Requests for Proposals:  Overview and Deadlines
The Trustees meet two times per year for grantmaking purposes.  In general, all requests for funding through the Fishing Communities Initiative are reviewed at the fall meeting, and all Elder Program requests are reviewed in the winter.  Proposals may be submitted at any time, but must be received by the deadlines that follow:

• Last Monday in August for the October meeting:    Fishing Communities Initiative
• December 15th, or the first Monday after that date, for the February meeting:   Elder Programs

Grantmaking Interests and Limitations
Grants are made only to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.  No grants are made directly to individuals.  Types of grants to nonprofits include support for capital campaigns, general operating, seed money/start-up, and special projects.  Challenge or matching grants are made on occasion.  The foundation does not support conferences/seminars, debt reduction/cash reserves, endowment, multi-year pledges, or publications/films/videos.

Grants for agencies that serve seamen, fishermen, and their families are currently restricted to Massachusetts organizations, with a particular focus on services in New Bedford, Gloucester, and Cape Cod.  Grants for services to the elderly are awarded to agencies in Greater Boston, generally defined as within Route 128.

Financial Information
Total Grants

FY 2009: $377,200 FY 2008: $425.050 FY 2007: $444,500 FY 2006: $403,600 FY 2005: $401,016 FY 2004: $371,516 FY 2003: $301,500

FY 2002: $455,166 FY 2001:  $554,000 FY 2000:  $352,000  FY 1999:  $325,600  FY 1998:  $207,700  FY 1997:  $186,450

Typical Grant Size:  $10,000  Grant Range:  $5,000 - $25,000

Typical # of Requests: 45-60  Typical # of Grants: 35-40 Fiscal Year Ends: April 30

Trustees

Robert W. Loring, President William Eaton, Vice President Pamela S. Evans, Treasurer Arthur Page, Clerk William N. Bancroft Herbert P. Dane Charles R. Eddy Courtney Evans Edward M. Howland

Amy E. Saltonstall Isaac Stephen Little Everett Morss, Jr. George B. Motley William B. Perkins Thomas Rogerson G. West Saltonstall Jo-Ann Watson Benjamin Williams

Staff
Gracelaw Simmons, administrator, (617) 426-7080 x312 or gsimmons@gmafoundations.com
Brianna Lloyd, foundation assistant, (617) 426-7080 x246 or blloyd@gmafoundations.com

How to Apply
Proposal narratives should not exceed five pages.  Proposals using the Associated Grant Makers Common Proposal Format are also accepted.  All proposals should include: