Grantmaking Process
- A copy of the Foundation’s application can be found here, however all applicants must submit an application through the online portal. We encourage potential applicants (especially those new to the Foundation or applying for a new program) to reach out with any questions regarding eligibility prior to submission (fbcf@fbcfct.org). Note that FBCF has a new grant system starting in 2024. ALL applicants, returning or new, will need to “Create a New Account” to access the new system. Your credentials for our old system will not work.
- All due diligence is conducted by Foundation staff. Organizations may be contacted to provide additional information or to schedule a site visit. The Foundation generally uses the criteria listed below when reviewing a grant for alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values.
- Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s grant committee which is composed of 6-8 board members and community volunteers, each bringing unique knowledge and experience within the community.
- Grant Committee recommendations must be approved by the Foundation’s full Board of Directors. Applicants will be notified by email of grant decisions per the quarterly schedule outlined on the Foundation’s website. Applications that are denied funding will be given feedback from Foundation staff.
- Awarded grants will receive a grant award letter with instructions on payment and reporting.
- In general, FBCF does not require written reporting on its grants. However, Foundation staff may request a meeting or site visit to assess organizational progress and grantees will be expected to share their progress, challenges, and successes during the application process for any subsequent grant.
Decision Making Criteria
The FBCF Grant Committee and Board generally use the following criteria when making grant decisions:
- To what extent does the request further FBCF grantmaking priorities?
- Does the organization have a track record with FBCF, other funders in the region, and within the community it intends to serve?
- Is the organization’s work centered in the FBCF funding region and does it demonstrate a commitment to the local community?
- Does the request address a gap in services?
- Does the request explicitly target low to moderate income individuals/families and to what extent does the organization do outreach to marginalized communities (BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQ+, etc.).
Please reach out to fbcf@fbcfct.org if you have questions regarding the process or decision making criteria noted above.