2. Applications for funding must be submitted by one or more BYFI alumni. Eligible projects for funding are those where BYFI alumni are responsible, either wholly or in part, for the success of said project.
3. Projects will be considered if they seek to promote the BYFI mission statement and values of Jewish Learning, Pluralism, Engagement with Israel, Social Responsibility or a combination of these core values. If a project is related to political engagement, proof must be provided that the project is non-partisan.
4. Campus publications and journals are not eligible for funding but can receive in-kind support through the BYFI network. Grants can not be used to fund individual salaries, internships, travel, or academic research projects. Contact becky@byfi.org for further information.
5. Alumni members of the Fundraising and Projects Committee will review Alumni Venture Fund proposals twice a year. Application submission deadlines are May 15 & October 15 of each year. Funding decisions will be made within six weeks of the deadline. Recipients will be notified via e-mail by a representative of the Fundraising and Projects Committee or the Director of Alumni Engagement.
6. BYFI can only make grants to public charities as defined under IRS Code 501(c)3 or to alumni of the Bronfman Youth Fellowships, as individuals. If the grant is to be given to a public charity, a copy of that organization's IRS determination letter must accompany the funding application. If approved funds are to be issued directly to an alumnus/ae, rather than a public charity, that individual will receive a 1099misc form for use in connection with their personal income tax filing. If you have any questions about how this may affect your taxes, BYFI strongly suggests speaking with your tax professional. The name of funding recipient/organization must be indicated and approved prior to submission of grant application.
7. Within two weeks of notification of funding decision by BYFI, recipient must contact Heather Smith (heather.smith@byfi.org) BYFI Accounts Manager, so that all information can be incorporated into a grant agreement. Recipients will be asked to have a phone conversation with a representative of the Fundraising and Projects Committee or the Director of Alumni Engagement to discuss the value of the new relationship to both parties.
8. In order for the grant check to be issued, the recipient must sign the grant agreement and send it to: BYFI c/o Heather Smith, 163 Delaware Avenue, Suite 102, Delmar, NY 12054. This must be done within two months of grant notification. If all material is not received within this timeframe, the grant will be void.
9. Two months from funding notification, alumni responsible for funded projects will be expected to submit a short ‘project update,' using a template provided by the Fundraising and Projects Committee. Additionally, recipients may be contacted and asked to write an email describing their project and what receiving an AVF grant has meant to them.
10. Six months from funding notification, alumni responsible for funded projects will be expected to submit a short article (500 words or less) for use in a future BYFI E-bulletin. Photos and any collateral created as a result of the project are greatly appreciated.
11. Recipients will publicize, in appropriate ways, the fact that the BYFI Alumni Venture Fund has supported the project. When relevant, they will also work with BYFI to produce press releases and other publicity materials providing information about their alumni project to the broader community.
