Shirley Charitable Foundation Grant Guidelines

Our Vision ~
Lead the Town of Shirley to become one of the best small
towns in America by creating a friendly, thriving, vibrant,
sustainable community which improves the quality of life
for Shirley Residents.

GRANT GUIDELINES

Funding Priorities

Although the Shirley Charitable Foundation doesn’t prioritize any particular issue area for funding, it does focus on programs, activities and strategies for creating social change in any number of areas. We support programs that are examples of creative problem solving and programs that work collaboratively with other organizations for a common purpose. It is expected that grants will be in the amounts from under $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 which will be awarded in two grant cycles per calendar year.

The Foundation will award grants to:

Programs that directly benefit the town of Shirley
Programs in education for residents of Shirley
Programs for the senior population of Shirley
Programs that foster community spirit
Programs that help make a societal change
Programs that support the vision and goals of the Foundation

The Foundation will not award grants to:

Programs that do not directly benefit the town of Shirley
Requests intended to cover operating costs
Programs to support basic or direct social service programs
Programs that are discriminatory in any way
Programs sponsored by political or religious groups
Discretionary or emergency requests

What do we mean by the term "social change" and how does it compare to "social service"?

Social Change addresses the root causes of problems; Social Service addresses the consequences of those problems. Social Change addresses whole communities, systems and institutions; Social Service aids and assists individuals. The Shirley Charitable Foundation does not award grants to support Social Service programs.
Please see the Grant Recipients List for recent examples of organizations and programs we've funded in the past.

Types of Grants

Full Grants — awards are typically granted ranging from under $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 through two yearly grant cycles.

Small Grants — Throughout the year, the Shirley Charitable Foundation may fund a small number of grants of under $500 for innovative programs that fit into our general guidelines and are time sensitive due to unforeseen circumstances.

Grant Cycles and Deadlines

Full Grants are awarded on March 30th and September 30th. Grant application deadline for a March 30th award is December 15th prior. Grant application deadline for a September 30th award is June 15th prior.

Small Grants are awarded out of the regular award cycle as determined by the Foundation Board of Directors. We cannot expedite a funding decision.

HOW TO APPLY

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR FULL GRANTS begins with the Shirley Charitable Foundation Grant Application and please follow the application details to help assist in your application getting the attention it deserves. (submit 6 copies)

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SMALL GRANTS begins with a letter describing both the program and the need for out of cycle consideration. (submit 6 copies)

THE FOUNDATION MAY REQUEST A PRESENTATION to the Board of Directors for further consideration or clarification so please be prepared to do so if asked. The Foundation Board meetings are typically scheduled on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the late afternoon.

THE FOUNDATION ENCOURAGES AND GIVES ADDED CONSIDERATION TO PROGRAMS THAT INCLUDE A PLAN FOR LONG TERM VIABILITY AND PROGRAMS THAT WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHERS.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SHIRLEY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION FORM