The Bank of Bermuda Foundation has funded more than $2.5 million in grants to non-profit groups this year.

It comes after the organisation adopted a new “Theory of Change and Vision for Bermuda” under the principle that all people in Bermuda are healthy, independent, financially secure and connected to community, with equitable opportunities for all.

Tom Conyers, the foundation’s chairman, said: “We’re extremely pleased with the way our ‘Theory of Change’ has helped sharpen our thinking around our grant decision making.”

Mr Conyers added: “We encourage organisations applying for grants to consider their application in the context of our entire ‘Theory of Change’ including the statement of social context and our values, as well as the more obvious four focus areas or spheres of influence.”

Those applying for funding must align with one or more of four new focus areas: economic participation, education, healthy families and connected communities.

Applicants requesting grants of more than $25,000 will now be accepted for review three times a year instead of four.

Deadlines for next year are now January 31, May 31 and September 30. This allows more time to meet with the foundation’s programme consultant, Vivien Carter.

Grant requests up to and including $10,000 are accepted year-round and requests between $10,001 and $25,000 are accepted on the fifteenth day of each month.

• For more information, call 704-2743, e-mail vcarter@bankofbermudafoundation.bm or visit www.bankofbermudafoundation.bm