Bainbridge Community Foundation: Community Grants Cycle

The Bainbridge Community Foundation's Community Grants Cycle annually supports local nonprofits through grants ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Established in 2005, this initiative emphasizes community-driven grant-making, ensuring funds are allocated to projects that directly benefit Bainbridge Island residents. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a measurable impact on underserved populations. Areas of focus include arts, education, health, and environmental initiatives, fostering community engagement and collaboration.

Investing in Community
The Annual Community Grants Cycle is the heart of the Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF) grants program. Each year since its inception in 2005, BCF staff and dozens of well-trained community volunteers have spent hundreds of hours reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and setting priorities. BCF discretionary funds provide initial proposal funding; then Fund Advisors and the community at large are invited to partner with BCF to support these important programs. This community-based approach to grant-making ensures that community needs are met — by our own informed and engaged community members.
Areas of Support
The Community Grants Cycle, which supports nonprofits serving Bainbridge Islanders in:

• arts and culture, animal welfare, education, environment, health and human services, and recreation;
• Community Grants Funding Types
• Program (Specific program or project)
• Capital (Equipment/facility repairs, etc.); Estimates must be provided at time of application
• Direct (Access to programming/support or access for underserved populations)
• Operating (General operating support)

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from organizations that meet the following four requirements:Current 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS and be located in Washington StateServe Bainbridge Island residentsProposals for projects running July of the application year to June of next year (Grant period 7/1 - 6/30)Requests will be accepted for funding between $1,000–$11,000Grants should directly benefit the community - Provide statistical data, client waiting lists, documented lack of services, etc. Grants should have measurable outcomes

Ineligibility

Grants will not be awarded: to any religious organization where the funds would be used in whole or in part to further the organization’s religious purposes but solely for secular purposes; to individuals; for any political purposes; for vehicles; or for any endowment funds. Funds will not be awarded for programs and/or equipment, etc. that were started, completed, or acquired prior to the grant period.BCF does not fund research, scholarship/fellowship, in-kind or product donation, loans, or vehicles.