Weekly Grant Meeting

Join us every Wednesday at 3:00 PM PDT to explore funding opportunities, learn grant writing strategies, and connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners.

Meeting ID: 868 5717 3444
Passcode: 579780
Call-in: +1 669 444 9171

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Meeting Notes and Resources

👋 Welcome!

Below are the key takeaways, action items, and resources from today’s grant writing meeting. Use these materials as you prepare your grant applications over the next week.

📋 Meeting Overview

Today we reviewed multiple grant opportunities and developed a strategic plan for submitting applications. Our primary focus is on two grants with imminent deadlines, with plans to explore additional opportunities aligned with our mission.

Priority Grants

Archer Foundation Grant
Award: $10,000 | Deadline: October 31st
Focus: Art & culture, civic engagement, education, health, human services with emphasis on social justice, equity, and inclusion. Organization must submit online applications.

Lawrence Foundation Grant
Award: $5,000 – $10,000 | Deadlines: April 30th & October 31st
Focus: Environmental programs and human services for U.S.-based charitable organizations. Funds both general operating costs and program expenses as unrestricted grants.

Additional Opportunities Under Review

Mark Wahlberg Foundation – Up to $50,000 for youth enrichment and community development

Ronald W. Berkel Foundation – Up to $250,000 with rolling application process

PMI Educational Foundation – Up to $356,000 for youth development (ages 14-24) with rolling application process. Requires letter of inquiry.

I Can Do Great Things Foundation – Up to $10,000 in rolling grants with simple application process

Precious Child Organization – Youth programs in Colorado

✅ Action Items

This Week (Before Next Meeting): Prepare brief project outlines for the Archer Foundation grant application

Wednesday (Next Week): Meet to fill out and submit the Archer Foundation grant application together

October 29th: Work on the Lawrence Foundation grant application

📋 Foundation Letter of Inquiry

Several of the grants we’re pursuing require a letter of inquiry. Below is guidance from a foundation president on what makes an effective LOI:

From Deborah D. Hoover, President, The Burton D. Morgan Foundation:

“The foundation requires a letter of inquiry prior to the submission of a full proposal. We were immediately drawn into this letter of inquiry by the bold visions in the opening paragraph. Beyond this initial impression, the audacious goals were supported by strong board leadership, the solid track record of E CITY, and careful preparation for the launch. The foundation is keenly aware of the need to develop unique educational opportunities for Cleveland youth in order to encourage more aggressive educational attainment. We were also convinced of a genuine fit with the foundation’s specialized mission to promote the entrepreneurial spirit. While a letter of inquiry can only provide hints of a project’s potential, this letter prompted the foundation to want to learn more.”

📚 Learning Resources

Visit these Candid resources to deepen your understanding of letters of inquiry:

🔗 What to Include in Letters of Inquiry 🔗 Letters of Inquiry – Full Guide

📁 Downloadable Materials

Access all our grant writing resources, templates, and guides from our resource folder:

Available Resources:

Grantseeker’s Guide to Winning Proposals
Sample Letter of Inquiry
Budget Excel Sheet Example
2024 – Nonprofit Program Planning Primer Workbook

📂 Access Resource Folder

✨ Key Takeaways

                        Remember:
                        Start with bold, compelling vision statements
Back audacious goals with strong evidence and track record
Demonstrate alignment with funder’s mission and stay within IRS compliance guidelines
Separate mission from vision in your narratives
Show careful planning and preparation for project launch

                    

