Process
Grant proposals are considered once a year. The next deadline is June 15, 2012. Acknowledgements are sent as soon as proposals are received, with any request for a possible site visit sent later in the process. If a proposal falls outside of our funding priorities, we will notify you within six weeks. The Foundation’s Board of Directors meets in the fall each year to consider compelling grant requests. Please keep in mind that the entire grant consideration process takes several months.
Guidelines
Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of achieving measurable results in our four defined areas of interest.
Successful grant applications present a realistic and persuasive case statement describing the positive impact potential funding will have on the targeted constituency or community. As part of this, applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the environment in which the project or program will operate, including reference to other stakeholders and service providers.
Proposals must include a means to collect and analyze data that both explains the existing situation and tracks anticipated improvements. Demonstrated organizational capacity to manage the program or project is also an important component. Please give careful consideration to how the project fits within your organization’s mission, the risks and benefits it presents to the organization, and the critical prerequisites to success. Proposals should also indicate how a project or program will be sustained (if appropriate) without ongoing funding from the vBCF.
Please remember that the van Beuren Charitable Foundation supports organizations active in Newport County – primarily on Aquidneck Island – but will consider any proposal with a clear and direct benefit to area residents.
Application Instructions
ALL grant proposals must be submitted using the online application system.
To apply for a grant, applicants will need to set up a user account by using the link Start A New Application. You will be guided by instructions throughout the application, however, please do not hesitate to email or call Grants Manager Kim Dame (401 619 5910) if you have any questions along the way.
To continue working on an application that already has been started in the system, please log into your vBCF account using the link Log In to vBCF Account.
Grantee Reporting
The Foundation’s new online system allows Grantees to complete, manage and submit grant reports electronically.
Until further notice, Grantees that have a scheduled or overdue reporting requirement, please contact Grants Manager Kim Dame (401 619 5910) to set up your organization’s online progress reporting PRIOR to submitting a new grant application.
Grantees that have overdue reporting requirements must submit these reports before a new request will be considered.
Important User Tips and Information
- Write down the applicant’s user name and password for future reference. An email confirmation with user account information will be sent upon creating an account.
- It is important to note the email address used for the vBCF Account should be shared with any individual that will be preparing reports or grant applications on behalf of the organization. This will ensure that all reporting and grant applications submitted via the online system will be maintained in one area.
- The online system will track applications and reports submitted through the system with 2011 as the starting point.
- There is no logout feature once you have signed into the system. Simply close the browser window when you are finished.
- Applicants can print out and/or email “printer friendly” drafts or submitted applications via the links at the top of each page throughout the application.
- Do not use your browser “back” button. Depending on the browser, it is possible unsaved information will be lost or deleted. To navigate throughout the application, please do so by clicking on the page number or links at the top of each page, the next button at the bottom of each page, or click the “Save and Finish Later” button.
- Each time you click the “Start A New Application” link, a new application and tracking number will be assigned to your account, even if you do not begin filling it out. This can result in multiple unintended in-progress applications. Be sure to access an already in-progress application by logging in to your vBCF Account.
- A confirmation and tracking number will be sent to the email address associated with the vBCF User Account once an online application has been submitted.
- Please do not send duplicate copies of the application via mail, email or by hand to the Foundation office.