How To Apply for Funding

​The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation only accepts letters of inquiry or grant proposals from qualified tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation will consider requests for operating support, specific program or project support and for capital support. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

For Organizations Not Previously Funded by The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation

The first step is a short two to three-page letter of inquiry that may be submitted at any time. This letter should include the following information:

  1. Brief overview of the organization and its purpose
  2. Amount requested from the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation
  3. Description of the purpose or program for which the funds will be used
  4. Both short and long-term outcomes information for the organization and/or the specific program for which funds are being requested
  5. Total organization budget for the current year (just the total amount, not the details)

The only attachment should be a copy of the organization’s IRS Tax Status Determination Letter (501(c)(3) letter). The foundation board will periodically review letters of inquiry and invite proposals from organizations and programs that are consistent with the foundation’s funding priorities and that demonstrate effectiveness through documented positive outcomes.

For Organizations That Have Been Funded by The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation and Organizations That Have Been Invited to Apply After Submitting a Letter of Inquiry

The Board of Directors usually meets twice a year to award grants. Proposals should be received by February 15 for consideration at the spring meeting and by August 15 for consideration at the fall meeting.

Proposals should not exceed four pages and must include the following information:

  1. Brief overview of the organization and its purpose
  2.  Amount requested from the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation
  3. Description of the purpose or program for which the funds will be used
  4. Date by which funding should be received to accomplish the purpose of the grant
  5. Both short and long-term outcomes information for the organization and/or the specific program for which funds are being requested
  6. Total program/project budget if the request is to support a specific program or project
  7. Other support received, requested or expected from foundations, corporations, government or other revenue sources

Along with the letter, enclose the following:

  1.  A copy of the organization’s current year budget
  2. A copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statements
  3.  A list of the organization’s officers and board of directors
  4. The titles and annual salaries of the five highest paid staff members
  5. A copy of the organization’s IRS Tax Status Determination Letter (501(c)(3) letter)

READY TO APPLY?

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