Welcome

Grant Process Overview

On behalf of the entire Barancik Foundation team, we are happy you are here.

Here’s how it works.

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 page will guide you through the grant process, from application to final reporting.  If this is your first time applying for a Barancik Foundation grant, it will 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’re hoping for a visual to aid the process, keep scrolling.

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 our Board’s Impact Committee (Committee) and to put the finishing touches on your request so it is as compelling as possible.

Our staff lead on your grant request will work very closely with you while you are writing the application and during the review process.

Committee Vote

The Committee is charged with reviewing staff funding recommendations and voting on them.  Applications are sent to Committee members two weeks before their meeting, giving ample time to review and ask us questions prior to discussion at their meeting.  During this time, staff may contact you with additional questions.  The Committee meets to vote individually on each application.

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 Vote
November - December Winter 2026 December 12, 2025 January 29, 2026
February - March Spring 2026 March 20 May 1
May - June Summer 2026 June 19 July 31
August - September Fall 2026 September 18 October 30

Where Do I Apply?

Barancik Foundation uses Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) to administer our grants.  The image to the right shows what the home page of the GLM portal looks like.

First-Time Applicants
  1. Click the Grant Portal Log-In button.
  2. Log in using your email address and the temporary password we provided you.
  3. The first thing the system will do is ask you to change your password.
  4. Once your password has been updated and you are in the portal, click “Apply.”
  5. Enter the access code we provided you.
  6. Begin your application!
Returning Grantees
  1. Click the Grant Portal Log-In button.
  2. Log in using your existing username (email) and password.  *Do not create a new profile.*
  3. Once you are in the portal, click “Apply.”
  4. Enter the access code we provided you.
  5. Begin your application!
Please log in to GLM and utilize your existing profile; do not create a new one. If you need assistance accessing the software, let us know.
Grant Portal Log-In

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 the problem or opportunity it seeks to address and proposes an impactful solution as concisely as possible.  Remember, the Committee may be reading more than a dozen individual grant applications, so keep it simple and focus on the intended results of your good work.

Your grant application is rooted in three questions:

    1. What does the organization do? (Aim for one to two sentences)
    2. What societal issue or organizational challenge are you trying to solve with this request? (Aim for two sentences)
    3. How do you propose to solve this problem? (Aim for three sentences)

You will respond to additional questions that cover specifics on use of funds, a timeline for your efforts, 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, program, 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 it is submitted?

Staff will review your application before submission to the Committee and may recommend edits to enhance clarity and give additional context.  For that reason, do not hit “submit” until you touch base with your Barancik Foundation 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 see key reporting dates and expectations for publicizing your grant.

Transparent and ongoing communication is important to a successful partnership.  The agreement includes three stipulations requiring immediate notification.  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

Announcement Concept. Cheerful Black Woman Shouting With Megaphone In Hands, Blue Background

Am I Required to Announce My Grant?

We understand the importance of strategic communication and how it 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 impact and the issues you address should be the focus, not the funding amount.  Here are our communications guidelines that will help you stay mission-focused while also highlighting our 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 assess 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|CEO to approve future installments and inform future grantmaking.  Grantees will receive an email after the final report is reviewed, indicating the grant is closed.  Our colleague Kelly Romanoff will work with you on your grant report(s).

Young male freelancer in casual wear and eyeglasses showing financial report on camera during online meeting from home. First person view.
business, startup, gesture, people and teamwork concept - creative team with hands on top of each other at office

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.  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 notifications” in the grant agreement.  For example, if the lead staff member responsible for a program resigns, your organization receives or loses significant funding, or construction costs double, keep us informed!

Barancik Foundation Staff Contacts

Omar Guevara-Soto
Senior Vice President for Collaboration and Impact
[email protected]

Ev Bosque
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]

Jessica Polk
Operations Manager
[email protected]

Matt Sauer
Collaboration and Impact Officer
[email protected]

Kelly Romanoff
Senior Vice President for Strategy and Evaluation [email protected]

Greg Luberecki
Chief Communications and Learning Officer [email protected]