Funding Preferences
* * * The Foundation seeks primarily to make grants to individuals and grassroots
* * * organizations, but also may make project-specific grants to larger organizations when
* * * the request is aligned with our goals.
* * * The Foundation gives preference to efforts that build relationships at the grassroots
* * * level-projects that galvanize communities, bridge gaps and support neighborhoods.
* * * The Foundation has a strong preference for projects from individuals and organizations
* * * with deep and broad connections to their communities, or projects with the potential to
* * * generate greater community awareness.
* * * The foundation supports artists and projects that reflect on and use the natural
* * * environments as themes in their work.
* * *
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Limitations
* * * The OPEN CIRCLE Foundation supports individuals, projects and organizations carrying
* * * out work in the East Bay, specifically within Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The
* * * Foundation will consider projects outside the East Bay to the extent that such projects
* * * benefit residents of the East Bay communities, or strengthen communities in the East Bay.
* * * The Foundation awards grants of up to $8,000.
* * * Grants may be renewed for up to three years by the Foundation, after which the
* * * Foundation will require a two-year hiatus before considering a new request from
* * * the grantee.
* * * The Foundation does not provide support for isolated work such as research projects
* * * or personal portfolio development unless the work engages the participation of the
* * * community in its creation, or demonstrates itself to be of vital service to an East
* * * Bay community.
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Reports
The Foundation requires narrative and financial reports from grantees upon conclusion of
the work or project, along with photos, expected in 9 months. For projects with a tangible artistic dimension, grantees are asked to provide some two-dimensional form of visual documentation. For current grantees requesting continued funding, your final report must accompany your request. Please refer to your grant agreement for final report guidelines.
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Proposal Review Process
Grant applicants should forward a brief (3-5 page) proposal via email to opencircle@eastbaycf.org or to the OPEN CIRCLE Foundation,
c/o the East Bay Community Foundation, De Domenico Building, 200 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza,
2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Proposals should address the following elements:
* *
* * * The project you seek to accomplish, the community you intend to reach, and the
* * * community need addressed by the project.
* * * How your project meets the OPEN CIRCLE Foundation’s goals and principles.
* * * A simple budget indicating costs and likely sources of support along with a projected
* * * time frame for the project.
* * *A letter of commitment from the school or public venue for the project you are seeking
* * * funds for, if that is where your work will take place.
Grant applications are due (via email, postmarked or in the office by 5:00pm) by Monday, August
2, 2010. Current grantees applying for renewal will need to have submitted their final report by August 2, 2010 (via email, postmarked or in the office by 5:00pm).
The OPEN CIRCLE Foundation Board of Directors will review all grant requests, and may
make site visits to personally interview finalists. Grant recipients will be notified on or before
December 31, 2010.
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