The Bush Foundation will provide general operating support to organizations that help create an environment for its programs and strategic initiatives to be successful.
Ecosystem grants will help sustain organizations that create unique and significant value for Bush Foundation grantees, Fellows, Rebuilders and others, says Foundation President Jen Ford Reedy.
“Like a lot of foundations, most of our funding is tied to programs and initiatives designed to accomplish specific goals,” Reedy says. “But to be successful, the people and organizations we invest in depend on other organizations.”
The Foundation first offered Ecosystem grants in 2014. At the time, grants were limited to organizations that helped support the work of its Education initiative.
Ecosystem grants will now be offered across all Foundation programs and strategic initiatives. The grants will provide as much as $200,000 over two years to cover general operating expenses for organizations that:
- Provide critical data and analysis
- Spread great ideas and build capacity
- Advance public awareness and policy
- Build and support leadership networks
Eligible organizations can apply for Ecosystem grants beginning May 3, 2016. The deadline to submit applications is May 26, 2016 at noon Central.
The Foundation will host two online information sessions in the coming weeks to help organizations determine whether they are a good candidate for Ecosystem grants.
The first session, on Thursday, April 28 from 3:30 to 4:15 pm Central, will focus on details about the Ecosystem grants, including selection criteria, application process and timeline.
The second session, on Friday, May 6 from 11:15 to 12 pm Central, will review the Foundation’s programs and strategic initiatives. With each program and initiative offering Ecosystem grants, Reedy says it is important for the Foundation to provide an update on its work in a given area.
For more information and to register for one of the information sessions, visit BushFoundation.org/Ecosystem.
Reedy says she expects one of the most popular questions will be: Why are these called “Ecosystem” grants?
“These grants are for organizations that support the work of others. Some might call them infrastructure organizations or intermediary organizations or just ‘can’t-do-without’ organizations,” Reedy says. “We call them ecosystem organizations because they help create an environment for big things to happen in the region.”