Welcome
Grant Process Overview
On behalf of the entire Barancik Foundation team, we are happy you are here.
Chances are you already had a conversation with a Barancik Foundation staff member about the work your organization is doing and what plans you have in store. We are excited for these conversations to proceed into our grant application process. This webpage will guide you through the grant process, from application to final reporting. If this is your first time, it may be helpful to read this page in its entirety. If you are looking for a specific area of focus, feel free to skip ahead by clicking on one of the links to the right. If you are hoping for a visual to aid the process, keep scrolling.
- Barancik Foundation Staff Contacts
- How is My Application Reviewed?
- What are the Key Dates in the Process?
- Where Do I Apply?
- What Will the Application Look Like?
- What Happens Once My Application is Approved?
- Am I Required to Announce My Grant?
- How Will I Report My Grant Outcomes?
- How Will We Stay in Touch During the Process?
Barancik Foundation Grant Process
How is My Application Reviewed?
First Level of Review
All members of Barancik Foundation staff review every application. We read them so everyone is fluent in your organization’s mission and good work. The review also allows us to anticipate questions that may arise from the Grants & Initiatives Committee (Committee) and to put the finishing touches on your request so it is as compelling as possible.
Our colleagues, John Annis and Matt Sauer, will work very closely with you while you are writing the application and during the review process.
Committee Recommendation and Board Vote
The Committee is charged with making funding recommendations to the Board of Directors (Board). Applications are sent to the Committee two weeks before their meeting, giving ample time to review and ask questions. During this time, staff may contact you with additional questions. The Committee meets to individually vote on each application.
The final review is by the Board, when they vote on the funding recommendations made by the Committee.
What are the Key Dates in the Process?
*Please note: Although unlikely, these dates are subject to change.
| Invitation to apply | Grant Round | Application Due | Committee Review | Board Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November - December | Winter 2024 | December 22, 2023 | February 2 | February 9 |
| February - March | Spring 2024 | March 22 | May 2 | May 10 |
| May - June | Summer 2024 | June 21 | August 2 | August 9 |
| August - September | Fall 2024 | September 20 | November 1 | November 8 |
Where Do I Apply?
Barancik Foundation uses Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) to process grants. The photo to the right shows what the homepage of the GLM portal will look like.
First-Time Applicants
- Click the Grant Portal Log In button.
- Log in using your email address and the temporary password we provided you.
- The first thing the system will do is ask you to change your password.
- Once your password has been updated and you are in the portal, click “Apply.”
- Enter the access code we provided you.
- Begin your application!
Returning Grantees
- Click the Grant Portal Log In button.
- Log in using your existing username (email) and password. *Do not create a new profile.*
- Once you are in the portal, click “Apply.”
- Enter the access code we provided you.
- Begin your application!
What Will the Application Look Like?
Our Committee is not looking for which nonprofit uses the most words but rather how well each organization defines its mission and proposes its request in as few words as possible. Remember, the Committee may be reading more than a dozen individual applications so keep it simple and focus on the results of your good work.
Your grant application is rooted in three questions:
-
- What does the organization do? (Aim for one sentence)
- What problem or societal issue are you trying to solve? (Aim for two sentences)
- How do you propose to solve this problem or issue? (Aim for three sentences)
You will respond to additional questions that cover specifics on use of funds, a timeline, anticipated results, and indicators of the organization’s financial stability. Click here for a list of the application questions and maximum character count.
How is the amount of funding requested determined?
During conversations with your staff liaison, we will work together to determine how much money to request. We may also discuss and make recommendations for any contingencies, such as match requirements or funding installments.
What type of financial information is required?
Our CFO, Ev Bosque, will work with you to provide financial information to accompany the application. The goal of the financials are to help our Board understand how the grant funds will be used and to offer a high-level review of the organization’s financial performance.
The information requested will vary, based on the size of the organization, its age, and the nature of the grant request (e.g. operating, programmatic, capital). Most often we request a two-year comparable Statement of Activities, audited or internally generated, as well as a Statement of Financial Position (balance sheet). We also request a detailed budget on how funds will be used or for the program being supported by the grant. We can be flexible with both the format and content you provide, and we can provide a template if that makes it easier for you.
Does Barancik Foundation staff review the application before its submitted?
Staff will review your application before submission to the Committee and may provide edits to enhance clarity and give additional context. For that reason, do not hit “submit” until you touch base with your Barancik Staff liaison.
What Happens Once My Application is Approved?
Once the Committee meets to review your application, we will let you know what they are recommending to the Board. You will then be contacted after the Board meeting (typically one week after the Committee meets) with the final decision on funding.
Barancik Foundation’s Operations Manager, Jessica Polk, will send you a grant agreement within 14 business days of the Board’s vote. This agreement protects both parties during the grant period. Within the agreement, you will read key report dates and expectations for marketing and communications.
The agreement includes three stipulations requiring immediate notification. Transparent and ongoing communication is important to a successful partnership. Please contact us right away if there are changes to:
1. The organization’s tax-exempt status
2. The ability to utilize the funds for the purposes outlined in the application
3. Personnel or partnerships key to the success of the work funded
Am I Required to Announce My Grant?
We understand the importance of strategic communications and how they can advance your mission and leverage additional support. For that reason, we will work with you to promote the great work being funded by the grant. Within the announcement, your organization’s mission and the issues you address should be the focus, not the funding amount. Here are our communications guidelines, which will help you stay mission-focused while also highlighting our awesome partnership.
How Will I Report My Grant Outcomes?
Grant reports are an opportunity to showcase the results of your organization’s programs and people. The information shared with us in reports helps our team learn and assesses how issues are being addressed throughout the wider community. Click here for a list of the grant report questions and maximum character count.
Interim reports may be required depending on the grant’s duration and payment contingencies. These interim reports are reviewed to ensure satisfactory progress is made. Deadlines specific to your grant will be outlined in your grant agreement, and you will receive a reminder 30 days prior to the reporting deadline.
Reports are shared with our Board and Barancik Foundation’s President and CEO to approve future installments and inform future grantmaking. Grantees will receive an email after the report is reviewed, indicating the grant is closed. Our colleague, Kelly Romanoff, will work with you on your grant report.
Communicating Along the Way
We are here to help you during every stage of the process. For that reason, you can expect transparent and frequent communication from us, and just as importantly, we ask that you remain available and accessible to us. If anything changes regarding your project or organization, please let us know, particularly if it pertains to the required notification in the grant agreement. For example, if the lead staff member responsible for a program resigns, the organization receives or loses significant funding, or if construction costs double, keep us informed.
Barancik Foundation Staff Contacts
John Annis
Senior Vice President for Collaboration and Impact
[email protected] | 941.773.9513
Omar Guevara-Soto
Strategic Initiatives Officer
[email protected] | 407.416.0792
Ev Bosque
Chief Financial Officer | Treasurer
[email protected] | 813.486.0083
Jessica Polk
Operations Manager
[email protected] | 941.320.7233
Matt Sauer
Collaboration and Impact Officer
[email protected] | 941.315.0654
Kelly Romanoff
Senior Vice President for Strategy and Evaluation [email protected] | 321.848.7533
Greg Luberecki
Chief Communications and Learning Officer [email protected]