How To Apply

The Ella Lyman Cabot Trust has a two-step application process. The first step is to submit a preliminary proposal.  If you believe that your project falls within the scope of the Trust, please submit a preliminary request using the online application. The trustees meet twice per year, in May and December.

Preliminary proposals deadlines: February 15 September 1
Full proposals invited: Early March Early October
Full proposal deadlines: Early April Early November
Decisions communicated: Mid May Mid December

 

Online Application Instructions
Access the online application system here:   www.grantinterface.com/gma/Common/LogOn.aspx

Register.  All applicants must complete a one-time registration. To register, you will need to supply your contact information and create a password. Where you are asked for an Organization Name and an Executive Officer name, enter your own name. For the EIN, enter 12-1234567. (If you have used the online system previously to submit an application, you do not need to register again. You can simply log in.)

Access Code. Once you have logged in, click “Apply” and enter the Access Code: elct

Need support? If you encounter technical issues with the online system, contact online@gmafoundations.com.

 

Preliminary Proposal
This preliminary proposal is your communication to the trustees of what you want to do, why you believe your proposal is consistent with the ELCT’s criteria, as described in the General Application Guidelines, why you want to do it, and when. Please include, succinctly, all pertinent information, stating clearly your aims and aspirations, the amount of your request, and how the funds will be spent. You will be asked for the following information on preliminary proposal:

  • Description of the project: what you want to do, why, what you hope to accomplish, why it is significant at this particular time in your life, and what are the benefits for others. When you will be undertaking the project.
  • Why your proposal falls within the ELCT’s criteria.
  • Amount of funds requested: your budget must declare and justify the amount of the grant you are requesting. Give us an honest, realistic, and detailed account of exactly how the funds will be spent, and on what schedule. Include other sources of funding on your budget sheet. Bear in mind that the Trust does not give grants for salaries or salary replacement. (Please Note:  Federal tax law treats grants paid to individuals as taxable income. Therefore, the Ella Lyman Trust is required to report the amount of the grant paid to you to the Internal Revenue Service on a Form 1099 in January of the following year, and a copy will be sent to you.)
  • Your qualifications: this should be a formal curriculum vitae, and an explanation of what the project means to you and why you are particularly capable of carrying it out successfully – i.e., skills, talents, training you bring to the task.

 

Formal Proposal
If the trustees are interested in your project based on your preliminary application, you will be asked to submit a formal application using our online application. Details on the formal application form will be sent to you directly if your preliminary application interests the trustees. You will be asked for three letters of reference, a formal budget, and some other additional information.

 

Please direct questions to

Ginelle van Tartwijk, Administrator
gvantartwijk@gmafoundations.com

The Ella Lyman Cabot Trust
c/o GMA Foundations
2 Liberty Square, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02109