Grants

Bluestone Bank Charitable Foundation

The Foundation was established to enable a way for Bluestone Bank to provide financial support and partnership to local organizations that provide positive impact within the communities we serve. The Foundation’s resources are allocated with priority given to requests that benefit low-and-moderate income households and neighborhoods. To achieve this, we have established the following funding priorities:

• Support to Individuals Without Housing, and Affordable Housing
• Economic Development and Community Partnership Programs
• Health and Human Services Programs
• Education, Youth, and Financial Literacy
• Special Project Funding and Capacity Building

Although there are many worthy endeavors, the Foundation generally does not invest in the causes listed below:

• Individuals (including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, sponsorships, or donation matches
• Alumni organizations
• Animal related causes, including rescue societies
• Beauty pageants
• Major capital or endowment campaigns
• Fundraising dinners, events, or tickets
• Individual sports teams, including youth sports teams and leagues
• Advertising and promotional items, or merchandise
• Governmental and political activities or candidates for political office
• Churches or other religious initiatives
• Travel (including conferences, seminars, tours, and student trips)

Funding and Administration

The Foundation is funded annually through direct contributions from the Bank. The Foundation’s fiscal year is the calendar year. The average grants are up to $5,000 and successful applicants are limited to one grant per year. If renewed funding is desired, the organization must submit a new request each year. Requests for community support increase each year and, unfortunately, it is not possible for Bluestone Bank to fund every opportunity presented. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a proposal will be approved, or that it will be funded at the level requested.

How to Apply

To assess the scope of the organizations’ work in the community, a complete proposal and the following financial information must be submitted to the Foundation online via Bluestone Bank’s website at www.bluestone.bank. Requested documents can be added as attachments to the online application:

• A copy of the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) tax determination letter and Tax Identification Number
• A cover letter identifying the objective of the organization and proposed request
• A copy of the organization’s budget and budget for the specific project, if applicable
• A list of other funding sources that provide support to the organization or plan to support the specific project
• A list of the organization’s Board of Directors and Board Participation for the current fiscal year as well as the percentage of Board Participation for the current project along with the total amount given by the Board collectively
• Information regarding any banking relationship with Bluestone Bank
• Any additional supporting documentation or collateral materials

Grant Determination

The Foundation meets quarterly (January, April, July, October). Please allow ample time for the request to be reviewed. Incomplete applications may result in a delay. Applicants will be notified of their proposal outcome by email.

Quarterly Application Deadlines

• January 16th
• April 10th
• July 17th
• October 16th