Sunstate Foundation – FAQ’s.

• The Foundation receives contributions via employee contributions, which are matched 1:1 by Sunstate Equipment.
• Charities that enjoy approved 501 c 3 status can apply for grants at any time by filling out a simple form.
• When an application is submitted, it is first reviewed by the Foundation Administrator for completeness.
• Annually at first, then quarterly if needed, Regional Advisory Committees will meet to look over applications and make recommendations. This is done by each individual logging in to the foundation site. Each committee member will have access to the grant applications, where they can view all documentation, and make recommendations using the drop down menu.
• After the Regionals have made recommendations, the Board of Directors will meet to make final funding decisions, and will vote on each application.
• Applicants will be notified, and check presentations will be scheduled. The Regional Committees will present the applicants with the “big” checks.
• Applicants have 12 months to complete a follow up form, which gives additional details on how they spend the grant award, and the outcome.
• Applicants can reapply as often as they’d like, as long as they are in “good standing” with the foundation, and any follow up documentation has been received.

• Not directly. Payroll contributions go in to the “pot”, and will be distributed based on grant applications.
• BUT – money stays in the region in which it was raised.
• Employees of Sunstate can encourage charities with whom they work or support to apply for a grant, and can act as the grant sponsor. So, indirectly an employee can help direct where funds may go.

• Turn in your weekly (or one time) contribution form. $1 a week can make a difference! Then spread the word. If 100 people contributed $1 a week, that’s $100 a week, or $400 a month. That is matched by SSE, so it’s really $800 a month, or $9600 a year! Imagine if we got 500 people contributing just $1 a week….. that would be $52,000 a year, and that can make a big difference!
• Talk to other people at the branch, spread the word.
• Volunteer for the Regional Advisory Committees. The Foundation was formed to give Sunstate employees a voice in how charitable giving is done. This is your voice, use it!

• If you would like to sign up to contribute, the form can be submitted here.
• You can call Carole at 602-683-2259, and we’ll take care of filling out the form for you.
• If you’d like to volunteer on a Regional Advisory Committee, email admin@sunstatefoundation.com, or discuss with your branch or regional manager.

• The minimum weekly contribution is $1.00.
• Contributions can be one time, or weekly, and can be stopped at any time.

• IRS rules you can deduct up to 50% of your AGI. I do not believe there is a maximum amount you can contribute, but individuals should consult their tax professional for advice.

• No. Deductions are POST TAX deductions, but can be a deduction on your itemized tax return.

• Yes, you will receive a statement at the end of the year for tax purposes.

• As grant requests come in, the regional committees will look them over, discuss the request, and then make recommendations. The time commitment is not much, at least in the early stages.

• Not at this time, but that may change as time goes on.

• We will have a brochure / fact sheet that can be shared. Right now, directing people to the the Sunstate website is the best thing to do.

Of course!

• No. Sunstate will match employee contributions dollar for dollar, however.

• Not at this time, but that may change as we get the Foundation running at full speed.

• No. We would prefer that everything comes from one single source, so we would ask that regional markets do not start FB or Twitter accounts. We have a corporate FB page, Twitter feed, and LinkedIn account that may be used to share Foundation information.

• Please send to admin@sunstatefoundation.com.

• Currently, the Foundation is focused on granting funds to applicants. In time, when the Foundation has more involvement, we may consider sponsoring events.