Requests for Proposals:  Overview and Deadlines
The Trustees meet two times per year for grantmaking purposes.  In general, all requests for funding through the Fishing Communities Initiative are reviewed at the fall meeting, and all Elder Program requests are reviewed in the winter.  Proposals may be submitted at any time, but must be received by the deadlines that follow:

• Last Monday in August for the October meeting:    Fishing Communities Initiative
• December 15th, or the first Monday after that date, for the February meeting:   Elder Programs

Grantmaking Interests and Limitations
Grants are made only to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.  No grants are made directly to individuals.  Types of grants to nonprofits include support for capital campaigns, general operating, seed money/start-up, and special projects.  Challenge or matching grants are made on occasion.  The foundation does not support conferences/seminars, debt reduction/cash reserves, endowment, multi-year pledges, or publications/films/videos.

Grants for agencies that serve seamen, fishermen, and their families are currently restricted to Massachusetts organizations, with a particular focus on services in New Bedford, Gloucester, and Cape Cod.  Grants for services to the elderly are awarded to agencies in Greater Boston, generally defined as within Route 128.

Financial Information
Total Grants

FY 2005: $401,016 FY 2004: $371,516 FY 2003: $301,500 FY 2002: $455,166 FY 2001: $554,000

FY 2000:  $352,000  FY 1999:  $325,600  FY 1998:  $207,700  FY 1997:  $186,450

Typical Grant Size:  $10,000  Grant Range:    $5,000 - $25,000

Typical # of Requests:   45-60  Typical # of Grants: 35-40 Fiscal Year Ends: April 30

Trustees

George B. Motley, President Robert W. Loring, Vice President Pamela S. Evans, Treasurer Arthur Page, Clerk William N. Bancroft Courtney Coles Herbert P. Dane William Eaton Charles R. Eddy Edward M. Howland

Stephen Little Everett Morss, Jr. William B. Perkins Thomas Rogerson Amy E. Saltonstall Isaac G. West Saltonstall William Saltonstall Jo-Ann Watson Benjamin Williams

Staff

Gracelaw Simmons, Administrator, (617) 426-7080 x312
Mary Nicosia, Foundation Assistant, (617) 426-7080 x301

How to Apply

• Proposal narratives should not exceed five pages.  Proposals using the Associated Grant Makers Common Proposal Format are also accepted.  All proposals should include:
• Cover Letter summary
• Organization’s mission statement, as well as a narrative of specific project and goals, intended beneficiaries, timetable for achievement, methods of accomplishment and current status
• Income and expense budget for the organization and the specific program
• Most recent year-end financial statement, Form 990, and auditor’s report
• Background of key personnel and list of board of directors
• IRS tax determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) status
• Any supplementary materials, annual reports, brochures, etc. that would be helpful in evaluating the proposal are welcome
• A plan for program evaluation