2026 BFSRF GRANT APPLICATION

2026 BFSRF GRANT APPLICATION
The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund, established in honor of Ruth T. Bedford, supports nonprofit organizations that expand access to high-quality educational and enrichment opportunities for children and young adults in Westport and the surrounding communities.

Through this work, the Westport Weston Family YMCA carries forward Ruth Bedford's legacy by investing in programs that remove barriers, strengthen academic and personal growth, and create lasting pathways to opportunity.

The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund values partnerships with community nonprofits. We encourage applicants to provide clear, concise responses that help us understand your organization, your program, and the impact this grant would have on the children and young adults you serve.

Typical Grant Awards: Grants generally range from $2,500 to $20,000. Applicants are encouraged to request an amount that is appropriate for the scope and impact of the proposed program.

Before beginning, please review the eligibility requirements below. Character limits are provided for applicable questions. If a question does not apply to your organization or proposed program, please indicate “N/A.”

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Questions? Contact bfsrf@westporty.org

Eligibility

Organizations must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

• Provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities for children and/or young adults.

• Serve Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, and/or Wilton.

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

Grant funding may be used during the 2027 calendar year for:

• Programmatic expenses tied to educational and enrichment opportunities

• Expansion or enhancement of existing programs

• New initiatives aligned with BFSRF priorities

Grant Funding May Not Be Used For

• Endowment funding

• General overhead not directly tied to program delivery

• Capital projects

• Debt reduction or operating deficits

• Annual campaigns or fundraising

Section 1 | About Your Organization

The following information is specific to the organization for which you are seeking grant funding.
Legal Name of Organization
d/b/a Name (if applicable)
Federal EIN
Organization Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Organization Website URL
Organization Phone Number
Format: 000-000-0000.
CEO/Executive Director
Name

First NameLast Name
Title
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Primary Grant Contact

This person will serve as the primary contact regarding this application and any subsequent grant communications.
Name

First NameLast Name
Title
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Mission Statement: Please provide your organization’s mission statement.

Maximum 500 characters0/500
Please briefly describe your organization's primary programs and services.

Maximum 1,000 characters0/1000
Demographics
Describe the children and/or young adults your organization primarily serves.

Maximum 750 characters0/750
Approximately how many individuals does your organization serve annually?
Please provide your best estimate of the percentage of individuals served who reside in each of the following communities. Estimates are acceptable. Total should equal approximately 100%.
Westport %
Indicate the annual percentage served from this region
Weston %
Indicate the annual percentage served from this region
Bridgeport %
Indicate the annual percentage served from this region
Fairfield %
Indicate the annual percentage served from this region
Norwalk %
Indicate the annual percentage from this region
Wilton %
Indicate the annual percentage served from this region
Other %
Indicate the annual percentage served from all other regions
Organizational Capacity
Total number of full-time employees
Total number of part-time employees
Total number of volunteers
Total number of Board members

Section 2 | Funding Request & Proposed Program

The following information is specific to the program for which you are seeking grant funding (the "Program"). The amount of grant funding you are seeking for the Program and to be spent in the calendar year is referred to as your "Grant Request".
Program Name/Title
Is this a new program?
Tell us about the program for which you're requesting funding, including: What the program does, who it serves, key activities and timeline
Individuals expected to be served- Approximately how many individuals will be served through the proposed program?
Budget/Financial
Grant Amount Requested from BFSRF ($2,500–$20,000) is the typical grant range.
Total Program Budget
Please describe specifically how the requested grant funds will be used. If requesting support for a larger program, indicate which expenses the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund would support.

Maximum 750 characters0/750
Period of time in which funds will be spent, beginning:

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearBegin Date
Period of time in which funds will be spent, ending:

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearEnd Date
Describe the community need this program addresses and how the proposed program responds to that need.

Maximum 1000 characters0/1000
Please describe how residents of Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, and/or Wilton will benefit from this program.

Maximum 500 characters0/500
What do you hope to achieve through this program, and how will you know if it is successful?

Maximum 1,000 characters0/1000
Identify the key staff responsible for implementing this program and briefly summarize their qualifications.

Maximum 750 characters0/750

Section 3 | Budget & Funding
Please upload a detailed program budget showing anticipated income and expenses.

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If we are only able to partially fund your grant request (e.g., if you received 50% of your grant request), will you be able to proceed with the Program?
If yes, please briefly explain.
Maximum 500 characters
Please list any confirmed or anticipated funding sources for this program, if applicable.

Maximum 750 characters0/750
If applicable, how do you anticipate supporting this program after the grant period?

Maximum 750 characters0/750

Section 4 | Organization Financials
Current IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

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Organization's Annual Operating Budget
(Most recently completed fiscal year)
Please upload financial statements for your most recently completed fiscal year. Audited financialstatements are preferred, if available

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Section 5 | Certification & Supporting Materials
Please upload any additional materials you believe would strengthen your application, such as: Annual Report, Letters of Support, Program Evaluations, Relevant Media Coverage

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Optional links to supporting materials
I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Name

First NameLast Name
Title
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Should be Empty:

2026 BFSRF GRANT APPLICATION

Section 1 | About Your Organization

CEO/Executive Director

Primary Grant Contact

Demographics

Organizational Capacity

Section 2 | Funding Request & Proposed Program

Budget/Financial

Section 3 | Budget & Funding

Section 4 | Organization Financials

Section 5 | Certification & Supporting Materials