Funding for new nonprofits

Posted by on November 7, 2003

[posted from PACDC Newsletter]

The Draper Richards Foundation

The Draper Richards Foundation provides up to $100,000 annually for three years to social entrepreneurs who possess solid ideas for starting new nonprofit organizations in the United States. The foundation accepts proposals for a variety of public service areas including community and economic development. There is no proposal deadline.

We expect these ideas to have broad social impact.

The projects we select will demonstrate innovative ways to solve existing social problems. The Foundation will accept proposals for a variety of public service areas, including, but not limited to, education, youth and families, the environment, arts, health, and community and economic development. We seek organizations that are or plan to be national or global in scope. We do not fund research or scholarships.

Based on the structure of a venture capital fund, the Foundation offers financial support as well as strategic and organizational assistance. Fellows will be required to present quarterly or annual milestone reports to the Foundation’s Director. Draper Richards Fellows are people who possess the unique combination of dedication to social change and the management skills of a seasoned executive. They have intense energy and passion for their social cause.

The best social entrepreneurs are:

Creative.
Social entrepreneurs have an ability to bring creativity to the way they approach funding, collaboration, and program development. This creativity permeates their organization. Consistently, Draper Richards Fellows will offer transformative solutions and innovative approaches.

Entrepreneurial.
We are looking for those rare, determined leaders who thrive on challenges and skillfully adapt to a changing environment. Issues that others see as problems, Draper Richards Fellows see as opportunities to strengthen their organization.

Collaborative.
The ability to work with people is important in any organization, but for a social entrepreneur, it is essential. Effective leaders invest in personal relationships and understand their value. Draper Richards Fellows will build bridges between constituencies.

Principled.
Integrity and honesty are critical traits of a successful social entrepreneur. These are people who value their reputation for fairness. Draper Richards Fellows treat others with respect and consideration. They possess a deep sense of commitment and personal belief.

Experienced, dedicated social entrepreneurs with a developed idea for a non-profit organization in the United States are invited to apply for the Draper Richards Fellowship.

We fund:
<li> The entrepreneur or entrepreneurial team.
<li> Organizations at the beginning of their development. We provide the organization’s first major investment. We do not fund organizations later in their lifecycle.
<li> Organizations based in the United States only.
<li> Organizations that are national or global in reach and social issue. We do not fund local community-based organizations.

We will accept proposals at any time of the year. Applications are reviewed when they are received.

The Foundation has a two-step process.
<li> The first step is to complete a brief proposal. This proposal should be no longer than three pages, and include:
<li> The mission and objectives of the organization.
<li> The social issue identified and the related opportunity for change.
<li> A description of the organization’s key barriers to accomplishing its objectives, and means of overcoming these challenges.
<li> A brief background on the entrepreneur(s) starting the organization.
<li> The funding requirements.
<li> A short description of the organization’s implementation plan and services.
<li> A description of the entrepreneur’s motivation. This can include her or his personal connection to the cause, passion or vision.

Once we have reviewed your proposal, we will invite qualified applicants to submit a more formal plan.

Please submit your two- or three-page proposal to:

Jenny Shilling
Executive Director
Draper Richards Foundation
50 California Street, Suite 2925
San Francisco, CA 94111
Or via email as a Word document attachment to: Jenny@draperrichards.org

We will send you an acknowledgement of receipt of your proposal within 10 business days.

Visit their website: <a href="http://www.draperrichards.org">http://www.draperrichards.org</a>