Grant Programs

Competitive Grant Program

The current focus is:

"THE ENRICHMENT AND EMPOWERMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH - UNDER THE AGE OF 19 - SO AS TO PREVENT EXPLOITATION, POVERTY, AND INJUSTICE."

The Foundation makes grants for programs that operate in the United States of America and in American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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

In 2007, the grant range was $1,000 to $10,000. The average grant size was $3,000.

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 and invite full Proposals from a limited number of applicants. If the trustees wish to see a full Proposal, a National Network of Grantmakers Common Grant Application will be requested. Grant decisions are made in October. In most cases, funds to successful grantseekers are distributed in November.

If you want to submit by regular mail, then six complete copies of the Preliminary Letter, Preliminary Letter Summary Form and any attachments are required.

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 May	Trustees meet to review Preliminary Letters
Early July	If invited, full Proposals due
Late October	Grant decisions made
Late November	Awarded funds distributed

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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