Grant Comparison Chart

Grant Opportunities Comparison

Foundation	Max Grant Amount	Application Deadline	Primary Focus Areas	Application Type	Apply
The Archer Foundation	$10,000	10/31/2025	Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, Human Services	Online Form	Link
PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF)	~$356,000	Rolling	Project Management Education & Youth Development (ages 14-24)	Letter of Inquiry	Link
The Lawrence Foundation	$5,000-$10,000	06/30 & 12/31	Environmental Programs, Human Services. Rolling with two grant cycles: June and December. Applications due by midnight CT on April 30 or October 31.	Common Grant App	Link
I Could Do Great Things Foundation	$10,000	Rolling	Innovative Community Projects, Individual/Community Uplift	Custom Form	Link
Ronald W. Burkle Foundation	$250,000	Rolling	Community Grants & Development	Letter of Inquiry	Link
Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation	$50,000	Rolling	Youth Enrichment & Community Development	Pre-Application Form	Link
Green Clean Express Auto Wash	Varies	10/31/2025	Community Grants & Charitable Programs (501c3 organizations)	Grant Request Form	Link
George Shinn Foundation	$10,000-$40,000	Rolling	Education, Basic Human Needs, Faith-Based Programs & Christian Ministry	Letter of Inquiry	Link

KEY NOTES:

Urgent Deadlines: The Archer Foundation & Green Clean Express close 10/31/2025 – prioritize if eligible

Largest Opportunity: PMIEF offers median grants of ~$356,000 but requires youth (14-24) & project management focus

Most Flexible: I Could Do Great Things & Burkle have rolling deadlines with lower administrative burden

Lawrence Foundation: Two defined cycles with April 30 and October 31 submission deadlines (midnight CT)

New Additions: Green Clean Express & George Shinn Foundation added for expanded opportunities

Funding & Opportunities

Programs & Opportunities

Mentorship Program

World Arts West Grants Accelerator Program (GAP)

Bay Area | Cultural Artists

Year-long cohort-based mentorship & training for cultural artists and organizations in the SF Bay Area who are historically excluded from traditional philanthropy.

Key Perks

✓ Completely free program with hands-on training and one-to-one coaching

✓ Learn to successfully apply for and secure foundation and government grants

✓ Peer learning with 12 other cultural artists in your cohort

✓ Up to 12 participants selected for 2026 cohort

Applications due November 30, 2025 | Program runs January–December 2026 | 8-12 hours/month commitment

Learn More & Apply

Advocacy Fellowship

CA for the Arts Grassroots Artist Advocacy Program (GAAP)

California | Artists

The nation’s first artist advocacy fellowship bringing together diverse San Francisco and Oakland artists and culture bearers to transform creative storytelling into strategic action for systemic change.

Key Perks

✓ Bridge your creative practice with policy advocacy and systemic change

✓ Join a cohort of diverse Bay Area artists and culture bearers

✓ Connect with CA for the Arts’ advocacy and policy networks

✓ Opportunity to participate in Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento

Second cohort now available | Based in San Francisco and Oakland | Check website for current application status

Learn More

Community & Networking

Black Tech Saturdays

Detroit | Tech & Entrepreneurship

National network for tech founders, builders, and innovators in Detroit. Access workshops, mentorship, community events, and exclusive resources designed to help tech professionals and entrepreneurs thrive.

Key Perks

✓ Mentorship opportunities with tech leaders and entrepreneurs

✓ Access to workshops, happy hours, and exclusive networking events

✓ Nomination opportunity for BTS Changemaker Awards

✓ Connect with funding, competitions, and opportunities for tech founders

Changemaker nominations close October 31, 2025 | Holiday Celebration December 13 | Black Wealth Summit November 8

Join & Get Involved

Incentive Program

Ava Bike Electric Rebate Program

Alameda County | Community

Incentive program designed to increase access to e-bikes, reduce carbon emissions, and support local businesses through instant rebates for new e-bike purchases.

Key Perks

✓ Instant rebates from $400–$1,500 off e-bike purchases

✓ Income-qualified rebates up to $1,500 for eligible households

✓ Three types of e-bikes eligible: standard, cargo, and adaptive

✓ Monthly random drawings—multiple chances to be selected

Next drawing: October 28, 2025 | For Ava Community Energy customers or Alameda County residents | 60 days to redeem rebate

Apply Now

BUCU Grants & Opportunities

Weekly Grant Meeting

Grant Opportunities Comparison

KEY NOTES:

Programs & Opportunities

Meeting Notes & Resources

👋Welcome!

📋Foundation Letter of Inquiry

📚Learning Resources

📁Downloadable Materials

✨Key Takeaways