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. 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.

Eligible organizations will be geographically located 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.

What are the priority areas for funding?

Grants will generally range from $3,000 to $5,000. At this time, no individual grant will exceed $5,000. Grantmaking will not be limited to a specific programmatic or focus area.

Saffron Circle is interested in reaching out and supporting emerging organizations and projects (organizational budget under $750,000) outside of the Greater Boston region. 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.

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?

Please refer to the ‘Grant Applications’ tab on the top menu. Proposals may be submitted by either Saffron Circle members on behalf of an organization or by organizations themselves .

Submissions should include a complete cover summary and concept letter (maximum two pages). The application form is available for download at:

2012 Application form

If you are a previous Saffron Circle grant recipient, please include a short grant report. Report forms are available for download at:

Common Report Form

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. This year’s grantmaking process will include an interview for selected applicants. The grants committee will make recommendations to the full membership of Saffron Circle for a vote, and grants will be awarded in May 2012, in honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

What is the timeline for grantmaking?

January 15, 2012: Request for proposals released

March 14, 2012: Proposals due to Saffron Circle via email (grants@saffroncircle.org)

May 2012: Award recipients announced at Grantee Ceremony (TBA)

If I have questions, who do I contact?

If you have additional questions about the grantmaking process, please send an email to grants@saffroncircle.org or call Phung Pham at 617.383.4080 or Allistair Mallillin at 410.446.7167.

Emerging organizations and new applicants to Saffron Circle are urged to contact a Committee member before submitting an application.