Application Criteria

Project applications are sought from organizations which have defined a significant problem or opportunity in their field, have a well-planned approach to addressing the issue and have skilled professional and voluntary leadership.

Priority consideration is given to projects which:

• extend services to individuals and groups that are not well provided for through current programs;
• develop service capacity that can be sustained in the future because it will attract other funding and/or generate revenue;
• promote cooperation and resource sharing among community organizations;
• improve the financial stability and managerial capacity of established organizations;
• help service agencies in Manchester and Amherst prepare for the future and help them effectively meet emerging community needs;
• are models with value for replication, or provide new approaches that have been successful elsewhere.

Applications are accepted from nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations and municipal and public agencies serving the communities of Manchester and Amherst, New Hampshire. Priority consideration is given to organizations operating primarily in those two communities. However, the Foundation will consider applications from statewide or regional organizations which provide a substantial and documented level of service to Manchester and Amherst. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals or provide scholarship aid. It does not fund field trips. It also will not fund programs or activities which have already taken place.

WHEN TO APPLY
There are three grantmaking meetings of the trustees annually. Applications are due postmarked by the deadline dates for consideration at meetings as follows:

Bean Foundation guidelines state that after an organization has received a grant, it should wait two years before submitting another grant application.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications should take the form of a completed Bean Foundation Application Cover Sheet and a narrative which explains the purpose of the project and describes how that purpose will be accomplished. Please review the grant criteria and the items listed below. Applications should include all the information needed for a reader to understand your organization's plans and the importance and feasibility of your project. A response to each of the requirements listed and the appropriate attachments will constitute a complete application. Other information or attachments you believe would strengthen the case for support may also be provided.

• Briefly describe the applicant organization, its programs and goals.
• Describe the specific activity or project for which support is requested and how it will be accomplished.
• Indicate what needs the project is designed to address and how these have been determined.
• Are other agencies involved in similar programs? Indicate how you have learned from the experience of others and how your program will cooperate with, or enhance other community services.
• If the program proposed is intended to be ongoing, indicate what resources will be available to insure its continuation.
• If the project is a one-time activity, describe the lasting benefit that will occur.
• Outline the criteria by which your organization will evaluate results of the project.
• Indicate any other support - financial, participatory or voluntary - that your project has attracted.
• The Bean Foundation does not accept online applications. Applications must be dropped off at the Bean Foundation office by 5PM on the deadline date or postmarked on the deadline to be considered.
• Submit two complete copies of your application. Only one copy of audited financials is required.
• Refer to FAQs on this website to answer additional questions about grant applications.

In all cases applications should include:

• A completed Bean Foundation Application Cover Sheet.
• A narrative which explains the purpose of the project and describes how that purpose will be accomplished.
• Itemized income and expense budget for the project indicating known and projected sources of financial support.
• Last available financial statement (preferably audited) and current year's operating budget for the organization.
• Listing of the board of directors with their professional affiliations.
• Organization's Internal Revenue Service exemption letter. Be sure the Federal Identification Number (EIN) is included.
• Please number the pages in your application.

The grant manager at the Norwin and Elizabeth Bean Foundation is willing to discuss potential projects before a formal application is submitted.

Note: In completing the assessment and research necessary to properly present a proposal to the Foundation Trustees, staff will consult knowledgeable individuals and agencies active in the same field and will feel free to discuss, in general terms, any proposal under consideration.

Inquiries and Applications should be addressed to:

Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation
40 Stark Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-493-7257