Use the links below for answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Organizations that have qualified for exemption as public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, governmental units, and established churches. Churches must have a personal relationship with a member of the Davison Bruce Foundation in order to apply for funding.
Can a separate organization with a 501(c)(3) exemption apply on behalf of my organization?
No. Grants are not made through fiscal agents.
Application Process
What is the application procedure?
You may obtain a copy of the Davison Bruce Foundation's grant application by going to www.davisonbrucefoundation.org. Follow the instructions on the application to complete and submit the grant request by the due date. You may also make a paper application by following our grant guidelines as indicated above. Online applications are preferred.
The Davison Bruce Foundation sent us an application form or directed us to their website. Does this indicate a likelihood of our receiving a grant?
No. Applications are provided to organizations or projects that have obtained a copy via www.davisonbrucefoundation.org or requested one by mail; therefore, getting one does not indicate a likelihood of receiving a grant. The Foundation will sometimes discourage an organization or project from applying if it is outside the Davison Bruce Foundation's mission or current grant making practices.
What are the Davison Bruce Foundation's deadlines?
The deadline for grant applications is February 1st. Applications received after February 1st will be slated for review the following year. Notification of the Foundation Committee's decision regarding your grant application will be mailed to the grant applicant by June 1st.
When is the best time to submit an application?
Grant cycles do not differ. Apply when your organization is ready, the application form is complete, and organization leadership and management are stable.
What is the duration, size and frequency of grant awards?
The amount an applicant receives is based on a number of factors including the amount requested, magnitude of the project, funds available for distribution, the level of the Foundation's interest, previous grants awarded and other considerations.
What follow-up reports does the Foundation require from recipients?
A final report is required when the project is completed, preferably within one year. This report should reference the specific amount, purpose, and date of the grant, as well as confirm its proper distribution. However, if you have not been able to fully utilize the funds as anticipated within the year, an interim report indicating the anticipated completion date is required by December 31st.
How are grant decisions made?
Grants are approved by action of the Foundation Committee following a rigorous internal review process.
Our organization has many needs. How can we determine which will most closely fit the interests of the Foundation?
Apply for what you need most unless it is specifically excluded in the guidelines.
Is it possible to ask for too much?
Yes. Optimism should never be a substitute for good judgment.
Does the Foundation make grants to individuals or provide scholarships?
No; however, grants for scholarships are made to colleges and universities.
Does the Foundation make grants to indirect, overhead, or so-called "operating costs"?
Yes.
Does the Foundation make grants for capital purposes?
Yes.
Will a "naming opportunity" be attractive to the Foundation?
While the Trustees appreciate appropriate recognition, it never drives the Foundation's decisions or participation.
Does the Foundation develop partnerships?
While the Foundation may make additional grants over time when warranted, it currently does not officially "partner" with any public charities. Receipt of a grant from the Foundation should be viewed as a one-time response to a specific request. Future applications will be evaluated on their own merits.
