B.W. Bastian Foundation Grants

The B.W. Bastian Foundation is a private philanthropic organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., committed to promoting equality and inclusivity throughout the United States. It emphasizes support for nonprofit organizations that actively embrace and promote equality for all Americans, with particular emphasis on the gay and lesbian community. This focus reflects the Foundation's broader mission to foster social justice and equity, especially in underrepresented and marginalized communities. Every applicant organization must include a statement affirming their commitment to equality, including their specific support for the LGBTQ+ community, as part of their grant application. The Foundation operates a selective funding process, accepting only solicited grant requests. Interested organizations are required to initiate contact by phone or email before submitting any formal proposal. This pre-submission communication is mandatory, even for organizations that have previously received funding from the Foundation. If an applicant seeks a higher funding amount than in a previous year, or more than the Foundation’s $15,000 typical maximum award, they must seek special approval. Additionally, the Foundation will only accept one grant application per organization per calendar year, and after three consecutive years of funding, a one-year break from applying is expected. These measures are designed to ensure equitable distribution and encourage a diverse applicant pool. Grants awarded by the B.W. Bastian Foundation typically range from $100 to $15,000. Funding is available for general operating support, as well as for project-specific support, advocacy initiatives, and capacity building efforts. However, the Foundation does not fund salaries directly, nor does it support capital projects, lobbying activities, political campaigns, medical research, film productions, or requests from organizations with ambitions to expand into national programs without clear ties to the Intermountain West. The Foundation also refrains from funding individuals or organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status or a similar tax-exempt designation. The geographic scope of funding primarily includes the Intermountain West region—specifically Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana—with some flexibility for projects of national scope that demonstrably impact the region. Grant applications are only accepted following Foundation approval, and applicants must adhere to one of three annual deadlines: March 15, September 15, and November 15. The November deadline is reserved exclusively for holiday-related giving. Successful applicants will be notified of grant awards by May 15, October 30, or in December, depending on the submission cycle. These deadlines allow the Foundation to review proposals in a structured and timely manner, and applicants are encouraged to confirm the appropriateness of their proposal and timing through initial inquiry. While there are no published evaluation criteria or application forms, the Foundation’s structured process and emphasis on alignment with its mission imply that applications are evaluated based on both organizational alignment with the Foundation's values and the potential impact of the proposed work. Phone or email inquiries are an essential part of the vetting process and are strongly encouraged to prevent misalignment or wasted effort. For further communication, organizations can reach the B.W. Bastian Foundation at their listed Washington, D.C. address or by calling 202.716.7000. The Foundation emphasizes transparency and efficiency in its communications and encourages early dialogue to ensure that each proposal meets their eligibility and mission-driven requirements.