Non-profit groups can now apply for funding online via the Bank of Bermuda Foundation website.

The Foundation, which provides up to $2.5 million in funding to the charitable sector each year, says its “user-friendly format” will capture important information that can be retained to make the process simpler for future use.

It comes after the Foundation completed an in-depth strategic planning process which helped identify how funding can be most effective in supporting the Bermuda community.

That survey found cash is needed for:

• economic participation: providing equitable employment opportunities, work satisfaction and financial security for all Bermudians;

• education: helping people become independent thinkers who are socially aware and productively engaged;

• healthy families, with physical, mental, social and material wellbeing;

• connected communities, with a sense of belonging.

Vivien Carter, the Foundation’s programme officer, said in a press release: “The launch of the online grant application form is an important step for the Foundation as it moves its strategic vision for Bermuda forward.

“Organisations that have been supported by the Foundation in the past will find some new questions are included. We also hope that groups with new concepts or ideas will come forward, if they are in alignment with the Foundation’s new approach.”

For new concepts or ideas, the Foundation now requires that organisations submit a Letter of Intent. This is a brief description of a concept which the Foundation will then use to determine if the idea is in line with their new strategy. Organisations that provide an LOI in alignment with the Foundation’s new goals will then be invited to complete an application form.

Non-profit organisations are advised to carefully review the information on the new website, www.bankofbermudafoundation.bm. The Foundation has developed a more stringent set of guidelines for vetting applications and new submission deadlines.

An orientation session for the new online process will take place on Wednesday, November 1, from 5pm until 7pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Contact Kim Pratt at kim.pratt@butterfieldgroup.com by Tuesday, October 24, to reserve your space.