ACBLEF Grants Program

Funder: American Contract Bridge League Educational Foundation (ACBLEF)

Mission: The American Contract Bridge League Educational Foundation provides grants to people and organizations to help meet the goals of educating, promoting, and supporting the game of bridge.

Geographic Scope: United States (based on funder location and examples)

Focus Areas:

• Bridge game learning and education
• Bridge competition support
• School bridge club development
• Youth bridge programs (ages 8-31)
• Teacher training and professional development
• Community bridge programs

Eligibility

• People and organizations facilitating bridge game learning or competing
• Junior players (up to age 31) for scholarships and travel grants when linked to subsequent community service
• Contact Grant Administrator to determine specific eligibility

What ACBLEF Funds

• Facility usage
• Subsidies for teachers
• Teaching materials (books, workbooks, flipcharts)
• Expenses directly related to running educational programs
• Transportation charges for teachers (case-by-case basis)
• Refreshments and snacks for junior bridge programs
• Scholarships and travel grants for juniors linked to community service (mentoring, teaching, supporting ACBL-sanctioned games)

What ACBLEF Does NOT Fund

• Equipment (card tables, chairs)
• Machinery (computers, bridgemates, dealing machines)
• Refreshments and snacks for adult programs
• Marketing expenses (though ACBL's Cooperative Advertising Program offers 50% reimbursement up to $500 for newcomer lesson advertising)

Application Success Factors

• Typical successful applicants have 50% cash or in-kind match
• Match providers may be found within local units, clubs, and supportive members
• Clear performance measures connecting objectives to ACBLEF's mission
• Specific activities, short-term and long-term outcomes, and follow-up plans

Grant Metrics for Success

ACBLEF evaluates applications for:

• Alignment with organizational goals
• Potential for test marketing in multiple areas
• Potential to become major programs
• Opportunities for partnership with ACBL or other organizations

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected] (prior to submission for concept review)
• Administrative Office: PO Box 154, Glenmont, NY 12077
• Phone: (629) 218-0206
• Business Office: 6575 Wind Chase Boulevard, Horn Lake, MS 38637

Post-Award Requirements

• Provide email addresses of program enrollees (including teachers/mentors and parents of underage children) at program onset
• Report which participants completed the program and their plans for continuing with bridge
• Participate in program evaluation and potential follow-up

Commitment to Applicants

• Timely information about decision-making process
• Details on foundation strategy, grant procedures, and expected post-award support
• Opportunities for applicant feedback
• Personalized pre-submission input from Grant Administrator

Application Process

1. Initial Concept Review
- Email [email protected] prior to formal submission
- Review grant concept with foundation staff
- Receive supportive input to strengthen application

2. Prepare Application Materials
- Develop clearly thought-out performance measures
- Connect objectives to ACBLEF's mission
- Include specific activities and outcomes
- Define short-term and long-term outcomes
- Plan intended follow-up

3. Complete Grant Application Form
- Submit completed official grant application form

4. Required Information/Documentation
- Performance measures with clear activities and outcomes
- Plan for collecting enrollee email addresses (including teachers/mentors and parents of underage children)
- Plan for tracking participant completion and post-program plans
- Documentation of 50% cash or in-kind match (recommended for success)
- Evidence of support from local units, clubs, or members
- Information on potential matching marketing support from BOOST or CAP programs

Contact for Questions

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (629) 218-0206
• Grant Administrator available to help determine eligibility and provide guidance