Request for Proposals: 2020 Bradley Freedom Grants
Purpose: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation seeks to identify and invest effectively in organizations and projects that enhance and expand state freedom infrastructure.
Eligibility: This highly competitive grants program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations by invitation of The Bradley Foundation. Grant awards are likely to range from $10,000 to $100,000. One proposal from each eligible organization will be accepted.
Project Criteria: The Foundation seeks projects that will lead to fundamental public policy reform in a state or states, by:
- Strengthening the operational and programmatic capabilities of your organization (including leadership, fundraising, communications, government affairs capabilities, etc.);
- Strengthening the permanent freedom infrastructure in your state, and/or across state lines, by supporting the development of key capacities, such as grassroots leadership, public interest litigation, investigative journalism, leadership training, and public policy research; and/or
- Developing deep collaborative relationships between and among freedom-oriented organizations and individuals to leverage resources, cooperation, and comparative advantage.
In keeping with Internal Revenue Service rules, and The Bradley Foundation’s guidelines, no grants will be approved for grassroots or direct lobbying or partisan campaign intervention.
Additional Details:
- Successful proposals will define clear outcomes and measurement criteria.
- New and ongoing projects will be considered, and proposals may be for full or partial funding of a project.
- Preference may be given to projects that encourage collaboration, comparative advantage, and cooperation among successful groups promoting liberty and markets.
Application Process
Deadline: April 17, 2020
Online application open to accept proposals: March 16, 2020
Proposals should be submitted through the online RFP portal. The application will be available to accept proposals on March 16, 2020, and will close on April 17, 2020. Proposals submitted by mail or email will not be accepted.
As part of the online application process, you will be asked:
- How will this project lead to fundamental public policy reform in your state?
- How will this project build capacity within your organization and state?
In lieu of a separate proposal, you will be asked to provide:
1. Executive Summary (150 words) to include:
- Amount Requested
- Brief project overview
- How this project will lead to fundamental policy reform in your state, and
- How this project will strengthen your organization’s ability to achieve its mission over time
2. Full Project Description (3-5 pages) to include:
- Project goals and objectives;
- How you will measure your success;
- A detailed description of the policy or legislative landscape leading to this opportunity and how this project will lead to fundamental policy reform in your state;
- Why your organization is best positioned to lead this project; and
- How this project will build the operational and/or programmatic capabilities to strengthen your organization’s ability to achieve its mission over time.
3. Project Budget.
Decision Process
The Bradley Foundation Freedom Grants Committee will evaluate proposals, and grants will be approved and disbursed by the Foundation upon approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. State Policy Network will administer the RFP process on behalf of The Bradley Foundation.
All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of November 2020.
Contact
Please contact Emily Wismer (wismer@spn.org) with any additional questions.