Are you a 501(c)(3) public charity or government agency that promotes the teaching of Arkansas history? If you answered yes, then you need to keep reading!.
The Bridge Fund is a Community Foundation fund that makes grants throughout Arkansas for schools, archives, local county and state historical societies and museums that provide training for teachers of Arkansas history; facilitate teaching and learning of state and local history; and increase the knowledge and understanding of Arkansas history, especially through research and publication.
This grant cycle is now OPEN until October 15 and you’re invited to apply. But first, here’s what you need to know to be prepared as you get started on your application:
- Am I eligible? Most importantly, your organization must have 501(c)(3) status or be a government office to receive a Bridge Fund grant from the Community Foundation. We cannot make grants to individuals.
- Is my program the right fit? If you serve as a bridge to help Arkansans increase their education and knowledge by promoting Arkansas history, you’re on the right track!
- Have I read the guidelines? Projects that are in sync with the grant application guidelines will go further in the grant review process. Make sure you have addressed each guideline as you prepare your proposal. (These will be included in the application when you apply!)
- What questions do I have? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our grants officer, Jane Jones. She’s here to help answer questions you have.
- Am I familiar with how applications will be accepted? Sometimes, the logistical things are the easiest things to overlook. Applications will only be accepted online – and it’s 100% identical to how we accept applications for our Giving Tree grant cycle. You can watch the online tutorial here!
- Do I know when the deadline is? The Bridge Fund will only be accepting applications from September 15 to October 15. ONE MONTH to make it happen!
- Is the funding range suitable for my program’s needs? Grant awards will generally be in the range of $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the scope of your project and the decisions made by the committee.
- Before I hit “Submit” on my application, have I double-checked everything? Fortunately, you are able to save your work in the application and come back to it as often as you like during the online application window. Proofreading could save your application from getting the boot!
So let’s recap: If you’re a 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates programs to educate Arkansans about Arkansas History, consider reading more about the Bridge Fund grant process and submit an application online before October 15. You can contact Jane Jones with any questions: 501-372-1116.