A Legacy of Grantmaking Since our inception more than 22 years ago, Baptist Commu- nity Ministries has awarded over 5,500 grants totaling over $178 million to over 1,200 organizations. We are humbled by those numbers, and inspired by the people who leverage these grants for the good of our neighbors. In striving to provide a better quality of life for all people in our region through grantmaking, BCM focuses on four specific zones of interest: • Health • Education • Public Safety • Governmental Oversight We offer grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working within a five-parish region of southeastern Louisiana — Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany Parishes. Recipient organizations are those whose program- ming focuses on improving the lives of people who work and live in the region. GrantTypes The grants awarded by BCM fall into two categories: open invitation and invitation only. Let’s take a look at the specific types within each category. Above,LtoR:CharmelGaulden,VicePresident,PublicSafety Grants; Elizabeth Ramoni, Administrative Assistant; Christy Ross, Vice President, Health Grants; Ashley Navarre, Grants Manager; Jennifer Roberts, Senior Vice President, Grants; Patricia Patterson, Grants Management Associate; Alvin David, Program Director, Education Grants Open Invitation TransomGrants: These grants are awarded to organizations for programs that have been screened by BCM program staff and then approved by our Board ofTrustees. BCM has biannual application cycles: one in the fall and one in the spring.Who is eligible to apply? Any nonprofit with programming focused on one of our zones of interest — Health, Education, Public Safety, Governmental Oversight — within the five parishes we work. Transom grants must be at least $50,000 per year for 1-3 years. Discretionary Donations: Awarded to organizations after review by BCM’s Board Chair and President & CEO, these grants are typically used to support fundraising and community events. Discretionary Donations are small grants of $5,000 or less that are reviewed and approved throughout the year. Invitation Only Strategic Grants: These are targeted disbursements that enable BCM staff to carry out specific strategies adopted annually by the Board of Trustees as part of our Business Plan. Philanthropy An Inside Look 2