Thank you for your interest in the Building Communities Fund (BCF) Program!
Before starting your grant application, we recommend that you:
- Read the BCF Program Guidelines
- Use our online tool to check your eligibility
- Attend or view a BCF workshop
- Read the entire application form to find out what information you will need
You must type or copy and paste your application responses into ZoomGrants. We cannot accept paper or email applications.
Step 1: Summary
Enter details about your organization and the amount of funds you are requesting.
Step 2: Eligibility test
The eligibility test determines whether you can apply for a BCF grant. Before you can move on to the next steps, you must submit it and our staff must approve it. Our review can take up to 24 hours, so plan ahead. If approved, you will be notified by email. If we have more questions we will reach out to you. All eligibility tests will be due by Tuesday, August 18th at 4:00pm.
As part of the eligibility test, you must upload proof of site control. This can be either:
- A property title or deed
- A signed purchase and sale or lease agreement of at least 15 years
Step 3: Application questions
If we approve your eligibility test, you can then fill out the rest of the application. Here you will provide details about your project, including its needs and goals.
To ensure our reviewers can easily find the information they need, follow these tips for writing effective responses:
- Keep your answers simple, clear and concise
- Focus on the basics
- Answer questions accurately and honestly
- Focus your answers on what the question is asking
- Support your arguments with facts and data
- Make sure all your numbers are correct and labeled
- If a question does not apply, enter “not applicable” and explain why
For examples of strong responses, see our BCF Application Guide.
Step 4: Budget
Provide the following details about your project’s finances:
- Funding you have received
- How much of your project budget is eligible for a BCF grant
- Other grants you have applied for
Step 5: Tables
Provide the following details about your organization and project:
- Operating costs
- Employees and volunteers
- Timing and current progress of each project phase
Step 6: Documents
Upload all required documents. For a list of documents you will need, see the Document checklist section.
After you apply
We will email you from notices@zoomgrants.com with updates on your application. Make sure any emails from this address do not go to your spam folder.
Once you apply, you cannot significantly change your project’s plans. For example, you cannot switch from building a new facility to buying an existing one. If your project is at an early stage and plans might change, consider waiting until the next application period in two years.
