The Process

Interested in Applying for a Grant?

If you would like to apply for a grant from the Blanche Bryden Foundation, we invite you to find out more about the grant application process and funding guidelines. We’ve also compiled helpful FAQs for your benefit!

The Grant Application Process

Check Qualifications

Applicants should ensure they meet the funding guidelines (see below).

Apply Online

Applicants must submit their online application.

Apply

The Application is Reviewed

The Trustees meet quarterly to review grant requests and to discuss grant approvals.

Notification and Award

You will be notified by mail whether a grant has been awarded or not. If so, the payment will be included.

Funding Guidelines

Grants are made only to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) as described in IRC § 501(c)(3) and which are not classified as private foundations under IRC § 509(a). The Foundation’s geographical focus is in the City of Topeka, Kansas, or in the area of Topeka, Kansas. The Foundation is not permitted to make grants to organizations outside of this geographical area.

The Foundation Board will review applications and take into consideration the following criteria:

The Trustees take into account those organizations in the Topeka, Kansas, area that Blanche Bryden provided financial support during her lifetime.
Grants are awarded based on the merit of the proposal and the significance of the proposed project to the Foundation’s mission. As Blanche Bryden was very philanthropic during her lifetime and supported numerous charitable organizations, the Foundation has provided support to charitable organizations in the following areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Education
- Community Development and Enhancement
- Social Services and Needs
- Quality of Life
The applicant organization’s staff and ability to achieve the desired results.
The maintenance of the proposed project without ongoing, long-term financial commitments from the Foundation.

Ready to Apply for a Grant?

Complete our online application to request a Blanche Bryden Foundation grant.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we have offices in the City of Topeka, Kansas, we have a fund sharing agreement with our national office. Are we still eligible to apply for a grant from the Blanche Bryden Foundation?
Yes, but additional steps may be required to assure that any grant funds from the Foundation will be only utilized within the City of Topeka, Kansas, and will not be subject to the fund sharing agreement with your national office.
Are there certain areas in which the Trustees prefer not to fund?
The Blanche Bryden Foundation trustees at this time prefer not to fund:
- Request for support of fund-raising events.
- Requests to cover operating deficits.
- Activities to propagate a religious faith, that are restricted to one religion or denomination or memorials.
- Conferences and group travel.
- Activities that are normally the responsibility of government (the Foundation will, in selective cases, join with units of government in support of special projects).
- Grants for individuals.
Is there a minimum or a maximum amount of a grant that will be approved by the Blanche Bryden Foundation?
The trustees do not have a specific requirement, but instead evaluate each grant request based on its merits.
What are the primary funding areas of the Blanche Bryden Foundation?
First and foremost, the Trustees take into account those organizations in the Topeka, Kansas, area that Blanche Bryden provided financial support during her lifetime. Second, grants are awarded based on the merit of the proposal. As Blanche Bryden was very philanthropic during her lifetime and supported numerous charitable organizations, the Foundation has provided support to charitable organizations in the following areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Education
- Community Development and Enhancement
- Social Services and Needs
- Quality of Life
Are there deadlines for submitting a grant request?
We have a continuous approval process, so grant requests may be submitted at any time. The Trustees generally meet quarterly to review grant requests.
Does the Foundation support scholarship and individual training?
We do not support individual scholarships or training.