Grantmaking Process and Application Deadlines
It is required that you contact the Brookline Community Foundation Director of Programs Sara Dassel at 617.566.4442 before submitting your proposal. Please consult the checklist for full list of required application materials.
In response to the effect of the economy on the Foundation’s endowment, funding decisions will strongly favor programs supporting social services and basic needs to low-income and under-served community members.
Proposals must be consistent with the Foundation's vision and mission.
Priority will be given to grants that:
- support services to low-income residents
- close the achievement, equity, or opportunity gap in our community
- encourage and support innovative approaches to addressing community needs
- encourage collaborative ventures that will strengthen the community
- build community partnerships and resources
- strengthen local nonprofits
Proposals must:
- address a demonstrated need
- have a local partnership in place
- not duplicate existing effective programs or initiatives.
- demonstrate financial sustainability Whenever possible, grants are made to organizations that meet the requirements of section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code (including both civic and religious organizations), as well as to the government bodies including the Town of Brookline and the Brookline Housing Authority. Grants to individuals will be considered for projects that benefit the wider community.
Grants will be made in the following areas:
- capacity building
- initial seed money to launch a new project
- capital improvements
- operating – three year maximum.
- support for a one-time activity
- board and staff development
- technology application
- program evaluation
Brookline Community Foundation does not award grants for:
- travel
- individuals
- research
- individual scholarships
Grants Applications
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 applications for more specific information and descriptions. Grant application deadline: March 15
Grant Decision
The grants committee will review your proposal and decisions will normally be made in June. Grants over $15,000 require a vote of the full Board. All grants, regardless of the size will be announced at once, after the annual meeting of the Board mid June.
Grant Funds
Brookline Community Foundation awards grants from a collection of funds established by the community to meet the needs in Brookline. Although donors and advisory groups may recommend grants from some of these funds, the Grants Committee of the Board of Trustees has the discretion to make the final decision. It is not necessary to apply to a particular grant fund. The Grants Committee will award grants from the appropriate funds.
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.