WHAT DOES YOUR GRANT CYCLE LOOK LIKE?
Grant inquiries are no longer accepted and full proposals are invitation-only for final submission by May 1st and November 1st. Once a full proposal is awarded, grantees will have an 11-13 month work period, depending on when the grant agreement is sent. Final reports are due by March 1st and September 1st and submission of a final report allows the cycle to restart again.
- Proposals Due: May 1st and November 1st (exact date may be later based on the number of inquiries submitted)
- Grants Awarded: Late August, Early October, Early December, Late February, Early April
- Final Report Due: September 1st and March 1st
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
The Foundation invites inquiries from nonprofit organizations that are working to safeguard the natural environment by promoting responsible human activities and sustainable communities in the Pacific Northwest. Our funding region is defined as the Emerald Corridor, consisting of the urban area west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Within that geographic range, a priority will be placed on projects and initiatives that promote sustainability within the three major metropolitan regions anchored by the cities of Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC.
To be eligible, US organizations must have a current nonprofit tax status under the Internal Revenue Act. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) determination letter, or identify themselves as a validly organized and operating municipal corporation, public agency, or Native American tribe.
Canadian applicants must have a Canadian Certificate of Incorporation and charity registration documents to be eligible. Questions about Canadian charitable tax status may be directed to grants@bullitt.org.
Charitable grantees sometimes contract to provide fiscal sponsorship for projects of other groups. However, such relationships are strictly between the grantee and the other groups. The charitable grantee is responsible for administering the grant, for ensuring that no funds are misspent, and for achieving the objectives described in the proposal. Organizations that have applied for charitable tax status are not eligible to apply for a grant from The Bullitt Foundation until their charitable status has been acknowledged in writing by the federal government.
The Bullitt Foundation does not make grants to individuals.
DOES THE FOUNDATION PREFER TO RECEIVE A LETTER OF INQUIRY?
We no longer accept inquiries and are moving to an invitation-only proposal process. The Bullitt Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, or applications in hardcopy or by mail, email, or fax.
WHEN ARE THE APPLICATION DEADLINES AND WHAT IF THE DEADLINE FALLS ON A WEEKEND?
Grant applications are due May 1 and November 1 for organizations invited to apply by a Program Officer. Applications must be submitted to our Online Grantee Portal no later than midnight Pacific Time, on the deadline date.
For due dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or a US federal holiday, the submission deadline is the next business day.
IF I CURRENTLY HAVE A GRANT WITH THE FOUNDATION, WHAT MUST I DO BEFORE SUBMITTING ANOTHER APPLICATION?
The Foundation requires current grantees to complete a 12-month grant year and to file a final report before reapplying. Submission of the final report completes all requirements of the current grant.
DOES THE FOUNDATION CONSIDER SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR UNFORESEEN SITUATIONS OR TIME-SENSITIVE NEEDS?
The Foundation will consider special requests in response to unforeseen situations or time-sensitive needs. However, funds for such grants are very limited, and approval standards are high. Current grantees are not precluded from submitting a special request. Interested applicants should contact the appropriate program officer to determine eligibility.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS, INCLUDING EQUIPMENT, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, AND LAND ACQUISITIONS?
No.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND UNIVERSITY OVERHEAD COSTS?
No.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS?
No. However, The Foundation does administer the Bullitt Environmental Fellowship, a two-year, $50,000/year fellowship for graduate students interested in pursuing leadership positions within the environmental field.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND LEGISLATION AND LOBBYING?
The Foundation cannot designate any portion of its grants for use in influencing legislation. The Foundation’s general support grants to Section 501(c)(3) public charities may be used to support a grantee’s overall operations, even if the grantee engages in lobbying as part of its programs. Foundation funds may never be used to support or oppose candidates for political office.
DOES THE FOUNDATION SPONSOR CONFERENCES, FUND RAISERS, MARATHONS, COMPETITIONS, FESTIVALS, OR OTHER ONE-TIME EVENTS?
The Board of Directors has decided not to accept any sponsorship invitations.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECTS?
We know that cuts in school budgets have reduced access to the hands-on experiences teachers are trying to provide. However, we simply don’t have sufficient resources to support the many site specific and local programs that seek to fill these gaps.
DOES THE FOUNDATION FUND FILM PROJECTS?
We do not invest in film, documentary, or other one-time projects. We seek funding opportunities that hold the promise of systemic change with clearly defined metrics of how impacts can be measured. By its very nature, this is difficult to assess in broadcast and fine media.
HOW LONG IS THE GRANT APPLICATION EVALUATION PROCESS?
Once invited to apply, the grant application evaluation process can take approximately five months in length. Applicants will be informed of the board decision by email.
WHAT HAS THE FOUNDATION FUNDED IN THE PAST?
Please see our Grantees List for awards dating 2015-today. The Bullitt Foundation does not award grants to individuals.