The Foundation focuses on three core program areas: Healthcare, Social Services & Education.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. It extends formal invitations for grants. 

The Foundation does not disclose the identity of grant nominators. Anonymity prevents nominators from being inundated with suggestions and allows them the freedom to seek out qualified nominees.

Berger North Foundation is a small organization managed by a just few individuals who believe that impact comes first — Employing strategic approaches to solving problems with philanthropy, the executive director, trustees, & grant nominators wear many hats and care more about the impact of the philanthropic investments than the recognition they receive for being a part of the giving process.

Grantmakers and nonprofits are under increased scrutiny with regard to spending their money in ways that have clear social impact. The initial discretionary grant application is how Berger North Foundation gets an accurate record and solid understanding of the grantseeking organization and its plans. It is the most efficient means of learning about the potential grantees current programs, future plans, and past accomplishments. This informed introduction serves as an embarking point for the beginning of a relationship between grantmaker and grantseeker.

In many areas of the country, grantmakers jointly created & accepted a "common grant application" (CGA). On a pre-approved case-by-case basis, to reduce the amount of time grant seekers spend rearranging basic information from one proposal to the next, Berger North Foundation will accept some Regional Association of Grantmakers CGA formats as an alternative to its Discretionary Grant Application. If you received a RFA and would like to use your CGA, contact your Berger North Foundation representative to find out what additional supporting materials will be needed. 

Berger North Foundation is always working on improving its process for making and managing grants. Our goal is to increase impact and provide more time to innovate and build strong relationships with you, our partners, to ultimately achieve results for the people we serve, together. 

Please submit only the requested forms. 

Berger North Foundation will request proposals from potential grantees in early August. The deadline for the invited non-profit to submit their proposal is September 30. Distributions are made November 15 through December 1. 

Yes. The Foundation requires interim & final reports as described in the grant agreements. The Interim Report is a progress report. The Final Report shows completion and closes the grant. Typically, reports are based on 6 month increments following the funding of the grant, with a final report due upon completion of the program goals. Grant reports are concise reviews of what has occurred and must evaluate both strengths and areas for improvement. They must compare proposed to actual outcomes, placing particular focus on items identified in the proposal as “deliverables” for each program. Budget Reports must reveal sources of income and expense related to the project. Any significant budgeted to actual variances must be explained in the budget recap of the Grantee Report or in a budget narrative. Nonprofits who received funding and receive an Invitation to submit an Application (and wish to reapply), need to have their final report submitted and approved before submitting a new grant request. Nonprofits not reapplying have 30 calendar days after the completion date of the grant period to submit their Final Report. It is recommended that all grantees turn in the final report as soon as the funds are expended. 

The Foundation will send delinquency/overdue notices to the grantee. If continued attempts by the Foundation to receive the required reports fail, the Foundation will close the grant for non compliance. All payments will be suspended and the organization will no longer be eligible to receive grants from the Foundation.

If a progress report is late, the grantee should contact the Foundation and request an extension. The next scheduled payment on the grant, dependent on the report, will be delayed until the report has been received and approved.

Yes, the Foundation may conduct site visits when needed. Site visits can help determine whether or not to fund a proposal and check on progress of a funded project. Site visits allow trustees to meet the people behind the proposal and get a closer more personal view of the organization. Site visits are scheduled in advance. 

The Foundation does not make grants outside the listed BNF funding interests. 

The Foundation does not provide funding to individuals. 

The foundation makes grants to organizations directly rather than through individual fundraising activities; therefore, we are unable to fund your effort.

No, Berger North Foundation does not accept donations.