality programs and services, well-defined goals, a proven commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and reporting measured results. Alcon will consider awarding grants for programs that:

• Support the advancement of eye health education, research and awareness
• Improve the quality of eye care and access to care for patients
• Enhance and create sound communities where Alcon has a facility

Community-Aligned Grants 

Alcon is socially minded through its Community-Aligned Grants, which are awarded to qualified organizations with programs that benefit and enhance the communities in which Alcon has a facility. (Fort Worth, TX; Houston, TX; Huntington, WV; Irvine, CA; Sinking Spring, PA) The program areas given consideration include:

• Civic and community programs or projects that enhance the quality of life in the community
• Arts and culture programs that enrich the cultural environment of the community
• Health and human service programs that promote patient eye health education and care

A complete description of specific areas of interest can be found under What We Support.

May I request an unrestricted grant from The Alcon Foundation?

The Alcon Foundation does not provide unrestricted grants. The purpose for the grant must be designated in the application and that designated purpose is the only purpose for which awarded grant funds may be used.

Will The Alcon Foundation award grants for operating support?

Occasionally, within the area of Community-Aligned Grants. However, The Alcon Foundation gives priority to eye care professional educational grant requests and specific programs or projects.

What types of grant requests are not supported by The Alcon Foundation?

The following is a list of organizations and activities that are not supported by The Alcon Foundation:

• Non 501(c)(3) designated organizations
• Individual or family requests for scholarships, fellowship assistance or other types of support
• Religious-based activities for the purpose of furthering religious doctrine
• Fraternal, labor, political or veterans organizations
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender, or national origin
• Endowments, capital or building campaigns outside of Community-Aligned Grants
• Matching gifts
• University administrative, management or indirect fees
• Golf tournaments, athletic events, league or team sponsorships or for school-affiliated orchestra, band, choir, student trips, or tours
• Private schools K-12
• Unrestricted grants
• Books, research papers, or articles in professional journals
• Travel expenses
• Fundraising activities or sponsorship advertising

While certain programs and projects, such as continuing medical education for eye care professionals, may not qualify for funding from The Alcon Foundation, they may qualify for funding from Alcon Medical Education. For additional information about the type of programs and projects funded by Alcon Medical Education, please visit their website at www.alconmeded.com.

When are grant applications accepted?

The Alcon Foundation has a specified Grant Cycle for any request $50,000 and above. Grant Cycle applications must be submitted online between February 1 and July 31 of each year. All Grant Cycle qualifying applications will be considered before year-end for the following year's awards. All other qualifying applications are accepted online at any time throughout the year.

How do I apply for a grant from The Alcon Foundation?

Review The Alcon Foundation's specific areas of interest under What We Support to determine if your organization and program qualify for funding consideration. Then proceed to the Eligibility Questionnaire for verification of qualification. Please note: If your program, event, gala or project date is less than 30 days from the receipt date of your completed application (including all supporting documentation), your grant request will not be accepted or processed.

How do I know the status of my grant application?

You will receive an e-mail from The Alcon Foundation when your grant application is received online. After verification of all submitted information, you will receive an additional e-mail advising whether your proposal will be considered.

One of my colleagues has requested a grant. Can I get the status of that request?

No. Only the requestor of a specific grant or an alternative contact who has been listed on the grant application by the requestor have authorization to request status updates. In support of the OIG guidance, sales representatives and marketing contacts will not have access to this information.

How long will it take for The Alcon Foundation to review my grant?

In order to diligently review all applications, review time varies from grant to grant, however the general guidance is 45 business days from the receipt date of the completed application. You can assist with minimizing the review timeline by providing complete and accurate documentation in a timely manner. Please note, if you submitted an application 45 business days prior to the date of a program or event, your notification of approval or denial may be received close to the date of the event.

An Alcon representative told me that my grant would be approved but The Alcon Foundation sent me a denial. How can that happen?

No representative of Alcon, except The Alcon Foundation personnel, is authorized to approve a charitable grant. As a requestor, do not accept any verbal commitments from sales representatives or other Alcon personnel who are not authorized to make such a commitment. Please do not consider any grant request approved until you have received written confirmation from The Alcon Foundation approving your request.

May I submit an application to The Alcon Foundation by mail?

No. All applications must be submitted using the online grant application process. Hard-copy applications mailed or otherwise delivered to The Alcon Foundation will not be considered.

May I submit a previously prepared grant request or proposal?

No. Previously submitted grant applications will not be reconsidered.

Does previous support of a program by The Alcon Foundation guarantee future support?

No. Each grant is evaluated on its individual merit relative to other grant requests. Please do not consider any request approved until you have received written documentation from The Alcon Foundation approving your grant request.

Can I copy and paste information from a Word or Excel document into a text box in the application?

Yes. You can copy and paste information from an existing Word or Excel document into the appropriate text box in the application. However, certain limitations may apply. In addition, you can upload Word and Excel documents to the application.

How can I submit required documents that are not in electronic format?

The application will include instructions on how to attach electronic documents to your proposal. For those items which are not able to be attached, please fax the documents to 817.615.3811. IMPORTANT: You must reference your organization's name, request amount and program title on the fax so it may be matched to your application. Please fax only the required documentation as required in the application.

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