There is still plenty of time

…for your department or agency to make their request to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for the 2015 grant cycle!

“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.” — Ben, on why his foundation is so important to him.

This marks the ninth grant cycle for The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, which distributed more than $132,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2014 NFL season, including $55,000 in the Pittsburgh community. The majority of the grants distributed will help K-9 units to purchase dogs and dog safety vests, but other types of needs are also considered. Ben’s foundation also supports Make-A-Wish and combined, has distributed in excess of $1.3 million since 2007.

The Foundation will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers during the 2015 NFL season including Boston, St. Louis, San Diego, Kansas City, Seattle, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Cleveland areas. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invites police and fire departments in these eight cities to submit proposals detailing their needs. Also, for each Steelers’ appearance in a playoff game, a grant will be awarded to a non-NFL market city anywhere in the United States that would not otherwise be eligible to apply. In addition, the Foundation will continue to make grants to several police and fire department K-9 units in the Pittsburgh area following Super Bowl 50.

Fans of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation can support future K-9 grants by purchasing candy on Sarris Candies’ website, (www.SarrisCandiesFundraising.com), using a special purchase code (77-7777). Sarris will donate 25 percent of the purchase price to the Foundation.

You are welcome to donate directly through The Giving Back Fund here.


REQUIREMENTS:

Please submit all of the following items and information in one proposal. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or pursued. Please do not staple, bind or print proposal double-sided. Do not fax or email submission. PLEASE DO NOT FAX APPLICATION.

Grant proposals must include the following:

– Completed cover sheet (see page 2) with department name, address,telephone number, fax number and email address for chief/sheriff and contact person as well as any previous funding from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.

– A brief background on the department and demonstrated success of existing K-9 unit, if applicable.

– Demonstrated success of the K-9 unit, including the number of K-9 calls received annually. If this is a request for a start-up unit, please demonstrate the need for a new unit and an estimate of anticipated K-9 related calls.

– Summary of needs for the K-9 unit including amount requested and explanation of how it will be used.

– A K-9 specific budget (this need not exceed two pages). DO NOT SEND ENTIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET.

– Letter of support from sponsoring 501(c)(3) organization/charity (if using an outside entity).

Sponsoring organization’s 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS.

– AK-9 department specific budget (this need not exceed two pages). DO NOT SEND ENTIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET.

– Amount requested and explanation of how it will be used.

– Letter of support from sponsoring 501(c)(3) organization/charity (if using an outside entity).

– Sponsoring organization’s 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS.

– Explanation of how the K-9 unit has previously been funded (excluding Ben Roethlisberger Foundation funding).

– Explanation of how the K-9 unit will continue to support and sustain itself in the coming years.

Must be received by August 15, 2015. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.

*If the Steelers make the playoffs, BRF will also award a grant(s) anywhere in the U.S. that is not in an NFL market..


EVALUATION:

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: thoroughness of presentation and inclusion of all requested materials; project readiness; demonstrated need; proven sustainability; and level of proposed impact.

For applications please visit:

http://givingback.org/documents/RFP_2015_BRF.pdf (page 2).

NOTE:

We are not accepting unsolicited proposals outside of our grant cycle at this time.

DEADLINE AND EVALUATION:

Must be postmarked by August 15, 2015. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: thoroughness of presentation and inclusion of all requested materials; project readiness; demonstrated need; proven sustainability; and level of proposed impact.


For more information, please contact Jessica Duffaut at www.givingback.org. You can also check out Ben’s foundation page here.