A. 2023 GRANT GUIDELINES  APPLY FOR A GRANT

It is the responsibility of grant applicants to comply with these guidelines.
In reviewing applications for grant funds, the BACF Board of Directors will consider the following points in its deliberations:

• The proposal should be submitted by a 501c3 organization, a unit of government, or by a public agency. Organizations that are not tax exempt must apply through a suitable fiscal agent willing to accept financial responsibility for the project.
• BACF prefers projects that are submitted by local applicants.
• The proposed project should avoid duplication of effort in regard to already existing services or items.
• A proposal should have clearly stated goals, timelines and budget information.
• Partnerships are important. A proposal with evidence of community based support and/or partnership will have a greater likelihood of approval. Evidence of such support might include letters of support from involved agencies, organizations and individuals.
• Application funding requests must be for a minimum of $500.
• BACF customarily limits grand awards to 50% of a proposal’s total projected budget. Generally, the remaining 50% should be provided by other sources.
• Additional project funding may be considered annually but at a declining funding level for up to 3 years.
• In addition to completion of the online Southwest Initiative Foundations’s (SWIF) application, the BACF Supplemental Application Information must be completed and submitted to our email at bacfoundationgrant@gmail.com. A link to the Supplemental Application Information is at the bottom of this page.

BACF will give priority consideration to proposals that address the following local needs:

• Arts and humanities
• Community: education, development and quality of life
• Health
• Parks and recreation

Applications for grants can only be considered for projects being implemented within the geographic boundaries of the Benson Area School District #777.

The types of activities or supports that BACF considers as priorities for use of its grant funds include but are not limited to:

• Conferences/seminars
• Curriculum development
• Exhibitions
• Performances
• Publications
• Program development
• Research
• Start-up funds
• Capital (land, building renovation, equipment, computer systems)

BACF generally will NOT make grants for:

• Religious purposes/activities
• Lobbying or political activities
• For-profit businesses
• Debt retirement
• Ongoing, open-ended grants
• Operating expenses
• Administrative budgets for existing organizations
• Programs or services mandated by law
• National fundraising campaigns
• Endowment drives
• Scholarships
• Individuals

Financial concerns and project follow-up:

• When appropriate, grant applications for proposals should show evidence of one or more ways to continue the project beyond BACF funding.
• Grant funds not used for the approved project within 12 months of receipt must be returned to BACF.
• If more time to complete the proposed project becomes necessary, a request for an extension can be requested of the BACF. (Contact BACF Chair or Secretary/Treasurer)
• An extension request must include, at a minimum, explanations of why the additional time is needed, any budgetary changes and provision of a revised completion timeline.
• A written Progress Report about the status of the approved grant project is required at the time the project is completed or after 12 months following receipt of the grant funds. Progress Reports can be emailed to bacfoundationgrant@gmail.com. A link to the Progress Report is at the bottom of this page.

B. SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

• To better evaluate proposed projects and award grant monies, the BACF requires all applicants to provide a bit more information in addition to that included in the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) online application. This includes:

1. More detailed budget information. List line item figures/descriptions for the entire proposed project and the items that add up to the total grant request.

2. Generally, BACF prefers to fund no more than 50% of the projects total cost. Describe where the other 50% will be obtained.

3. If grant funds are not awarded or the award is less than requested, how will this affect the proposed project?

C. PROGRESS REPORT

• BACF has a responsibility to insure that funds it grants to organizations to improve the community are used as proposed in their applications. To that end, a report by the applicant is required upon completion of the project or 12 months after receipt of the grant monies.

The progress report must address, at a minimum, the following items:

1. A narrative stating the status of the project. Provide photos, if possible;

2. Date the project was completed or an anticipated completion date. (If the project will not be completed in the time presented in the application, the BACF must be contacted to negotiate an extension);

3. Final total cost of the project;

4. An accounting of how BACF grant funds were expended as a part of the total;

5. Identify any unspent BACF funds remaining after project completion. Unspent monies must be returned to BACF.