Grant Programs

Competitive Grant Program

"The focus of The Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation is the enrichment and empowerment of people of all ages around the world, so as to prevent exploitation, poverty, and injustice"

The Foundation does not make capital grants. A limited number of multi-year grants might be considered in each grant cycle.

In 2010, the grant range was $1,000 to $10,000. The average grant size was $3,121.

Discretionary Grant Program

This program reflects the interests of individual trustees and family members in creating a better community and world. No grant applications are taken for this program.

Competitive Grant Program Guidelines

All organizations seeking a competitive grant must submit a two-page Preliminary Letter and the attached Preliminary Letter Summary Sheet to the Foundation office. Those who have received a previous grant must still apply as if it were a first time grant. The letter should explain:

• The organization
• The problem being addressed
• The strategy to be used
• The amount of the total operating budget
• The amount of funding being requested
• How the funds would be used

Please also include your tax letter for 501(c)(3) status confirmation.

The trustees will review the Preliminary Letters. They may ask for additional information from a limited number of applicants. Grant decisions will be made in May. In most cases, funds to successful grantseekers will be distributed in June.

Renewal of a Grant
A request for a renewal of a grant must go through the regular preliminary letter application process just as though it were a first-time grant.

Guidelines in Microsoft Word format
Preliminary Letter Summary Form in Microsoft Word format

Grant Cycle

February 28	Two-Page Preliminary Letter due
Early March	Trustees review Preliminary Letters
Late March	If invited, additional information due
Late April	Grant recommendations made by Family Trustees
Late May	Grant decisions ratified by meeting of Trustees
June	Grants awarded

Deadlines
Preliminary Letters will be accepted up until a postmark date of February 28. You may submit the Preliminary Letter, Preliminary Letter Cover Form and any attachments by email to sdbabsonfdn@babsonfoundations.org.

If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day. The submission must be emailed or postmarked on or before the deadline. Early submissions are appreciated and late submissions may be held for the next round if the applicant desires.

Trustees
Averill Babson
James A. Babson
Deborah E. Babson
Richard L. Babson
Katherine L. Babson, Jr., Esq.
James R. Nichols, Esq.

Grant Administrator
Mary Smyth
The Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation
50 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02109-4017
Phone: (617) 523-6800  Fax: (617) 523-8949
Email: sdbabsonfdn@babsonfoundations.org

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