What is the function of Saffron Circle?
Who can apply for grants?
What are the priority areas for funding?
Who or what is not eligible for funding?
What is the application process?
What is the timeline for grantmaking?
If I have questions, who do I contact?

What is the function of Saffron Circle?

The Saffron Circle is a group of multi-generational Asians committed to creating positive social change in the Asian community. It is a member-driven, donor-advised fund that is by Asians, for Asians. Members’ contributions are pooled and granted once annually during the month of May to non-profit organizations serving the Asian community in Massachusetts.

Who can apply for grants?

The Saffron Circle will fund any nonprofit Asian or non-Asian organization serving Asian communities in Massachusetts. Applications will be accepted from tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which qualify as non-private foundations under Section 509 of the Code. Unincorporated organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status, but have a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, will also be considered. Eligible organizations will be geographically located in Massachusetts, with a primary emphasis on organizations within the greater Boston area.

What are the priority areas for funding?

For Asian organizations, funding will be awarded for program costs or general operating support. For non-Asian organizations, funds will only be awarded for program costs directly related to serving Asians.

Grantmaking will not be limited to a specific programmatic or focus area in this round, but in the future focus areas may be developed in response to needs identified as important to the Asian community in Massachusetts. Grants will generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. At this time, no individual grant will exceed $5,000.

In line with its own model, Saffron Circle has particular interest in funding organizations or projects that directly engage members of the Asian community in making transformative, positive social change within their own community. Additionally, Saffron Circle favors collaborative models, and is interested in supporting new and emerging agencies.

Who or what is not eligible for funding?

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Grants to individuals
• Scholarships or fellowships
• Public Relations (with the exception of public education campaigns)
• Religious organizations for religious purposes
• Political parties, organizations for specific candidates, political action committees and/or any organizations that exist to support them
• Government and other municipal organizations
• Building campaigns (no bricks and mortar)

Currently, Saffron Circle is not considering requests for support for multi-year projects.

What is the application process?

The Saffron Circle will post announcements regarding funding guidelines and application deadlines. Proposals must include: a grant application (not to exceed 5 pages); a program and/or organizational budget spreadsheet; and the applicant’s or the applicant’s fiscal agent’s 501(c)(3) letter. Applicants that have received previous funding from the Saffron Circle must also submit a grant report form in addition to their new proposal.

All documents are available for download at www.saffroncircle.org/grants/application.html.

Please use one-inch margins, single spacing, and 11-point font in your proposal’s narrative. Full proposals must be received by January 31 st, 2008. Emailed applications are preferred, and proposal materials may be sent as e-mail attachments to the grants committee at grants@saffroncircle.org.

Full proposals will be reviewed by members of the grants committee. Criteria for funding will include programmatic fit, impact, agency and/or program leadership, and financial need. Committee members will also conduct interviews with agency staff and site visits as necessary. The grants committee will make recommendations to the full membership of Saffron Circle for a vote, and grants will be awarded in May 2008, in honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

What is the timeline for grantmaking?

General Timeline:

If I have questions, who do I contact?

Please contact grants@saffroncircle.org with any questions you have. If you would like to speak to a specific person, please contact Yasmin Shah at yshah@grantsmanagement.com or 617-426-7080 x317.