2020 Grant Making Process
The mission of the Branford Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, now and for generations to come.
We fulfill our mission by building and maintaining a charitable endowment and making prudent grants that serve to address the ever-changing needs of the Branford community. Through the gracious giving of donors who are committed to our mission, we fund worthy programs that promote the quality of life in Branford.
Timetable for Competitive Grants
The 2020 Grant Application will be available no later than January 1, 2020. The deadline to submit a completed application to the Branford Community Foundation for consideration for competitive funding is March 12, 2020.
Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an information session, to be held at the Joseph Trapasso Community House (46 Church Street, Branford) – Activity Room (1st Floor) on Wednesday, February 5th at 10am. RSPV to Jennifer Mullett, Foundation Coordinator, at jmullett@branfordcommunityfoundation.org
Organizations unable to attend this workshop are encouraged to contact Liza Janssen Petra by email at lpetra@branfordcommunityfoundation.org or by phone (203) 444-4898 with questions about the grant guidelines or application process prior to submitting a grant.
Completed applications should be submitted by email to jmullett@branfordcommunityfoundation.org with one paper copy backup sent to Branford Community Foundation at PO Box 462, Branford CT, 06405.
• Download the 2020 Grant Application
Grant Review Process
The Community Investment Committee (CIC) of the Branford Community Foundation is charged with reviewing the applications and making recommendations for funding to the Board of Directors. CIC may request to meet with applicants in person during the grant review process.
Grant award decisions will be announced the week of May 4, 2020.
Important Information
What the Branford Community Foundation Funds
The Branford Community Foundation looks to fund organizations and projects that strengthen and improve Branford in the following focus areas:
The Branford Community Foundation holds several “field of interest” funds, including funds dedicated to basic needs, animals, environment, cultural arts, and music. During the application review process, the Board works to match applications with corresponding fields of interest funds.
The Branford Community Foundation seeks grants that preserve and promote the quality of life in Branford. Grant applications should address a need within the focus area and demonstrate impact on the organization, project, community, or persons served.
Applications should include some of the following elements:
BCF will not award grants to:
Your Responsibilities if you are awarded a grant:
The Branford Community Foundation expects to be recognized in all related press releases and publicity.
The Branford Foundation requires from all grantees a follow-up report by September 14, 2020. (BCF Grant Evaluation Report)
If funds are not fully spent or the project not completed by September, a final report shall be submitted by February 1, 2021, to update the Branford Community Foundation on additional progress and grant spending.
• Download the 2020 Grant Application
Emerging Needs Grants
The Branford Community Foundation understands that projects and emergencies arise that cannot be accommodated by an annual competitive grant cycle. The Branford Community Foundation will accept applications in this category on a rolling basis. Applications must fall into one or more of the following categories:
Sponsorship requests should be addressed separately to Jennifer Mullett, Foundation Coordinator, at jmullett@branfordcommunityfoundation.org. Sponsorship requests are reviewed by the Development Committee on a rolling basis, as funding permits.
Scholarship requests are reviewed and recommended by the Branford High School Guidance office. Questions may be addressed to (203) 315-6730.