GRANTS PROGRAM

Next Deadline: Our next application window opens on January 8, 2025 and applications are due on or before February 4, 2025, with an expected decision in May 2025.  

vBCF provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions for projects and activities that advance its mission and priorities.  While our interests center on Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities, we welcome proposals from outside the region that will benefit its people and places. 

The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, for general operating purposes (except on occasion for longstanding partners), to support lobbying, or to attempt to influence legislation. 

TYPES OF GRANTS

vBCF offers five types of grants. You can explore the different types of grants we offer via the links below, and also take a look at our recent grants. If you have more questions or are unsure what type of grant is right for you, please contact vBCF’s Program Assistant Kaila Acheson. 

1. Program and Project Grants. Programs are activities that provide ongoing benefit to the community. Projects are short-term activities with a distinct beginning and end.  Preview application 

2. Capacity Grants help organizations and institutions address capacity needs (e.g. board development, fund development plans, leadership coaching, exploring restructuring) with assistance from a coach or consultant. Capacity grants are limited to $10,000. Preview application 

And three types of Major Construction and Landscape Grants, typically for building renovations and upgrades, new construction, and major landscape redesign and improvement. These grants are designed to support one of three phases of construction and landscape projects: 

1. Planning Grants help organizations answer critical questions about whether to proceed with a capital project, and how. 

2. Design Grants can help organizations who have decided to move forward on a project put together the requirements to be ready for construction. 

3. Implementation Grants support the implementation of projects developed through planning and design processes. 

aPPLYING FOR A GRANT

vBCF’s process for reviewing and considering grants has several components. Specific elements and timing can vary by the type of grant, but generally the process involves: 

• For first time applicants and major construction and landscape grant applications you will need to contact Program Assistant Kaila Acheson before applying to setup an introductory call. 

• Completing an online grant application form with basic information about the organization, request and finances. If you have any issues starting your application, please contact Kaila Acheson. 

• Submitting a narrative description of the project that addresses key questions, along with supporting materials. For more information on this, please refer to the specific grant for which you will be applying. 

• Being assigned to a vBCF program staff person, who will be your primary contact throughout the application process and (if your proposal is approved) your grant.  

• Follow-up questions from vBCF staff, including requests for additional information (as needed).

• A conversation on site or via Zoom to discuss the proposal involving project leads, vBCF staff and vBCF board members.

If your proposal is approved, you will be asked to:  

• Sign a grant agreement that makes the grant official and describes reporting requirements. 

• Report on the progress of grant activities. Click here for more information on grant reporting. 

VBCF ONLINE PORTAL - FOR APPLICANTS and GRANTEES

All grant proposals must be submitted using our online application system. To apply for a grant, first time applicants and prior grant recipients will need to access the online system by using the link: Start a New Application or clicking the button above. You will be guided by instructions throughout the application. You can save an application and finish it later but will need to then access it by logging in to your vBCF account or clicking the button above. Please do not hesitate to email or call Kaila Acheson, if you have any questions along the way.

The Foundation’s online system also allows grantees to complete, manage, and submit grant reports electronically. For detailed instructions on how to complete your report and to view the reporting requirements, please click the following link: Grantee Reporting Requirements. To access the online system to complete a report, click the following link: Sign In to vBCF Account.  Please do not hesitate to email or call the Program Assistant, Kaila Acheson, if you need assistance.