Grantmaking Process and Application Deadlines
Please note:
The deadline for the next grant cycle is August 15, 2011. Please read the new guidelines carefully. Brookline nonprofits with specific questions about the grant making cycle are encouraged to be in touch with the BCF staff.
It is required that you contact the Brookline Community Foundation at 617.566.4442 before submitting your proposal. Please consult the checklist for full list of required application materials.
Proposals must be consistent with the Foundation's vision and mission.
The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) exists to promote a strong, engaged and inclusive community. To support this mission, each year BCF seeks grant proposals that address the various needs and opportunities in the community, encourage collaborations and partnerships that address community needs, and strengthen our community and local non-profits.
BCF seeks proposals that demonstrate creative and strategic thinking, and leverage partnerships and resources.
Requests for funding (proposals) must be consistent with the Brookline Community Foundation’s mission and vision and also must:
§ Address a demonstrated need or opportunity
§ Have a local presence and/or local partnership in place
§ Demonstrate the applicant’s organizational stability
§ Not duplicate existing effective programs or initiatives
Grants will be made the following areas:
1. Program or capacity building
§ Support for programs and organizations that strengthen Brookline.
§ Capital improvements for such purposes as facility improvements, vehicles, equipment purchases and other non-expendable assets. The Foundation seeks to target this assistance to smaller nonprofits that would otherwise find it difficult, if not impossible, to meet this type of need through their operating budgets.
§ Organizational support: Board and staff development, technical assistance, strategic planning, program evaluation, and infrastructure building.
2. Sector building
§ Research and advocacy that demonstrate or elevate a community need or opportunity.
3. Community building
§ Events, programs, or outreach campaigns and initiatives that draw together diverse populations to build a stronger community.
Although the Brookline Community Foundation accepts all types of proposals that support a strong, engaged and inclusive community, the following are special Foundation priorities for 2011:
Workforce development support or programs for low-income residents in Brookline. For example, proposals that address job readiness, connect job seekers with job opportunities, or provide solutions for child-care for job-seeking and working parents.
Increased access to and availability of after-school and out-of-school-time programs for Brookline youth, with particular emphasis on low-income and middle-school-aged youth. For example, proposals that focus on providing academic support and enrichment for low-income students, increase after-school and out-of-school-time programming for middle-school age youth, address the transportation challenges that students face when participating in after-school activities in Brookline, or better connect students with available resources.
Expanded services for under-served members of the community, particularly Brookline’s elder and low-income population. For example, proposals that better connect Brookline residents with available resources or expand provision of social services.
The Brookline Community Foundation does not provide grants for:
Travel
- Individuals
- Research
- Individual scholarships
Term-limits
In general, BCF provides yearly grants for up to three consecutive years at which time it is expected the organization will take a year off. In special circumstances, the Brookline Community Foundation may consider funding beyond that time period.
Grant Application Process and Materials
Your proposal must include a cover letter, cover summary, BCF’s electronic grant application form, budget, support letters, and supporting information. Please refer to the grant application for more specific information and descriptions. The grant application deadline is August 15, 2011.
The Foundation makes grants, conducts its programs, and hires staff without discrimination on the basis of participants' age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical disabilities.