Application Process

Barbara Stone Foundation Grant Application Process

The Barbara Stone Foundation is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. One of the ways we do this is by investing in innovative programs and initiatives that address unmet needs and provide creative solutions for the disability community in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our grant program prioritizes applications that propose groundbreaking approaches to bridging service gaps and fostering inclusion. Our hope is that creative individuals and organizations in our community’s amazing network of providers will develop new ways to ensure our community is place where individuals with disabilities flourish.

Grant Application Updates

We are in the process of enhancing our grant application process to ensure a more collaborative and impactful approach. First time applicants are required schedule a phone call or meeting with the Executive Director prior to applying. This conversation will provide an opportunity to discuss the proposed program and ensure alignment with our mission and priorities. We also encourage all applicants to review the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

Application Deadlines

Grant applications are reviewed biannually. Complete applications must be submitted by:

• March 15
• September 15

If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted until the close of the next business day. Late submissions will be deferred to the subsequent review cycle.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving individuals with disabilities.
• First time applicants: schedule and complete a meeting with the Executive Director before submitting an application.
• Submit a typewritten application (single-spaced and single-sided) which includes all Application Components listed below
  • a one paragraph proposal overview – limit 400 words
  • answers to the seven formal application questions below.
  • Please do not exceed three pages (excluding required attachments).
• Commit to active participation in Greenville CAN’s community initiatives for one year following funding by joining a Coalition Leadership Team and/or a Project Team.
• Attend the Community Innovations Grants Presentation at Bingo Bash (scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025).
• Note that previously funded and/or existing programs will be considered but only funded if they are undergoing significant expansion.

Submission Instructions

Submit completed applications by email to Lara Ceisel at lara@barbarastonefoundation.org or by mail to:

Barbara Stone Foundation
Attn: Grants
P.O. Box 26567
Greenville, SC 29616

For inquiries about the process or requirements, contact Lara Ceisel at lara@barbarastonefoundation.org or (864) 214-5798.

Review Process

Applications chosen for the final round will be invited to present their proposals to the Barbara Stone Foundation Board of Directors in April, prior to final funding decisions.

Application Components

Include the following in your grant application:

1. Organization Overview
   1. Brief description of the organization.
   2. EIN (Federal Tax ID Number).
   3. Website address (if applicable).
2. Program/Project Summary (limit 400 words)
   1. Description of the program, project, or initiative.
   2. Total funding amount requested and timeline for use of funds.
3. Responses to Formal Application Questions – Applicants will be required to address the following questions in their application:
   1. How is your program new and innovative?
   2. What gaps in services or opportunities are being filled?
   3. How does your program benefit the disability community – specifically, the adult disability community (post-high school)? And how does your program benefit the Greenville/Upstate community as a whole?
   4. How does your program/project promote inclusion and/or connect people with disabilities to the non-disabled population?
   5. How do you envision a partnership with the Barbara Stone Foundation? In what ways will you highlight this partnership (marketing, etc.)?
   6. How many people does this program impact?
   7. What do you anticipate growth to look like?
   8. What are your plans for sustainability?
4. Budget and Funding
   1. Detailed budget for the proposed program.
   2. Other anticipated funding sources and amounts.
5. Contact Information
   1. Name, email, and mailing address for communication regarding the application.

Required Attachments

• Copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter.
• Current fiscal year budget or most recent annual financial statements (including balance sheet and income statement).
• Statement of intended commitment to participating in Greenville CAN’s collective impact model.

Exclusions

Do not include brochures, marketing materials, videos, thumb drives, or other promotional items. These will not be reviewed at this stage.

Final Report Requirement

If awarded a grant, your organization must submit a final report (not exceeding two pages) upon full expenditure of funds or at the conclusion of the program timeline. The report should detail how the grant objectives were achieved. Future funding proposals will not be considered until reports for previous grants are submitted. We look forward to receiving your application and collaborating to create a more inclusive and empowered community for individuals with disabilities.