The Bessie Minor Charitable Fund
Promoting Education & Literacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for a grant?
A: Applicants must complete and submit, either by mail or e-mail, an application in the format contained on the Fund's website.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
A: Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations certified as tax exempt under Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a). Eligible public charities include the full range of charitable organizations, including educational, museums and arts organizations formed for charitable purposes.
Q: Does the Fund have an application deadline?
A: Yes, applications must be either postmarked or received via e-mail no later than April 1.
Q: What size grant should we request?
A: The minimum grant request that will be considered is $500 and the maximum grant request is $2,500.
Q: Do you fund newly established nonprofits?
A: Yes, we will consider applications from start-up nonprofits and are certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Q: Do you have geographic restrictions?
A: Preference will be given to projects that benefit communities served by daily and/or weekly newspapers in the Swift Communications, Inc. family of publications (www.swiftcom.com).
Q: Do you provide general operating grants?
A: The fund prefers to provide programmatic support for nonprofits.
Q: When will I get a response from my application?
A: Applications will either be declined or approved by May 1.
Q: Will the Fund make multiyear awards?
A: No. Grants are awarded for a one-year period.
Q: Will the fund provide grants for equipment?
A: We believe interaction has a powerful positive impact on literacy, reading and the arts. While the Bessie Minor Charitable Fund may occasionally provide grants for equipment alone, strong preference will be given to applications that incorporate project or program elements.