Applying for a grant from the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation is a two-step process.

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry

All grant seekers should contact either Diane Bryant (for applicants from Kentucky and Georgia) or John Watson (for applicants from Maine) via a concise letter of intent or a brief phone conversation to determine whether the proposal aligns with the Foundation’s funding policies and interests.  This inquiry allows the Foundation to determine whether or not your project meets our guidelines, and whether or not your time would be well spent pursuing a grant from us. Our Funding Policies are meant to assist you with this process. If your proposed project aligns with the Foundation’s grant-making interests and priorities, you will be encouraged to submit a full application.

Step 2: Application

Only those grant seekers who receive a positive response to their initial inquiry should proceed to Step 2: submitting an application.

For applicants from Kentucky and Georgia

Although the type of documentation needed for adequate consideration of a project may vary, a full proposal will generally include the following: 

Information about the applicant organization

·        A copy of the organization’s 501 (c)(3) certification

·        Name and address

·        Brief history and statement of purpose

·        Brief overview of programs, services and people served

·        Description of facilities and staff

·        Board of Directors

·        Current operating budget and funding sources

·        Recent financial audit, if available

Information about the project

·        Why the project is needed

·        Brief overview of project plans and timetables

·        Project budget

·        Summary of funding commitments received to date

·        Amount of funds requested from the Foundation

·        Other potential sources of financial support (current and future)

·        Reference letters demonstrating community support

For applicants from Maine

A full proposal includes the “Request Form” and the “Application A” of the Maine Philanthropy Center’s (MPC) “Common Grant Application.” You can find it at

http://www.mainephilanthropy.org/page10645.cfm

In addition, if you believe it would be helpful to our understanding of your project and the work you are doing, feel free to submit annual reports, newspaper clippings, &/or letters of support.

The “Instructions” section of the MPC web site is a useful tool. You will find a list of basic instructions, a section on developing a successful proposal, and an explanation of the MPC Common Grant Application components.

Submission Deadlines

• For grants awarded in the summer, applications must be received by May 1

      Applicants will be notified by August 31

• For grants awarded in the fall, applications must be received by October 1

      Applicants will be notified by December 31