Application Instructions

PLEASE READ: Our processes and timelines have changed significantly.

Duke University students contemplate "The Colour Correction" exhibition, photo by J. Caldwell, Nasher Museum of Art

Process

The Biddle Foundation has two grant cycles per year, one for the K-12 Education Program and one for the Arts Program. 

Before submitting an application, organizations may schedule a 30-minute phone conversation with the executive director to discuss the organization Please see the time periods for these calls under Deadlines, below. These conversations are not required; an organization may submit an application without having had a conversation. Please call the MDBF office at 919-493-5591 to schedule an appointment. We ask that you call rather than email. Our in-boxes can get overloaded!

Applications are submitted through our online system. See below for links to the online portal.

The foundation receives more applications than can be funded. We will email all applicants to let you know our decision.

Eligibility

Please see specific institutional and project eligibility criteria under the K-12 Education Program and the Arts Program.

Organizations may have only one grant at a time. A final narrative and financial report on the organization’s previous grant must be received by the foundation before a new application is submitted. If you have questions about your organization’s eligibility, please call the foundation before submitting an application.

Ineligible requests:

  • Grants to individuals.

Grant opportunities

Beginning in 2021, MDBF is shifting most of its grantmaking from project-based support to unrestricted operating support for organizations that align with our funding goals.

  • Operating Support Grant:   We offer a two-year grant of $10,000 each year for a total of $20,000. These grants will be made to organizations with which MDBF has an existing funding relationship, defined as having at least one grant between 2011-2021.
  • Opportunity Grant: We offer a one-year $5,000 Opportunity Grant to organizations that have never received a grant from MDBF or haven't received a grant since 2010. This grant provides an opportunity for MDBF to get to know new organizations.

 K-12 Education ProgramArts Program
Pre-application conversationsFebruary 1-28, 2021May 1-31, 2021
Proposal application OpensMarch 1, 2021June 1, 2021
Proposal application DeadlineMarch 19, 2021June 15, 2021
Follow-up calls, as neededMay 5-May 20, 2021August 3-August 18, 2021
Grant DecisionJune 15, 2021September 15, 2021
Preview Application formK-12 Education Program application formCheck back on May 1, 2021

Application Instructions: Please read the detailed programmatic interests, criteria, and eligibility requirements, for the K-12 Education Program or the Arts Program before submitting an application.

Click here to go to our online portal, through which you will access application forms.

 

Note:  Please note that applications are only active during the time periods indicated above. If no applications are active, no links will be available. If you get a request for an access code, it means no applications are active.

 

  • Logon: There are instructions for new and existing users on the logon page. Instructions are also listed below.
    • If you have previously submitted an application using your email address or your organization's general email address, you will need to reset your password. Enter your email address and click on the "Forgot your Password?" link in the portal.
    • If you are a new applicant, please click on "Create New Account" to complete the registration process and create your log in credentials.
    • If you are using a fiscal sponsor, please follow the instructions on the log in page.
  • When you log in, there will be an "Apply" button at the top of the page. Click that button to access active applications. Please note that application are only active during the time periods indicated above. If no applications are active, no links will be available.
  • K-12 Education Program: Applications can be submitted only during the dates indicated above. Click here to preview the K-12 Program application.
  • Arts Program: Applications can be submitted only during the dates indicated above. Guidelines will be posted by April 15, 2021.
  • The portal will also allow you to view your organization's history and report forms.
  • We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop computer to complete and submit the application. If you use a mobile device such as a tablet or phone, you may not be able to upload attachments.
  • If you have questions about logging in or your organization's record, please call us at 919-493-5591.

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