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Guidelines for ApplicantsPurposeThe Theodore Edson Parker Foundation was established in 1944 under a charter that reflected the founder's interest in a wide range of community needs. Mr. Parker was a lifelong resident of the city of Lowell, Massachusetts. Because of the many compelling needs and opportunities in that city, the Foundation has chosen to focus its grantmaking there. Fields of Interest and Types of SupportThe Parker Foundation's primary goal is to make effective grants that benefit the city of Lowell and its residents. Grants are made for a variety of purposes including social services, cultural programs, community development activities, education, community health needs, and urban environmental projects. The foundation funds specific needs including special programs and projects, capital improvements and equipment purchases, and technical assistance. The trustees do not usually award funds for the operating expenses of charitable organizations, for endowment, or to fund deficits. Grants are restricted to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a). No awards are made to individuals. In his will, Mr. Parker suggested that his trustees give special consideration to the welfare of children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. The foundation is especially committed to assisting these and other underserved individuals including refugees, immigrants, and people of color. Preference is given to applicants who have formulated creative approaches to societal problems and can provide leverage for Parker funds. The foundation favors projects that can demonstrate good prospects for continuation after the conclusion of Parker's funding. Proposal Deadlines and Meeting ScheduleThe trustees usually meet three times a year for grantmaking purposes: in April/May, September, and December. Proposal deadlines for these meetings are January 15, May 15, and September 15. Applicants are limited to one application per year. Grant recipients should expect to wait two years before submitting a new request. Applicants whose requests have been denied normally are expected to wait one year before reapplying. Application ProceduresOrganizations interested in applying to the foundation are welcome to contact staff prior to applying. Thereafter, applicants are encouraged to use the common proposal format developed by Associated Grant Makers (formerly Associated Grantmakers of Massachusetts). Copies of this form are available at the Parker Foundation office and online at www.agmconnect.org. A single copy proposal should include a one-page cover letter, followed by a narrative section of no more than 10 pages providing a description of the organization and the project for which funding is requested. The project section should list expected outcomes, and plans for continuing the project beyond the period of projected Parker Foundation support. In addition to the cover letter and narrative, we request the following attachments: · a current copy of the letter granting tax-exemption from the IRS, indicating the organization's status as a public charity · a list of board members, with an indication of their organizational affiliations, special skills, and links to the community · a completed diversity form detailing racial and ethnic compositions of board, staff, and constituents. This form is tailored to Lowell and may be found in the electronic version of these guidelines at www.grantsmanagement.com/DiversityForm. · a copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statements · a copy of the most recent IRS Form 990, with all attachments and schedules · a current organizational budget, including projected income and expenditures · bio statements or resumes of key project staff · a project budget, including line-item detail on sources of revenue and salary expenditures Proposals should be forwarded to: Further Information About the Parker Foundation
Grants lists for 2001 through 2006 can be found on this website in the Past Grants section. A report on grants for the years 1998 to 2000 is available on request. The Foundation’s Form 990-PF may be found at www.guidestar.org.
From time to time the trustees review these guidelines and may make changes without notice. TrusteesNewell Flather, President
Philip Hall, Administrator
Last Updated: June 2007 Home |
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