What does the Foundation fund?
The Bishop-Parker Foundation will only consider funding:
- Organizations with a 501c(3) status (including eligible government or educational units serving a charitable purpose)
- Projects that serve residents of Manatee County (with the exception of research projects)
- One application per organization per year for the same purpose
- Capital projects that have required land use approvals
- Education projects for at-risk K-12 students
- Organizations with missions in the following field of interest areas:
- Arts
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human services
- Animal welfare
Bishop-Parker Foundation will not fund the following:
- Projects that exclusively serve religious purposes or require participation in faith-based programming
- Grants to individuals
- Debt reduction
- Political campaigns or lobbying
- Annual or endowment campaigns
- Grant proposals for event sponsorships
- Team or sport travel
When are requests for funding considered by the Foundation?
Grants of more than $15,000
Applications are considered twice each year – in Spring and Fall cycles. No requests are considered outside of the application cycles. The opening and closing dates of these cycles are listed on our website.
Grants of $15,000 and below
Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Where do I go to apply for a grant?
You will need to create an account on our online grant portal. Once you create an account, you will be able to apply.
How do I know if my organization is eligible to apply?
- Your organization must have a 501(c)(3) designation.
- Your project must be located in or serving a population in Manatee County.
- Your organization must have an up-to-date profile on The Giving Partner.
- Your organization must have filed at least two years of IRS Form 990s (not just postcards).
When can I apply for a grant of $15,000 or less?
Applications for grants of $15,000 or less may be made at any time. If you are considering applying for this level of grant, please contact the Foundation’s staff to schedule a pre-application meeting here.
When are grant payments made?
Notifications to all applicants are sent to the organization’s designated email contact following the Foundation meeting approving grants for the cycle. This is usually a less than two months following the grant application closing date.
What are the Foundation’s guidelines for capital grants?
Bishop-Parker Foundation considers capital requests for projects that address a compelling community need in one or more of the Foundation’s fields of interest and provide a broad community benefit. Capital projects may include buildings, land, renovations, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
For large capital projects, the Foundation generally expects support from multiple funding sources and may consider matching, challenge, or capping grants of up to 30 percent of the total project cost. Smaller capital projects may not require matching funds.
Capital Grant Eligibility
- Capital grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide programs or services to Manatee County residents and have a current profile on The Giving Partner.
- In general, organizations should have been in existence for at least two years and have a demonstrated record of effective service and financial sustainability.
- The Foundation considers capital requests for new construction, land acquisition and conservation, renovations to existing buildings, equipment and technology, and vehicles.
- Organizations may receive one capital grant for new construction or renovations every two years.
- Organizations may receive one capital grant for equipment, technology, or vehicles annually.
New Construction
- Organizations requesting funding for new construction must provide:
- Proof of control of the property.
- Final planning approvals, including comprehensive plan and zoning approvals, as applicable.
- Confirmation that at least 35 percent of the total project cost has been raised and is cash in hand.
- Information about the capital campaign, including its timeline, strategies, Board involvement, and participating donors.
- Two estimates or bids for the project, or an explanation of why two are not available.
- A final construction contract with the selected contractor—a fully executed AIA agreement or equivalent—confirming the total project cost and projected drawdown schedule. This must be provided within 90 days of notification of a grant award.
Renovations
Organizations may apply during the spring or fall grant cycle for renovations to existing buildings.
- Projects of $200,000 or less must provide:
- Proof of control of the property, such as a deed or lease.
- Estimates from at least two qualified contractors, or an explanation of why two are not available.
- Projects over $200,000 must provide:
- Proof of control of the property.
- Confirmation that at least 35 percent of the total project cost has been raised and is cash in hand.
- Information about the capital campaign and participating donors, if applicable.
- Estimates from at least two qualified contractors, or an explanation of why two are not available.
- A final construction contract with the selected contractor—a fully executed AIA agreement or equivalent—confirming the total project cost and projected drawdown schedule. This must be provided within 90 days of notification of a grant award.
Equipment, Technology, and Vehicles
Organizations requesting funding for equipment, technology, or vehicles must provide:
- A budget and timeline for the purchase.
- At least two recent estimates.
Capital Grants We Do Not Fund
The Foundation does not make capital grants for:
- Retirement of debt or reimbursement for capital items already acquired.
- Private educational institutions, unless they serve a special-needs or disadvantaged population.
- Religious organizations or churches, unless the request directly supports a program within one of the Foundation’s fields of interest.
Who should I contact to discuss a grant proposal?
Access to grant applications is provided once you’ve discussed your idea for a funding request with the Foundation’s staff.
To schedule a time to discuss a small grant proposal, click here.
To schedule a time to discuss a large grant proposal, click here.
If funding is denied, will the Foundation provide an explanation?
Due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to provide detailed explanations. However, we encourage you to consider applying at subsequent grant cycles. The grant process is competitive, and a request may be denied due to funding restrictions