Guidelines for Proposals

Our grants are usually but not always given to smaller and newer organizations. Typical grantee organizations are less than 15 years old with annual operating budgets of less than $350,000, including programs and administration. If you are a 501(c)(3) organization, or are working under the umbrella of a 501(c)(3) organization, you may apply for a grant of between $5,000 and $7,500. If you are working under an umbrella, a clear relationship between that organization and your project must be demonstrated. You must include a letter that shows that the board of directors (not just the staff or chair) agrees that the umbrella organization may act as your funding agent. The letter should address your project's relationship to the organization and be signed by the president/chair.

We do not fund organizations that a) offer mainstream social services or are local organizations that are affiliated with a national organization such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Society and other such organizations, b) are good candidates for governmental funding, c) are involved in community housing and renovation, d) have standard forms of after-school programs, outdoor summer camps/expeditions, or gardening programs, e) are land and building preservation programs, f) are capital improvement/building projects or g) are involved in land purchases. We may consider children, youth, or garden programs that are significantly innovative, transforming and effective. See Past Recipients for a clearer picture of who we will help. We expect you to demonstrate practical planning and means of implementation.