Application Procedure

Two steps are required in the application process.  First, the applicant should prepare a brief letter of inquiry to the Grant Program, describing the applying organization and its intended project.  If the Foundation determines the project to be within the current program interests as determined by its Board of Directors, the applicant will be invited to submit a formal proposal.

Second, if invited to submit a formal proposal, the applicant should submit another letter.  It should include a more-thorough, yet still concise description of the project, its objectives and significance, and the qualifications of the groups and individuals involved in it.  It should also include a project budget, the specific amount being sought from Bradley, and a list of its other sources of support, philanthropic or otherwise.  See the checklist for developing a detailed-enough proposal.

The applicant should complete and submit the Grantee Tax-Exempt Status Information form with the proposal, as well, along with a copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter confirming the applying entity’s tax-exempt and public-support status under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code.

Should the Foundation’s program staff find it necessary or desirable, it may arrange a meeting with the applicant after the receipt of a full proposal.  After the staff comprehensively reviews proposals, the Board acts on them. All grantmaking authority rests with the Board.

The Board of Directors meets four times a year, in February, May, August, and November.  To be considered, full proposals should be submitted by December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1.  In most cases, staff is able to complete its reviews of proposals in time for the next scheduled Board meeting.  Occasionally, it is not, or it defers Board consideration to a later meeting.

Because of the necessarily limited resources of the Foundation, many worthwhile projects cannot be supported, of course.  The demands on the Foundation’s resources also limit the size of particular grants and its ability to make commitments for extended periods.